Two heavy-duty Zoomlion cranes, each with a lifting capacity of up to 200 tonnes, are reportedly being utilized in the construction of a major bridge across Lugu Lake in southwestern China. With their assistance, the primary bridge pier on the Shangri-La side has been successfully completed at a height of 283 meters.
The infrastructure project forms an integral part of the Sichuan-Shangri-La high-speed expressway. Erecting large-scale structures in complex mountainous terrain demands extreme precision, although such ambitious projects often face scrutiny regarding their long-term economic viability and environmental challenges. *
The construction site relies on two R4300-200 tower cranes manufactured by Zoomlion. A dedicated crane has been assigned to each main bridge pier, featuring a maximum lifting capacity of 200 tonnes and a jib length reaching 80 meters.
According to statements from the Chinese manufacturer, the cranes are equipped with more than 20 intelligent control and safety functions. These allegedly include anti-collision systems, automatic working speed adjustments based on load weight, and mechanisms to limit the unintended descent of suspended loads.
It is claimed that these advanced technological features proved critical during the construction of the final 103-meter section of the Shangri-La pier. Workers were required to install the concluding steel and concrete sections onto the central cross-beam, while variable winds reportedly complicated the task of stabilizing the load and aligning structural components.
Operators supposedly managed the machinery remotely from the ground utilizing video camera feeds, which allowed for better visibility and precise adjustments during assembly. While Zoomlion stated that the pier section installation was conducted safely, the authorities have not yet disclosed the overall length of the bridge or a scheduled opening date for traffic.
Source: kun.uz