Recently, the final T-beam was precisely installed, marking the completion of all T-beam installations at Maoping Port Station of the Three Gorges Port Railway, constructed by China Railway No.3 Engineering Group. The project successfully overcame the technical challenge of installing T-beams on a 300-meter minimal curve radius, providing valuable experience for similar complex bridge constructions in China.
The Yichang Three Gorges Port Railway is the country's first electrified freight railway with transshipment capabilities, spanning 39.59 kilometers and built to single-track electrified railway standards. As the core hub for water-rail intermodal transport, Maoping Port Station required the installation of five bridges and 213 T-beams, including 52 T-beams on curves with radii ranging from 300 to 400 meters. A 300-meter curve radius represents the extreme limit for railway T-beam installation in China, posing significant construction difficulties and safety risks.
According to Sun Hongwei, the T-beam installation project leader at China Railway No.3 Engineering Group, the minimal curve radius causes the beams to form a distinct zigzag pattern, requiring repeated adjustments of the bridge girder erection machine. This increases the risk of center-of-gravity deviation, demanding high precision in equipment stability and beam alignment.
To address these challenges, the project team established a technical task force, conducted simulation drills, and optimized construction plans. They employed a DJ180 road-rail girder erection machine, capable of lifting, extending, and swinging its boom, which proved highly effective in handling tight curves, steep slopes, and variable-angle skewed bridges. Additionally, the team enhanced stability by installing an anchoring system at the machine’s sleeper beam and securing critical support legs with tie-downs.
The project also utilized an information management cloud platform for real-time monitoring and risk alerts, ensuring construction safety and quality.
Upon completion, the Yichang Three Gorges Port Railway—a key transportation project in Hubei Province—will connect with major rail lines such as Hanyi, Yayi, and Jiaoliu, extending its reach to southwestern Hubei, the Jianghan Plain, and northern Hunan. It will optimize the Three Gorges region’s integrated transport system, improve water-rail connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and promote regional economic development.
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