The Liaozi Grand Bridge: Innovation in Bridge Engineering

At the heart of China’s G69 national highway stands a giant of steel and concrete: the Liaozi Grand Bridge. A masterpiece of 

modern engineering that has conquered not only dizzying heights but also the challenges of rugged terrain with the power of innovation and cutting-edge technology, especially Building 

Information Modelling (BIM).

It is not just its size that impresses, but also its design. With a total length of 330.812 m, a medium-supported steel box arch bridge, it combines strength with deceptive lightness. The main span of 252 metres allows for a fluid flow of traffic, while the height of the deck, at 127 metres above the valley, offers breathtaking panoramic views. The arch ribs, which rise up to 186 metres, are a testament to the precision and audacity of the engineers who conceived it.

Challenges in the construction of the bridge

However, the construction of this modern marvel was not without its challenges. The rugged, mountainous terrain presented significant obstacles to the transportation of materials and the machinery needed for its construction. In addition, the considerable height of the arch’s deck and ribs raised concerns about the structure’s safety and stability.

To overcome these challenges, engineers turned to BIM technology, using tools such as ContextCapture to create an accurate 3D model of the terrain and MicroStation to integrate the bridge design with the natural environment. This allowed for meticulous planning and detailed construction simulation, ensuring project viability and worker safety.

Virtual simulation not only identified and resolved potential problems prior to actual construction, but also optimized the bridge design and reduced costs associated with construction. The collaboration between China Railway Changjiang Transport Design Group Co., Ltd. and Bentley Systems .

The implementation of Bentley parametric modeling reduced the bridge design time by 300 hours, resulting in a savings of RMB 1.5 million in design costs and enabled the design project to be completed 35 days ahead of schedule.

The Liaozi Grand Bridge is not only an outstanding engineering achievement, but also a milestone that demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can overcome the toughest challenges. Its impact on regional connectivity and socio-economic development makes it a vital infrastructure for local communities and the progress of the entire Chongqing region.