Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Hong Kong: Area of 1,100 sq km, population over 7 million. Known for international finance, trade, tourism.
• Zhuhai: Former fishing village, now China's most livable coastal city.
• Macau: Population of 400,000, area of only 21 sq km, densely populated.
• Plan to link these cities with a bridge to boost growth, trade, and tourism.

Challenges & Solutions

• Seabed Structure: Complicated seabed, harsh environment, over 30 km span.
  • Natural and engineering challenges include silt accumulation and typhoons.
• Shipping Channels: High maritime traffic (4,000 ships daily), deep water channels required.
• Height Restrictions: Nearby Hong Kong airport and shipping routes restrict bridge height.
• Proposed Solution: A 6.7 km underwater tunnel and 22.9 km bridge.

Engineering Details

• Artificial Islands: Needed to connect the bridge and tunnel; involves massive silt removal.
  • Solution: Use steel cylinders to form levee around the island site.
• Tunnel Construction: Immersed tunnel requiring trench on the seabed.
  • Tunnel sections: 180 m long, 33 m wide, 11 m high, weighing 76,000 tons.

Building Process

• Steel Cylinders: Manufactured in Shanghai, assembled on-site.
• Framework: Partner with German engineers for expertise.
• Steel Requirements: 500,000 tons steel, 2 million tons concrete for the bridge.

Project Importance

• Economic Impact: Strengthen economic ties, expand development in Hong Kong.
• Tourism: Opportunity for Macau to diversify economy and increase tourism.

Environmental and Technical Challenges

• Chlorates Threat: Solution: Chlorate-resistant concrete.
• Earthquake Resistance: Innovative materials and shock-absorbing systems.
• Wind and Weather: Typhoons and strong winds present ongoing risks.

Construction Techniques

• Innovative Methods: Use of vibrating hammers and GNSS for precise placement.
• Steel Cylinder Transport: Challenging due to size and weight.
• Rerouting Maritime Traffic: Ensuring safe passage for construction and regular ship traffic.

Future Prospects

• Expectation of enhanced economic opportunities for Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau.
• Anticipation of new records and engineering breakthroughs during construction.

Conclusion

• This mega project symbolizes significant engineering feats and is a pivotal development for regional connectivity and growth.