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Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) opened for traffic! Recently, HZMB which spans 55km long in the sea and connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao is unveiled to public, showcasing the extraordinary self-generated innovations of China once again.
Core technologies with self-reliant IPRs come from over 300 findings, 31 innovative arts, 13 innovative software, 31 innovative devices, 3 innovative products and 454 filed patent applications. "The completion of the bridge demonstrates an overall breakthrough in technology, device, and technological innovation abilities in construction of super large traffic infrastructure by China", noted Su Quanke, Chief Engineer of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority.
During the construction, some formidable problems were solved one by one under guidance of innovation. Speaking of construction applications, "figuratively to say, we produce bridges and tunnels in factories, and move them to the fields by large devices, and assemble them at sea level and link them at sea bottom", introduced Su. Innovators participating in the construction devoted painstaking efforts to this project.
China Railway Shanhaiguan Bridge Group Co., Ltd. which was in charge of designing and manufacturing CB01 tenders of steel box girder of bridge segment of HZMB, finished the task of producing and installing steel box girder weighing 183 thousand tons in 38 months. Its automated and intelligent production has reached advanced world level backed up by six invention patents and two utility model patents.
Lingdingyang Sea Area, where HZMB is located, is the main habitat and conservation area for sousa chinensis (white dolphins). Construction noises might exert strong influence on the sonar system of the dolphins. Bridge Authority studied the living habits of the dolphins with Institute of Hydrobiology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and formulates a scientific plan to expel the dolphins, resulting in zero casualty of the sea creature during construction. In the process, an invention titled acoustic driving and protecting method for sousa chinensis in construction sea area was granted an invention patent.
"Recently, our team is making a systematic summary on innovations obtained during construction to devise a set of specific standards and to promote and share them within the industry," added Su. "As Chinese bridge engineering is venturing out globally, these innovations will assist us in gaining control while working with our foreign partners and facilitating the venturing out of the entire supply chain, laying a firm foundation for the venturing out of the Chinese traffic industry in general and our role for construction works under the Belt and Road Initiative." (by Yang Liu)
（Editor Shao Jingjing）
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