Set to open in 2024, the 150-metre-long and 6-metre-wide footbridge will connect the promenade areas on both sides of the Eastern Channel, providing easy access between Tseung Kwan O City Centre and LOHAS Park residential areas. Designed to enhance pedestrian connectivity and facilitate recreational development in the nearby restored landfill site, the bridge aims to improve the accessibility of the locals as well as to enable them to stroll around and appreciate the scenery at the waterfront.
ADOPTION OF S690QL STEEL AND WELDING TECHNOLOGY
This infrastructural project is notable for being the second one in Hong Kong to adopt Grade S690QL steel for a bridge structure prefabricated offsite. S690QL is a high-strength structural steel with higher yield strength when compared to conventional steel, rendering it a good material choice for steel arch that is under compression. The adoption of S690QL steel in this project enhanced the overall structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the bridge, whilst effectively reduced material usage and carbon emission. It is hoped that this endeavour will serve as a useful construction reference for other steel infrastructures in the future.
Delivery of prefabricated bridge units
OFF-SITE PREFABRICATION
The prefabricated steel bridge consists of four major components—the main span, two side spans and the arch rib. Each component is unique and precisely fabricated to facilitate smooth assembly.
Compared to in-situ construction, offsite prefabrication offers many advantages in terms of quality; site safety; cost efficiency; waste control; and sustainability. It also allows closer construction programme control as well as minimises occupational risks and hazards stemmed from works carried on temporary working platforms in the marine setting.
LOGISTIC AND LIFTING CHALLENGES
The transportation of the prefabricated arch steel bridge from an off-site yard in the Mainland China to the works site was challenging. To reach the site, the bridge had to pass through the Cross Bay Bridge that spans across Junk Bay.
The solution was to lift the 820-tonne bridge onto the deck of Cross Bay Bridge from one side and then lowered from the other side with the aid of a cautiously selected crane barge. The series of lifting operations had to be carried out immediately one after the other under the required sea level and fine weather conditions.
On-site assembly of the arch bridge structure
PROJECT DATA
Project Name
Tseung Kwan O Promenade Southern Bridge
Location
Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
Expected Completion
1H 2024
Client/Owner/Developer
Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD)
Principal Designer
AECOM Asia Co Ltd
Main Contractor
China Road and Bridge Corporation
Images
CEDD
This is an excerpt. The original article is published in
Construction+ Q4 2023 Issue: The Power of Construction Engineering.
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