Difference between revisions of "Aizhai Bridge"
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矮寨特大桥<br /> | 矮寨特大桥<br /> | ||
Jishou, Hunan, China<br /> | Jishou, Hunan, China<br /> | ||
− | 1, | + | 1,102 feet high / 336 meters high<br /> |
3,858 foot span / 1,176 meter span<br /> | 3,858 foot span / 1,176 meter span<br /> | ||
2012<br /> | 2012<br /> | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:64Aizhai2013Wide.jpg|750px|center]] |
</div> | </div> | ||
− | + | Aizhai was once the world’s highest tunnel to tunnel bridge and among a group of around 20 suspension bridges in China to cross a valley so wide it seems to be connecting two mountain ranges. Back in 2012 Aizhai was one of just 4 large span, high level suspension bridges. The first three were the Siduhe, Balinghe and Beipanjiang Hukun bridges. | |
− | The two tunnels on either side of the Aizhai bridge allowed the engineers to use the mountain top for the location of one of the towers, reducing its height to just 165 feet | + | Of the world's 400 or so highest bridges, Aizhai has the 5th longest span with a tower to tower distance of 1,176 meters / 3,858 feet. Located deep in the heart of China’s Hunan Province near the city of Jishou, the suspension bridge is the largest structure on the Jishou to Chadong expressway with a deck 336 meters / 1,102 feet above the DeHang Canyon and has also become a major tourist attraction with a walkway partly made of glass accessible via a large group of escalators and elevators. |
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+ | The main cables have a diameter of 85cm composed of 169 steel strands. The cables follow a layout of 242+1176+242 meters with a sag ratio of 9.6 to 1. The steel truss is 7.5 meters deep and 27 meters wide with each standard section being 14.5 meters long. The unique rail and cable launching method of the 69 truss sections allowed the completion of the entire truss in only 3 months. The entire 1,000 meter long truss weighs 8,000 tons. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The two tunnels on either side of the Aizhai bridge allowed the engineers to use the mountain top for the location of one of the towers, reducing its height to just 50 meters / 165 feet - unusually short for a bridge with a span nearly as long as the Golden Gate bridge at 1,176 meters / 3,858 feet. In addition to cost savings, the stubby support also allows the bridge to blend more naturally into its surroundings. The taller bridge tower is no less unique with side span cables that soar down the backside of a mountain, making first time visitors quizzical as to what exactly lies ahead. With most of the structure hidden from view, the bridge will come as a jaw-dropping surprise whether you enter the canyon from either tunnel. Due to a gap of approximately 100 meters / 328 feet between the last truss suspenders and the tops of the bridge towers, the engineers added some additional ground anchored suspenders to stabilize the two massive suspension cables and reduce any oscillations that could damage other components of the bridge. The overlook and visitors center offer additional views of the broad valley. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Click on the excellent YouTube channel "Chinese Bridge" to see a video of the Aizhai Bridge. | ||
+ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hQf16PFYRw | ||
<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 25px;"> | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 25px;"> | ||
− | [[File:Aizhai1176FinalElev.jpg| | + | [[File:Aizhai1176FinalElev.jpg|900px|center]]<br /> |
Aizhai Bridge Elevation<br /> | Aizhai Bridge Elevation<br /> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
− | [[File: | + | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 25px;"> |
− | The view from the side with the | + | [[File:Aizhai1176FinalFullElev.jpg|900px|center]]<br /> |
+ | Aizhai Bridge Full Elevation<br /> | ||
+ | </div> | ||
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+ | 2012年即将通车的矮寨大桥,将会是世界上最高的两端均与隧道相接的悬索桥,同时,也将是中国的第四座跨越大峡谷的悬索桥,它将跨越的峡谷如此之宽,令其远观就像与两侧山峦相连一样。另三座跨越峡谷的大桥分别是四渡河大桥、坝陵河大桥和北盘江大桥(2009年建成,镇胜高速上)。位于中国湖南省腹地并毗邻湖南吉首市,矮寨大桥是吉首至茶洞高速公路上最大的桥梁,其桥面将距德夯大峡谷谷底336米。 | ||
+ | |||
+ | 矮寨大桥两端接线的隧道,给桥梁工程师们提供了足够的场地条件,使他们能够在山顶上建设主塔,这样就能将其中一侧的主塔的高度减少到仅仅只有50米-这对一座跨径几乎与1176m跨的金门大桥相当的悬索桥而言,主塔高度可谓是相当之矮。除了建设成本上的节约之外,粗壮的支承体系允许桥梁结构能够有更多的挠曲空间。较高一侧的主塔也依然独特,边跨的钢主缆索远远的飞跃到隧道口后方的锚固到高山侧崖上,这些都令甫至胜境的游客不禁的好奇坐落前方的究竟为何。结构大部分都在崇山峻岭之间隐藏着,不论你从峡谷哪一侧的隧道驶出,大桥的出现绝对足以让人惊讶的下巴掉下来。由于在大桥最后的桁架节段吊杆与主塔塔顶间约有100米的间隔,工程师们便增加了一定数量的地锚拉杆,以稳定两根庞大的悬索钢缆并可以尽量降低会造成大桥其他构件破坏的振动。建设一个瞭望观光平台和旅游中心更将能提供欣赏大峡谷的宽广视角 | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai&TownBuildings.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiWideView4.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiRednet.cn.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Rednet.cn | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai&Cables.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiAerial.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:52AizhaibyRichard.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Richard Scott. | ||
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+ | [[File:54AizhaiDeckbyJohnMorrison.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Morrison. | ||
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+ | [[File:60Aizhai&3Sisters.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai&Creek.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai2013Wide.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeCurve.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:75AizhaiNorthAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:76AizhaiCables&SkyAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:77AizhaiDeckDownAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:78AizhaiNorthMountainAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:79AizhaiAnchors&PlazaAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:80AizhaiPlazaDownAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:85AizhaiEscalatorAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:81AizhaiTower&TunnelAerial2 copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:82AizhaiVisitorsAerial3 copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:83AizhaiTrussBusAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:84AizhaiRedTruckAerial copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:94AizhaiEscalatorByEric copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Aizhai Bridge plaza. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:95AizhaiEscalatorStairByEric copy.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiPlazaAerial.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiParkingAerial.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:96AizhaiCurvedGlassByEric copy.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:97AizhaiTrussBoxByEric copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:98AizhaiElevator&SkyByEric copy.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:99AizhaiGlassElevatorHallByEric copy.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:93AizhaiJohnViewByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:94AizhaiGlassPanelGirlByEric.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:95AizhaiGlassJohnByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:96AizhaiEricGlassByJohn copy.jpg|500px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Brignoli. | ||
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+ | [[File:97AizhaiGlassDeck146mtrHByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:98AizhaiFootwalkGateByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:99AizhaiBenByJohn copy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Brignoli. | ||
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+ | [[File:101AizhaiGlassEastSideByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:102AizhaiZhuFanByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:103AizhaiXiJinpingVisit.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski. | ||
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+ | [[File:103AizhaiTowerByHan.jpg|530px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Han Ruoyu. | ||
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+ | [[File:104AizhaiTunnelByJohnHart.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Hart. | ||
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+ | [[File:105AizhaiGroupFromTadashi.JPG|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Richard Scott. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTrussByRichard.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Richard Scott. | ||
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+ | [[File:107AizhaiVisitorsByRichard.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Richard Scott. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiLadderWide.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | A 310 meter high sky ladder was placed from the deck to the ground. Not sure what it was used for. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSkyLadder.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTightrope&Ladder.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | A view of the ladder with the older tightrope still up from a 2012 event. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:41AizhaiTower&TightropeByEric.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | One of the highest tightrope walks ever took place during a 2012 event with Chinese walker Adili Hoshur and 2 of his assistants walking 300 meters above the DeHang River on a wire 1,400 meters long parallel to the Aizhai Bridge. They had no safety harnesses or leashes to save them if they lost their balance. Adili has already performed at least three other record breaking high wire acts in China including a walk 662 meters above the floor of the Tiankeng Cave in Hubei Province on August 22nd, 2003. Canadian Jay Chochrane crossed over the Qutang Gorge of the Yangtze River on a 402 meter high wire in 1995 and inspired Adili to repeat it again on June 23, 1997 with a much quicker walk time of just 13 minutes and 48 seconds. On October 6th, 2000 Adili also crossed between Mount Zhurong and Mount Furong in Hunan Province on a wire 436 meters high. These are the highest known wire walks in addition to Philippe Petit's famous 417 meter high walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on August 7, 1974. In the United States, Nik Wallenda did a 457 meter high walk across the Little Colorado River canyon near Cameron, Arizona on June 23, 2013 with no safety leash. | ||
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+ | You can see an entire CCTV produced documentary on Adili's amazing career at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7g8bf-PEM Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:42TightropeByAdele.JPG|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Adele. | ||
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+ | [[File:1AizhaiWirewalkersByChinaNews.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Chinanews.com | ||
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+ | [[File:4AizhaiWirewalkersByChinaNews.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Chinanews.com | ||
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+ | [[File:6AizhaiWirewalkersByChinaNews.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Chinanews.com | ||
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+ | [[File:7AizhaiWirewalkersByChinaNews.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Chinanews.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTightropeCable.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTightropeNorthAnchor.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiWireAnchorage.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | North anchor tightrope. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSideView.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai3Sisters&Hotel.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiLonglens.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridge&Trees2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridge&RiceField.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiShortTowerView3.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The truss was nearly complete in mid-August 2011. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiShortTowerSide.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:118AizhaiLonglensByFilmer.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Filmer. | ||
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+ | [[File:120AizhaiTowerByJorson.jpg|400px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Jorson. | ||
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+ | [[File:121AizhaiBridgeByPeter.jpg|470px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Peter Wu. | ||
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+ | [[File:122AizhaiAnchorageByFilmer.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Filmer. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiAnchorageRender.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiCloudDrone.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiNorthAnchorRender2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSideStructureRender.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSouthAnchorRender.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTieDownRender.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTunnelEntranceDrone.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:123AizhaiRoadwayByPeter.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Peter Wu. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiLonglensTruss.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeView7.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The safety net gave the bridge a unique green glow during the construction phase. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeView9.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSpinning.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiAwesome.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | An early construction view from 2009 after the main cables were completed. | ||
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+ | [[File:133Aizhai&TelevisionMan.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:134AizhaiFromHotelByFilmer.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by John Filmer. | ||
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+ | [[File:135AizhaiElevator2014.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The nearly complete elevator for tourists to descend from the parking area to the bridge truss walkway. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTrussMoveView.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeView15.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeView20.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiCreek&Bridge2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSuperWide.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTunnel&Cables.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeDay.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Public bridge day celebration in February, 2012. Image by jt.rednet.cn | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeDay2.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Note the last set of cable suspenders on the left side are anchored into the ground. Image by jt.rednet.cn | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSuspendersLonglens.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiCatwalk.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiCatwalkJump.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiComplete4.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai&People.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | The Grand Opening Celebration occurred on March 31, 2012. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiOpeningGirls.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiReporters.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTunnelCover.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by voc.com.cn | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTower&Balloons.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTunnelCover2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by cfp.cn. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiSweeper.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | A sweeper keeps the beams clean for opening day. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTowerCompleteView.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Chinanews.com | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiOpens.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by news.rednet.cn. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiUltralight.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | A group of paragliders buzzed across the span. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiUltralights.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiOldRoadVoc.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Thousands gathered along the old road that zig zags beneath the new span. Image by voc.com.cn. | ||
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+ | [[File:Aizhai&Dehang.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiBalanceBoy.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiTowerTops.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiFireworks.JPG|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by jssxww.cn. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiNightTowers.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiLightedSign.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiNightWide.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiNightWide2.JPG|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by jssxww.cn. | ||
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+ | [[File:AizhaiNightGlow.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiConstructionShed.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | A long temporary construction shed was built below the bridge to protect drivers from falling debris during construction. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiShed&Valley.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiRoadShed.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiRoadShed3.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiSouthTowerLonglens.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiTown.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The small town of Aizhai is dwarfed by the bridge. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeTrussDeck.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiBridgeFromMountain2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiDeckTrussLonglens2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiLonglensDeck.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Workers had already begun installation of the smaller truss stringer beams on top of the larger truss. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiExpansionConnection.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The Aizhai Bridge truss connection at the center span. By "locking" the main cables to the deck, the bridge deck steel expands and contracts evenly at the expansion joints located at either end of the truss near the towers. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiLoadTest.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Aizhai Bridge load test with dozens of gravel filled trucks. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiLoadTest2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiTrussWide.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiMotorEvent.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | A motorbike rider takes his first ride across the span. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiSuspenderView3.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiShortTowerSide3.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiShortTowerView.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiNorthAnchorage2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The tunnel anchorage on the North side of Aizhai Bridge. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiSouthTowerLonglens2.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The south tower cliff is covered with bolts to ensure the ground remains stable. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiBridge&Slope.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiHeightMeasure.jpg|320px|center]] | ||
+ | A measurement drawing of the deepest section of the valley. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiNewRiverComparison.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | A direct size comparison between the Aizhai and New River Gorge Bridges. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiDeHangCanyonSign.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The Dehang Canyon road dead ends in 4 kilometers where a special minority village is located. As an invited guest you can see a spectacular show with music, colorful costumes, dragons, a fire walker and more! Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiDeHangEntranceGate.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | The Dehang Canyon entrance gate. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiDeHangCanyonEntrance.jpg|450px|center]] | ||
+ | The DeHang Canyon is an official Chinese National Park. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiDragonGeorgesAlban.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Georges. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiFirewalkerGeorgesAlban.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Georges. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:AizhaiBridge&Farmhouse.jpg|750px|center]] | ||
+ | Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Aizhai&3Sisters.jpg|750px|center]] |
+ | The limestone rock formation known as the 3 sisters stand high above the gorge. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | ||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Aizhai3SistersStreet.jpg|750px|center]] |
− | + | The town of Aizhai with the 3 sisters in the distance. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com | |
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Aizhai infinity pool.jpeg|750px|center]] |
− | |||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Aizhai infinity pool2.jpeg|750px|center]] |
− | |||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Aizhai infinity pool3.jpeg|750px|center]] |
− | |||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:Aizhai infinity pool4.jpeg|550px|center]] |
− | |||
− | [[File: | + | [[File:AizhaiSatellite.jpg|750px|center]] |
− | + | Aizhai Bridge satellite image. | |
− | [[File: | + | [[File:AizhaiSatelliteWide.jpg|750px|center]] |
− | |||
<div style="text-align: center; font-size: 25px;"> | <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 25px;"> | ||
− | + | Click on Page 2 for the Aizhai Truss Launch, Construction Views and More!<br /> | |
− | Aizhai and | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
[[Category:Bridges in China]] | [[Category:Bridges in China]] | ||
− | |||
[[Category:Top 10 Highest Bridges]] | [[Category:Top 10 Highest Bridges]] | ||
+ | <div style="text-align: center; border: 1px LightSkyBlue; background: LightSkyBlue; margin: 5px;"> | ||
+ | This entry has 4 pages: [[Aizhai Bridge|1]] | [[Aizhai Bridge/Page 2|2]] | [[Aizhai Bridge/Page 3|3]] | [[Aizhai Bridge/Page 4|4]]</div> |
Latest revision as of 02:58, 19 May 2022
Aizhai Bridge
矮寨特大桥
Jishou, Hunan, China
1,102 feet high / 336 meters high
3,858 foot span / 1,176 meter span
2012
Aizhai was once the world’s highest tunnel to tunnel bridge and among a group of around 20 suspension bridges in China to cross a valley so wide it seems to be connecting two mountain ranges. Back in 2012 Aizhai was one of just 4 large span, high level suspension bridges. The first three were the Siduhe, Balinghe and Beipanjiang Hukun bridges.
Of the world's 400 or so highest bridges, Aizhai has the 5th longest span with a tower to tower distance of 1,176 meters / 3,858 feet. Located deep in the heart of China’s Hunan Province near the city of Jishou, the suspension bridge is the largest structure on the Jishou to Chadong expressway with a deck 336 meters / 1,102 feet above the DeHang Canyon and has also become a major tourist attraction with a walkway partly made of glass accessible via a large group of escalators and elevators.
The main cables have a diameter of 85cm composed of 169 steel strands. The cables follow a layout of 242+1176+242 meters with a sag ratio of 9.6 to 1. The steel truss is 7.5 meters deep and 27 meters wide with each standard section being 14.5 meters long. The unique rail and cable launching method of the 69 truss sections allowed the completion of the entire truss in only 3 months. The entire 1,000 meter long truss weighs 8,000 tons.
The two tunnels on either side of the Aizhai bridge allowed the engineers to use the mountain top for the location of one of the towers, reducing its height to just 50 meters / 165 feet - unusually short for a bridge with a span nearly as long as the Golden Gate bridge at 1,176 meters / 3,858 feet. In addition to cost savings, the stubby support also allows the bridge to blend more naturally into its surroundings. The taller bridge tower is no less unique with side span cables that soar down the backside of a mountain, making first time visitors quizzical as to what exactly lies ahead. With most of the structure hidden from view, the bridge will come as a jaw-dropping surprise whether you enter the canyon from either tunnel. Due to a gap of approximately 100 meters / 328 feet between the last truss suspenders and the tops of the bridge towers, the engineers added some additional ground anchored suspenders to stabilize the two massive suspension cables and reduce any oscillations that could damage other components of the bridge. The overlook and visitors center offer additional views of the broad valley.
Click on the excellent YouTube channel "Chinese Bridge" to see a video of the Aizhai Bridge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hQf16PFYRw
2012年即将通车的矮寨大桥,将会是世界上最高的两端均与隧道相接的悬索桥,同时,也将是中国的第四座跨越大峡谷的悬索桥,它将跨越的峡谷如此之宽,令其远观就像与两侧山峦相连一样。另三座跨越峡谷的大桥分别是四渡河大桥、坝陵河大桥和北盘江大桥(2009年建成,镇胜高速上)。位于中国湖南省腹地并毗邻湖南吉首市,矮寨大桥是吉首至茶洞高速公路上最大的桥梁,其桥面将距德夯大峡谷谷底336米。
矮寨大桥两端接线的隧道,给桥梁工程师们提供了足够的场地条件,使他们能够在山顶上建设主塔,这样就能将其中一侧的主塔的高度减少到仅仅只有50米-这对一座跨径几乎与1176m跨的金门大桥相当的悬索桥而言,主塔高度可谓是相当之矮。除了建设成本上的节约之外,粗壮的支承体系允许桥梁结构能够有更多的挠曲空间。较高一侧的主塔也依然独特,边跨的钢主缆索远远的飞跃到隧道口后方的锚固到高山侧崖上,这些都令甫至胜境的游客不禁的好奇坐落前方的究竟为何。结构大部分都在崇山峻岭之间隐藏着,不论你从峡谷哪一侧的隧道驶出,大桥的出现绝对足以让人惊讶的下巴掉下来。由于在大桥最后的桁架节段吊杆与主塔塔顶间约有100米的间隔,工程师们便增加了一定数量的地锚拉杆,以稳定两根庞大的悬索钢缆并可以尽量降低会造成大桥其他构件破坏的振动。建设一个瞭望观光平台和旅游中心更将能提供欣赏大峡谷的宽广视角
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Rednet.cn
Image by Richard Scott.
Image by John Morrison.
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Aizhai Bridge plaza. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by John Brignoli.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by John Brignoli.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by Eric Sakowski.
Image by Han Ruoyu.
Image by John Hart.
Image by Richard Scott.
Image by Richard Scott.
Image by Richard Scott.
A 310 meter high sky ladder was placed from the deck to the ground. Not sure what it was used for. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
A view of the ladder with the older tightrope still up from a 2012 event. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
One of the highest tightrope walks ever took place during a 2012 event with Chinese walker Adili Hoshur and 2 of his assistants walking 300 meters above the DeHang River on a wire 1,400 meters long parallel to the Aizhai Bridge. They had no safety harnesses or leashes to save them if they lost their balance. Adili has already performed at least three other record breaking high wire acts in China including a walk 662 meters above the floor of the Tiankeng Cave in Hubei Province on August 22nd, 2003. Canadian Jay Chochrane crossed over the Qutang Gorge of the Yangtze River on a 402 meter high wire in 1995 and inspired Adili to repeat it again on June 23, 1997 with a much quicker walk time of just 13 minutes and 48 seconds. On October 6th, 2000 Adili also crossed between Mount Zhurong and Mount Furong in Hunan Province on a wire 436 meters high. These are the highest known wire walks in addition to Philippe Petit's famous 417 meter high walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on August 7, 1974. In the United States, Nik Wallenda did a 457 meter high walk across the Little Colorado River canyon near Cameron, Arizona on June 23, 2013 with no safety leash.
You can see an entire CCTV produced documentary on Adili's amazing career at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO7g8bf-PEM Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Adele.
Image by Chinanews.com
Image by Chinanews.com
Image by Chinanews.com
Image by Chinanews.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
North anchor tightrope. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The truss was nearly complete in mid-August 2011. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by John Filmer.
Image by Jorson.
Image by Peter Wu.
Image by John Filmer.
Image by Peter Wu.
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The safety net gave the bridge a unique green glow during the construction phase. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
An early construction view from 2009 after the main cables were completed.
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by John Filmer.
The nearly complete elevator for tourists to descend from the parking area to the bridge truss walkway. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Public bridge day celebration in February, 2012. Image by jt.rednet.cn
Note the last set of cable suspenders on the left side are anchored into the ground. Image by jt.rednet.cn
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The Grand Opening Celebration occurred on March 31, 2012.
Image by voc.com.cn
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by cfp.cn.
A sweeper keeps the beams clean for opening day.
Image by Chinanews.com
Image by news.rednet.cn.
A group of paragliders buzzed across the span.
Thousands gathered along the old road that zig zags beneath the new span. Image by voc.com.cn.
Image by jssxww.cn.
Image by jssxww.cn.
A long temporary construction shed was built below the bridge to protect drivers from falling debris during construction. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The small town of Aizhai is dwarfed by the bridge. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Workers had already begun installation of the smaller truss stringer beams on top of the larger truss. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The Aizhai Bridge truss connection at the center span. By "locking" the main cables to the deck, the bridge deck steel expands and contracts evenly at the expansion joints located at either end of the truss near the towers.
Aizhai Bridge load test with dozens of gravel filled trucks.
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
A motorbike rider takes his first ride across the span.
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The tunnel anchorage on the North side of Aizhai Bridge. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The south tower cliff is covered with bolts to ensure the ground remains stable. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
A measurement drawing of the deepest section of the valley.
A direct size comparison between the Aizhai and New River Gorge Bridges.
The Dehang Canyon road dead ends in 4 kilometers where a special minority village is located. As an invited guest you can see a spectacular show with music, colorful costumes, dragons, a fire walker and more! Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The Dehang Canyon entrance gate. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The DeHang Canyon is an official Chinese National Park. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Image by Georges.
Image by Georges.
Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The limestone rock formation known as the 3 sisters stand high above the gorge. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
The town of Aizhai with the 3 sisters in the distance. Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com
Aizhai Bridge satellite image.
Click on Page 2 for the Aizhai Truss Launch, Construction Views and More!