Introduction -- Tsing Ma Bridge

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1 Introduction The Lantau Fixed Crossing, or sometimes called the Lantau Link, is one of the Airport Core Projects for the construction of the new international airport of Hong Kong located in Chek Lap Kok. The Lantau Fixed Crossing consists of two main bridges and an elevated expressway systems, which cost about US$1.4 billion, with a length of 3.5 kilometers altogether. The link provides a dual three-lane expressway and a twin-track railway that starts from the traffic interchange on the Tsing Yi Island, passing through the Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan Viaduct and finally reaching Kap Shui Mun Bridge on the north-eastern tip of the Lantau Island. The double deck configuration of the two bridges and the viaduct is similar, with the expressway on the upper deck and the railway below. In addition, there are two single lane carriageways on the sheltered lower deck which allow limited traffic to use the crossing during periods of very strong wind. In severe weather, traffic can be diverted from the upper deck to the lower deck.

2 Introduction -- Tsing Ma Bridge Tsing Ma Bridge is by far the longest suspension bridge carrying both roads and railway in double deck configuration. The main span of the bridge is 1377m from tower to tower. The bridge approach on Tsing Yi is 288m long in 4 spans supported by reinforced concrete piers on the land side. The bridge approach on Ma Wan is 140m long in 2 spans with a suspended side span of 355m long, making the Tsing Ma Bridge close to 2060m total in length. The main structural components of Tsing Ma Bridge itself compose of two bridge towers, suspension cable, bridge deck and the anchorage on two ends of bridge. The two 206m high bridge towers are identical, both are in portal form structure. Foundation of the tower on Tsing Yi side is rested on a spread footing on rock. Ma Wan tower was founded on precast concrete caissons resting on a prepared rock seabed in approximately 12m depth under water. Each tower consists of 2 legs, measures 6m wide and tapers from 18m to 9m on the other side. The legs were constructed in reinforced concrete using a self-lifting formwork system which could be, in principle, worked continually 24-hour a day until the completion of the leg structure. Totally 4 numbers of steel trusses were installed in between the legs afterward to improve lateral resistance from wind loads. The trusses were later encased with concrete to form the permanent portal beams. A set of cast steel saddle was placed on top of the tower over which the main suspension cable was supported. The 500-ton saddle was lifted to the top by strand jacks.

3 Introduction -- Tsing Ma Bridge The main suspension cables were formed by the aerial spinning process. A temporary footbridge was first constructed from anchorage to anchorage before the commencement of the aerial spinning. The initial strands were taken across the sea channel by barge and lifted to the tower tops. Later strands were placed by "highlining", based on the previously installed strands, such that all spinning work could be done in air avoiding interference on the water surface. The aerial spinning process involved drawing wires form a constant wire supply point, and pulling the wire by spinning wheel loops from one anchorage to the other. As soon as the cable was laid, each wire was adjusted individually to avoid overlapping or twisting. To make the spinning and adjustment works easier, the suspension cable was divided into 97 strands each composed of 368 high tensile steel wires. Each cable was further compacted into a circular shape and bound with temporary strapping. Cast steel cable bands were then fitted, clamped into position by tightening bolts. The cable bands were placed at 18m interval which served also as the support for the suspender cables that hanged the bridge deck underneath. There was a gravity-type anchorage constructed at both ends of the bridge to counteract the pull from the suspension cables. The 55m deep anchorage at the Tsing Yi side contains m3 of concrete. The Ma Wan anchorage contains 120,000 m3 of concrete which is partially buried and 20m below sea level. Both anchorages were designed to use also as the bridge abutments to receive and support the bridge approaches. In addition, the anchorage on Tsing Yi side served also as a coupling structure in which the expansion joints, as well as the complicated traffic diversion for the interchange both for railway and expressway took place.

4 Introduction -- Tsing Ma Bridge The deck units for the main span of Tsing Ma Bridge were constructed and fabricated in box-shaped modular sections. Each section measures 18m long and weights about 490 tons. After fabrication in UK and Japan on a half and half work sharing basis, the components of the decks were delivered to a site on the river side of Dongguan for assembly, and transported to Hong Kong by barges after the assembly and trial fix. The barge was towed and with the position fine-tuned underneath the bridge with the help of tug-boats, so that the deck unit could be lifted onto the axact position on deck from the barge. Specially designed strand jack gantries, which mounted and maneuvered using the main suspension cable, were employed for the lifting of the deck units.

5 Introduction -- Ma Wan Viaduct The Ma Wan Viaduct crosses the Ma Wan Island between the Tsing Ma and Kap Shui Mun Bridges. It has a total length of 503m and averaged 40m from ground level. The Viaduct consists of 6 continuous spans in a m configuration. The viaduct is a large twin-deck post-tensioned concrete structure. The construction was done in-situ by the use of travelling-type formwork system, which could be easily fixed and strike by hanger rails and moved forward to the next forming position on tracks. The columns that support the viaduct were hollow-sectioned and constructed by self-lifting formwork system, with foundations either rest on leveled bedrock or founded on hand-dug caissons. Sliding bearings were fixed on top of the columns that rested the viaduct structure. Expansion joints for the road and rail were provided only at the two ends where the viaduct adjoined the Tsing Ma Bridge and Kap Shui Mun Bridge. There was also provision for the connection of a slip road to serve the traffic needs of Ma Wan Island. The slip road was practically completed in late 1999 but is not opened to general public yet until the development detail of Ma Wan has been finally approved.

6 Introduction -- Kap Shui Mun Bridge Kap Shui Mun Bridge has a clear span of 430m and provides a navigation clearance of 47m from sea level. The bridge is of cable-stayed design and consists of 2 bridge towers with main and side span on each side of the towers. The main span is cantilevering out from the tower and balanced by stay cables that held down by anchors on the side span. The bridge towers are 150m high reinforced concrete structure, constructed using a typical self-lifting formwork system similarly to that employed for the majority of the vertical structure for the Lantau Fixing Crossing projects. Tower on Lantau side is founded on a shallow spread footing on rock and the Ma Wan tower is founded partly on 4m diameter hand-dug caissons and partly resting on rock. The main span of Kap Shui Mun Bridge is of composite steel/concrete construction, with steel cross frames and steel plate exterior webs, and concrete top and bottom slabs forming the roadways. The main span was divided into 8.7m long modulated units, which were fabrciated in Shekou of China and assembled on a work depot on the Lantau side. The 500-ton deck unit were then floated out on a barge and lifted into position by a pair of lifting gantries onto the deck level. The lifting gantries would hold the unit until necessary connection had been made and stay cables installed and temporary stressed.

7 Introduction -- Kap Shui Mun Bridge There are altogether 176 pieces of stay cable to hold down the bridge deck. Majority of the cables were made up of 51 high tensile steel strands, each of 15.7mm in diameter. The strands were greased and encased by plastic sheathing to improve their weather resistance. The strands were anchored by wedge lock at the tower head and at the edging cap of the bridge deck. The bridge also consisted a section of approach span on both sides of the side span. The side span was constructed in reinforced concrete using the incremental launching method. The span was divided into 18m long sub-sections, which would be pushed forward by hydraulic jacks after casting.

8 Introduction -- Fast Facts

9 Drawings -- Tsing Ma Bridge

10 Drawings -- Kap Shui Mun Bridge

11 Drawings -- Kap Shui Mun Bridge

12 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo Aerial view seeing the Tsing Ma Bridge from Tsing Yi side.

13 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo Aerial view seeing the Kap Shui Mun Bridge and the Ma Wan Viaduct from Lantau side.

14 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo Seeing through the Tsing Ma Bridge through the hanger cables.

15 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo 005a - From the tower of Kap Shui Mun Bridge seeing towards Ma Wan.

16 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo 005b - Seeing the Kap Shui Mun Bridge with the 430m span across the Kap Shui Mun sea gap.

17 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo Seeing the Tsing Ma Bridge on the island of Ma Wan on a bright summer day.

18 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo The 1377m span between the towers of Tsing Ma Bridge. The span provides a clearance of 65m from the mean sea level for the smooth navigation of most ocean-going ships.

19 Part A - Lantau Fixed Crossing General view of the Lantau Fixed Crossing Photo Firework show on the opening ceremony of the Lantau Fixed Crossing on 22 May 1997.

20 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Site Formation Photo The sea channel before the construction of the Lantau Fixed Crossing as seen in 1992.

21 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Site Formation Photo Forming the site and the preliminary work arrangement on Tsing Yi side as seen on early 1993.

22 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Site Formation Photo The rising of the bridge tower and the piers.

23 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Site Formation Photo Further development of the tower and the pier structures. Observe also the pit for the bridge anchor on the higher ground on the right.

24 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Site Formation Photo Large scale groundwork being carried out for the forming of the bridge abutment. Observe also the construction of the footing for the bridge tower on the foreground.

25 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Site Formation Photo The bridge tower, piers structures and the nearby land formation basically in shape.

26 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo A pit was to be excavated on the terraced ground for the construction of the gravity-type bridge anchor.

27 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Looking into the anchor pit from air. This pit measures about 140m x 100m on plan, and 60m below ground at the deepest location.

28 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo The main structure of the anchor in progress.

29 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Besides acting as a counter weight to balance the pull from the suspension cable, the anchor also serves as the bridge abutment, coupling structure for the slip roads and rail track.. The layout arrangement for the said provisions can be seen in the photo here.

30 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Construction of the reinforced concrete components of the anchor structure gradually in shape.

31 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Forming of the cable chamber on the anchor structure. The chamber anchors and houses the main suspension cables of the Tsing Ma Bridge.

32 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Viewing inside one of the cable chambers during the construction.

33 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo The forming of the strand shoe at the bottom of the cable chamber that actual connect the main suspension cable to the gravity anchor.

34 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Connecting the high tensile galvanized steel wire that form the main suspension cable onto the strand shoe.

35 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo Seeing how individual wire is connected to the bolt clusters using weave spinning method.

36 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the Bridge Anchor Photo The main structure of the gravity anchor basically completed with the suspension cables also connected.

37 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the coupling structure Photo The coupling structure at an early stage.

38 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the coupling structure Photo The coupling structure with the approach bridge connected onto which. The slip roads leading to the nearby traffic outflow at that time were still not in shape.

39 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the coupling structure Photo The coupling structure as seen from the rear direction. The gravity anchor was by that time back-filled with soil and became part of the coupling structure.

40 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the coupling structure Photo Connecting the slip road system into the coupling structure. The slip roads provide the in and out flow traffic for the Route 3 expressway system as well as for the Airport Railway.

41 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the coupling structure Photo Basic shape of the slip road systems that form the traffic concourse of Tsing Ma Bridge can be seen at this stage.

42 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo A section of 250m long bridge deck, known as the approach bridge, is supported by 2 sets of piers and constructed in steel girders, which connects the deck of Tsing Ma Bridge from the tower to the coupling structure (bridge abutment).

43 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo The first section of deck being fabricated on ground area underneath ready for lifting to the deck level by hydraulic strand jack system.

44 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Detail to see the jacking arrangement of the structural steel fabricated deck of the approach bridge.

45 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Jacking arrangement as viewed from the ground level.

46 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Jacking of the structural steel deck in progress. Note that the deck for the onward span was under fabrication.

47 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo The jacking of the first span of deck completed. The fabrication of the second deck by the time was almost finished.

48 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Detail showing the support of the structural steel deck on the pier head.

49 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo The final span being connected to the abutment. This section of span was erected in smaller components in the deck level instead of fabricated in one piece on ground due to the limit of a flat working place on the ground level.

50 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo The full length of deck of the approach bridge being connected from the bridge tower toward the abutment.

51 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Detail showing the complicated section of the bridge deck before the final connection to the bridge abutment.

52 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Side of the bridge deck before the fixing of the cladded apron.

53 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- Construction of the approach bridge Photo Side of deck with the fixing of the stainless steel cladding panel.

54 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The foundation and raft structure of the bridge tower on Tsing Yi side.

55 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The jump-form, a kind of self-lifting formwork system, used for the construction of the bridge tower structure.

56 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The rising of the bridge tower and the piers for the approach bridge.

57 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Further proceeding of the bridge tower structure.

58 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Detail to set the set-up of the jump-form to form the bridge tower. The yellow racks are the screw jack for the lifting of the formwork.

59 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Close up to see the trusses that form the portal frame of the bridge tower structure.

60 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The 500 tons cast-iron saddle for supporting the main suspension cable being installed on the head of the bridge tower.

61 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The bridge tower with the main suspension cable in position.

62 1. works on Tsing Yi side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The main suspension cable properly housed inside stainless stain hood at the head of the bridge tower.

63 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- Site formation Photo The forming of the work base on Ma Wan Island as seen on 1993 before the commencement of the anchor, piers and tower for the Tsing Ma Bridge.

64 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- Site formation Photo Detail seeing the layout arrangement of the work base.

65 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo Excavation works for the anchor on Ma Wan basically completed.

66 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo Commencement of the reinforced concrete structure of the bridge anchor at the bottom of the anchor pit.

67 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo Gradual progression of the gravity anchor construction.

68 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo The anchor structure with the cable chamber in shape.

69 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo The completed anchor structure pending for the spinning and anchorage of the suspension cable.

70 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo The tying down of the gravity anchor structure by the use of stressed anchor.

71 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo An interior view of the cable chamber before the spinning in of the suspension cable.

72 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo The cable chamber with the suspension cable in position.

73 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge anchor Photo The completed anchor structure.

74 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo Construction of the supporting piers for the approach bridge on Ma Wan side.

75 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo The climb form used for the forming of the pier structure.

76 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo Fabrication of the structural steel deck section on ground.

77 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo The deck section being lifted to the deck level using strand jack system.

78 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo Extending the deck of the approach bridge, to the abutment support on the anchor structure on one side, and to the cable suspended deck sections on the other side.

79 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo Construction of the approach bridge sections as viewed from the side.

80 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo The derrick crane erected on the deck level for the lifting and installation of the deck components.

81 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo Final connecting the deck to the abutment support on the anchor structure.

82 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo The structural steel deck of the approach bridge section connected onto the Ma Wan viaduct.

83 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo The deck of the approach bridge before the erection of the cladding panels.

84 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the approach bridge Photo The completed deck of the approach bridge.

85 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The foundation of the bridge tower on Ma Wan side is rested on a manmade island about 140m from the shore. The photo shows the forming of the island at an early stage. Note the two precast concrete caissons being placed in the middle of the island that used as the foundation for the bridge tower.

86 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Close up to see the precast concrete caissons before they were finally being covered by reclaimed materials.

87 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The ascending of the bridge tower. Construction of the tower was, similar to the tower on Tsing Yi side, using the jump-form system.

88 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Provision on the tower structure for the lifting and receiving of the steel truss that form the portal frame of the bridge tower.

89 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The bridge tower with 2 out of the 4 portal trusses being installed.

90 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Jacking the portal truss to its position.

91 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The bridge tower structure basically completed with the 4 portal trusses in position.

92 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Close up to see the typical set-up of the work station on the head of the bridge tower.

93 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo Detail seeing how the main suspension cable rests and passes through the cast-iron saddle at the head of the bridge tower.

94 2. works on Ma Wan Side -- construction of the bridge tower Photo The head of the bridge tower at its completion stage.

95 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Tying the suspension cable onto the anchor bolts within the cable chamber of the gravity anchor structure.

96 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Bundle of cable gradually spinned and tied to the anchor bolts and finally formed the 1.1m diameter main suspension cable.

97 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo The spinning wheels set-up above the cable chamber for the spinning of the main suspension cable.

98 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo The splay saddle supporting the main cable before it is spread into smaller strand bundles for looping onto the strand shoe.

99 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Detail showing the spreading of the main cables through the splay saddle and further connection onto the strand shoe.

100 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo The forming of the main cable - the cable composes of 91 strands each with 368 wires. The strands will finally be compacted and shape into a circular section of 1.1m diameter.

101 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Preparing the strands for the main cable systematically during the aerial spinning process.

102 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo The 1.1m diameter main suspension cable gradually in shape.

103 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Fitting the cast-iron cable band that clamps the strands of the main cable in position.

104 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Wrapping the main cable by galvanized wire using a wrapping machine. Note the epoxy paste (orange in colour) that provides additional waterproofing protection to the cable.

105 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo The main cable at its completed state. The temporary footbridge will soon be dismantled after the final inspection of the main cable.

106 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo Detail seeing the completed saddle on the tower top with the main cables passing over.

107 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo The saddle finished with the covering hood. The steel platform will be removed after the final clearing up.

108 3. the bridge structure -- Suspension cable Photo A look at the final completed tower head.

109 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo The spinning of the main suspension cable completed ready for the lifting and hanging of the modulated bridge decks.

110 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo The lifting and hanging of the first few modulated bridge decks.

111 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo The 450 ton modulated decks, after fabrication in the assembly yard in Dongquan, were transported in pair to the Tsing Ma site by barge. Note in the photo the strand jack system mounted on the main suspension cable for the lifting of the bridge deck.

112 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo The bridge decks on the delivery barge were fine tuning their position by the help of tug-boats before being lifted to the deck level.

113 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo A deck module was in the mid-way of lifting soon ready for the articulation to the partly aligned bridge deck.

114 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo Close up to see the detail of the strand jack machine that used to lift the modulated decks to the final bridge deck level.

115 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo Deck modules delivered to the tower island on Ma Wan before lifting to the junctioning sections near the tower structure.

116 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo Lifting and hanging of the deck modules at the junctioning sections on the two sides of Ma Wan bridge tower.

117 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo The slot space to receive the last two deck modules at the Ma Wan bridge tower.

118 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo A completed deck module at the assembly yard in Dongquan before delivery to Hong Kong.

119 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo Two deck adjoining modules on the bridge deck level pending for the final alignment.

120 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo The connection and hanging of the bridge deck by the hanger cables.

121 3. the bridge structure -- Lifting and erection of deck modules Photo Touch-up detail seeing the connection arrangement between the hanger cables and the bridge deck.

122 3. the bridge structure -- On the bridge deck Photo A general view on the upper deck of the Tsing Ma Bridge.

123 3. the bridge structure -- On the bridge deck Photo Install the stainless steel cladding panels to the sides of the bridge deck. The cladding panel is aerial-dynamically designed and allow the bridge deck performs the best stability under high winds.

124 3. the bridge structure -- On the bridge deck Photo Close up to see the detail of the cladding panels.

125 3. the bridge structure -- On the bridge deck Photo A side view on the bridge on the deck level.

126 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo The deck interior before the laying of track rail for the Airport Railway.

127 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo Junction between the steel fabricated deck and the approach bridge section on Ma Wan side.

128 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo Laying the power and communication cables inside the bridge deck.

129 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo The service lane on the sides of the deck interior that house all the basic services ducts and cables for the Tsing Ma Bridge.

130 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo A service gantry that used to assist in the laying of the track rail for the Airport Railway.

131 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo Deck interior with the track rail in position.

132 3. the bridge structure -- Inside the bridge deck Photo The completed and cleared deck interior.

133 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Site Formation on Ma Wan Island Photo Ma Wan Island as seen in 1994 before the carrying out of the viaduct in full scale.

134 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Site Formation on Ma Wan Island Photo The bridge tower and abutment for the Kap Shui Mun Bridge under construction.

135 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Site Formation on Ma Wan Island Photo The formation of Ma Wan viewed from the Lantau toward Tsing Yi.

136 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Overall view of the Ma Wan Viaduct (also called Ma Wan elevated expressway) linking the Tsing Ma and Kap Shui Mun Bridge.

137 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo A section of the viaduct being completed. The viaduct is a composite structure which formed by steel trusses for the box sections and the sides, and reinforced concrete for the horizontal decks.

138 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Complicated falsework systems are erected for the forming of the in-situ viaduct structure.

139 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Formwork being erected to form the box-sectioned viaduct structure.

140 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Detail of formwork being used inside the viaduct section.

141 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo The traveling type formwork system operated on track and hanger gantry to form repeated section of viaduct.

142 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Close up to see the detail arrangement of the traveling type formwork.

143 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo A section of viaduct with reinforcement already in place. Note the metal duct positioned inside the reinforcing bars for the inserting of post-tensioning tendons.

144 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Section of the viaduct with the required falsework erected ready for the casting of the surface deck.

145 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Isolated sections of the viaduct would soon be joining up to form the 500m long Ma Wan elevated expressway.

146 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo The Ma Wan elevated expressway linking the two splendid bridges is already in shape.

147 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Ma Wan elevated expressway joining the Tsing Ma Bridge.

148 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Construction of the elevated viaduct structure Photo Forming the apron of the elevated expressway.

149 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Works approaching Kap Shui Mun Bridge Photo Site formation before the construction of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge tower.

150 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Works approaching Kap Shui Mun Bridge Photo Layout before the commencement of the junctioning structures between Ma Wan Viaduct and Kap Shui Mun Bridge.

151 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Works approaching Kap Shui Mun Bridge Photo The commencement of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge tower and the approach bridge structures.

152 Part C - Ma Wan Viaduct Works approaching Kap Shui Mun Bridge Photo Junctioning structure between Ma Wan Viaduct and Kap Shui Mun Bridge taking shape.

153 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo Commencing of the construction of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge tower from the foundation raft.

154 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo Construction of the bridge tower using the Jump-form system.

155 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo Ascending of the bridge tower structure.

156 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo The bridge tower structure with the first few sections of deck modules being installed.

157 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo The scaffolds and work platforms embracing the tower head to facilitate the fixing of the stay cables.

158 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo Close up to see the access arrangement on the tower head.

159 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Ma Wan side Photo Bridge tower and the approach bridge sections on Ma Wan side at its completed state.

160 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo Overall view of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge with the stayed cables and the bridge decks basically installed.

161 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo The initial formation for the bridge tower, side span and approach bridge on the Lantau side.

162 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo The bridge tower and the support piers for the side span and approach bridge taking shape.

163 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo From the Lantau work site viewing towards Ma Wan. Note the formwork systems used to form the piers and the bridge tower.

164 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo Construction of the side span towards the bridge tower.

165 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo Viewing into the Jump-form system that used to construct the bridge tower structure.

166 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo Bridge tower with the first 3 deck modules installed and stay cables initially secured.

167 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo The bridge tower with the side span and approach completed as viewed from Ma Wan towards Lantau side.

168 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo The work platform and scaffold arrangement as seen on the top of the bridge tower.

169 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Bridge tower on Lantau side Photo The bridge tower, side span and the approach bridge sections on Lantau side at its completed state.

170 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Overall view of Kap Shui Mun Bridge as seen in early 1997

171 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Extending the main span, module by module, from Lantau towards Ma Wan.

172 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Articulating the deck modules to form the main span of the bridge deck. Note the launching machine (yellow in colour) for the lifting and installing the modules onto the bridge deck.

173 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Launching machine is lifting a prefabricated deck module for connecting onto the main span.

174 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo A new module is installed in position on the bridge deck of the main span.

175 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Main span of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge soon to closing up.

176 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Arrangement of the bridge deck before the final closing up.

177 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo The deck awaiting of the last deck module to be installed. Note the construction jointing arrangement on the edge of the deck.

178 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo The lifting of the last deck module on March 1996.

179 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo The final closing up of the main span with the insertion of the last deck module.

180 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Seamless jointing of the main span.

181 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Lifting and connecting the bridge modules Photo Final connection of the deck modules from the deck interior. The deck modules used in the Kap Shui Mun Bridge is in the form of composite construction. The side of the deck is constructed in structural steel and the top and bottom slabs are of reinforced concrete. Joining the side is therefore by bolts and welding while in-situ concrete construction joints are used for the slabs.

182 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Preparation of the strand wire for the stay cables.

183 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Tower head with the cable anchor in position ready for the receiving of the stay cables.

184 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Close up to see one of the stay cables in its stressed condition.

185 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Stay cable connection detail at the tower head. A heavy duty plastic sheathing will encase the strand wires of the stay cable as a means of weather protection.

186 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Inserting the plastic sheathing to the strand wires of the stay cable.

187 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo A cable climbing device to allow workers gaining access to the stay cable for necessary maintenance works.

188 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Cable anchorages on the deck level that hold the stay cables.

189 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Forming of the stay cable Photo Kap shui Mun Bridge as seen from the sides with the cable pylons for the stay cables basically completed.

190 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Formation of the work ground for the side span and approach bridge for the Kap Shui Mun Bridge on Lantau side.

191 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Constructing the support piers for the side span of Kap Shui Mun Bridge. Works at the background are the approach bridge section, which is constructed using a method called incremental launching technique.

192 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Progressing of the side span and approach bridge.

193 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Further progress of the side span and approach bridge.

194 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Construction of the abutment structure for the approach bridge section.

195 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Extending the first few sections of the approach bridge using the incremental launching method. Note the steel post at the foreground which used as the temporary props for the support of the extending bridge sections.

196 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo The forming of the 18m incremental section of the approach bridge span, which will be pushed forward to the tower side by hydraulic jacks after casting.

197 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo The end section of the approach bridge before connecting to the side span.

198 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo The approach bridge span section with the launching nose attached at the front to facilitate the launching process.

199 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo The side span which is formed similarly to the approach bridge structure using the incremental launching technique.

200 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Construction and launching arrangement of the approach bridge section.

201 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Progressing of the approach bridge and side span construction (as on March 1995).

202 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Progressing of the approach bridge side span construction (as on November 1995).

203 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo The approach bridge and side span basically completed. Note the onward extension of the bridge to the Northern Lantau Expressway.

204 Part D - Kap Shui Mun Bridge Side span and approach bridge on Lantau side Photo Completed state as seen on December 1996.