Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge
Pearl River Estuary, Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao
Selected steel products supplied for construction requirements associated with the world's longest open-sea fixed link.
View projectBridge Structure
Girders, deck plates, piers and reinforcement.
Overview
Bridge steel works under repeated traffic loading and outdoor exposure for decades. Box and plate girders use heavy plate, decks and stiffeners use lighter plate, secondary members use rolled sections, and concrete decks and piers rely on reinforcing bar.
Dedicated bridge steels such as GB/T 714 and ASTM A709 grades are defined with this service in mind, with controlled toughness at the required test temperature. The grade should follow the bridge design and the climate at the site.
Where each steel product is used
| Structure | Steel product | Typical grades / standards |
|---|---|---|
| Box girders and plate girders | Medium and heavy plate | Q345qD / Q370qD / Q420qE, A709 Gr.50 |
| Deck plates and stiffeners | Hot-rolled plate | Q355 / S355, EN 10025-2 |
| Bracing and secondary members | H-beam | Q355B / A572 Gr.50 |
| Concrete decks and piers | Rebar | HRB400 / HRB500, GB/T 1499.2 |
Grades shown are typical examples. The project's design documents and applicable codes decide the final specification.
Common standards: GB/T 714, EN 10025, ASTM A709
What the project needs
- Medium and heavy plate with impact-tested grades
- Mill Test Certificates traceable by heat number
- Cut-to-size plate to reduce site work
What to consider when selecting steel
Low-temperature toughness
Impact test temperature matters most on cold-climate bridges and thick plate. Confirm the required Charpy value and test temperature before ordering.
Traceability
Bridge owners commonly ask for each plate to be traceable to its heat number and Mill Test Certificate, so marking and packing lists should be agreed in advance.
Weldability and fatigue
Fatigue details and thick welded joints make chemistry and carbon equivalent important. Ask for them to be reported where the welding procedure depends on them.
Recommended products
What to include in your inquiry
- Plate list with thickness, width, length and grade
- Impact test temperature and any ultrasonic testing level
- Inspection requirements and the inspection body
- Cut-to-size or edge-preparation requirements
Frequently asked questions
Can standard structural plate replace bridge plate?
Only if the designer accepts it. Bridge grades have requirements for toughness and quality that general structural grades may not cover.
Why does plate thickness affect the grade?
Thicker plate is generally harder to keep tough and weldable, so codes often require a better quality level as thickness increases.
Can plate be supplied cut to size?
Yes, cut-to-size plate can be requested. It reduces site work, but the cutting list should be final before processing starts.
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