Skip to main content

Chinese bridge resurfacing with new materials

An innovative resurfacing method has been used for a bridge in China, with a sophisticated mix being used to boost wear characteristics The landmark Nanning Bridge in China’s Nanning City has benefited from a complete surface overhaul. The work was carried out recently after the bridge had been in use for around 10 years. The project is of note as it is thought to be the first comprehensive commercial application of graphene- compound rubber modified asphalt technology in a high-class road/bridge surface
December 13, 2018 Read time: 3 mins
The Nanning Bridge has been resurfaced using an innovative additive in the asphalt mix
An innovative resurfacing method has been used for a bridge in China, with a sophisticated mix being used to boost wear characteristics


The landmark Nanning Bridge in China’s Nanning City has benefited from a complete surface overhaul. The work was carried out recently after the bridge had been in use for around 10 years. The project is of note as it is thought to be the first comprehensive commercial application of graphene- compound rubber modified asphalt technology in a high-class road/bridge surface project in the world.

Adding graphene to asphalt improves the durability and sustainability of asphalt road surfaces, making the asphalt less likely to soften in warm temperatures or harden and crack in cold conditions. The additive also reduces road wear, particularly under high loads, by increasing the elasticity and strength of the asphalt.

This is said to be a key technical breakthrough for road surface materials and is claimed to solve the common problem of short surface-longevity seen on highways in China and elsewhere. Another important factor is that this technology is highly cost-efficient, delivering economic benefits.

The new material system has been developed jointly by 5389 Guangxi University and Guangxi Zhenglu Machinery Technology. The latter is a user of 206 Dynapac compaction and paving equipment and has over the past 20 years been responsible for carrying out numerous high-quality projects in China. “We are not only the project contractor, but we are also the construction solution provider in the field,” explained Gui Li Fa, the president of Guangxi Zhenglu.”

Two Dynapac SD2550CS pavers with hydraulically extendable ends (HEE) screeds, six Dynapac CC6200 twin drum rollers and two Dynapac CP275 rubber tyred rollers were used for the resurfacing work at the Nanning Bridge. The working area was for a length of more than 1,000m and a width of 35m.  

The SD2550CS pavers featuring the HEE system were used as this design offers versatility in highway construction work. According to Guangxi Zhenglu Machinery Technology, the machines can be used for large paving widths and can also be adapted for quickly for much narrower paving widths. The firm says that these machines can be employed for paving jobs in the continuous narrowing or widening of bridge ramps, variable sections or widening sections in tunnels or emergency-parking zones on highways. And the design means that there is no need to reassemble the screed, maximising working efficiency.

The screeds allow working widths from 3-14m, while the HEE system allows a maximum working width of 13.75m.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Further new European pavers were launched at bauma 2013
    May 30, 2013
    Earlier this year several manufacturers announced new European asphalt pavers being launched at bauma 2013, but more surprises were in store at the show - Mike Woof writes. At the beginning of 2013 a number of manufacturers revealed new asphalt pavers being launched at the bauma 2013 exhibition. BOMAG, Caterpillar, Vögele and Volvo CE all announced new asphalt pavers in the shape of the BF900, AP300D, -3 Series units and new wheeled P-6870C respectively. These machines were at the show and all attracted con
  • Dynapac is broadening its range for asphalt paving
    April 1, 2014
    Atlas Copco’s Dynapac brand is launching new models aimed at the asphalt paving market - Mike Woof reports Atlas Copco’s Dynapac brand looks set to boost its worldwide presence in the road construction market, with new asphalt paving products forming a major segment of the firm’s improved portfolio. The launch of new pavers and an improved material feeder comes at a busy time for the Dynapac brand. When Dynapac was first acquired by Atlas Copco the business was left separate initially, however it has now
  • Dynapac’s high capacity asphalt paver
    September 30, 2013
    Dynapac is now offering the SD2550CS tracked paver, which is said to deliver high productivity and efficiency at a low cost/tonne. The machine is also fitted with Dynapac’s latest intelligent Pave Manager 2.0 control system, further boosting mat quality. The company says that the paver has benefited from an intensive research and development programme and the R&D team has worked hard to improve a number of features on the new paver, which now has an improved operator work station and controls systems, lo
  • Longer lasting road surfaces with advanced asphalt paving
    February 20, 2012
    Contractors face an array of sophisticated paving technologies, Mike Woof reports. Asphalt paving technology continues to advance as manufacturers develop more efficient and reliable equipment. Paving techniques are also improving, while new polymer modified bitumen materials and recycling methodologies further increase the range of road surfacing options available to the client and contractor.