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

  • Innovative asphalt compaction from Dynapac
    November 27, 2018
    Dynapac is now offering new asphalt and soil compaction solutions for the Chinese market. The CC6200 articulated asphalt compactor is being made available in its latest version to meet low emission requirements for China. The machine weighs in at 13.5tonnes and can deliver vibration frequencies of 51Hz or 67Hz and either 166kN or 106kN respectively. High manoeuvrability is claimed as well as high quality compaction and it can also provide 28.2kg/cm.
  • Tyred compactors deliver the finish touch
    June 21, 2016
    A steady resurgence in demand for rubber tyred compactors for finishing work has seen manufacturers introduce new models - Mike Woof writes The rubber tyred compactor looked for a time as if it might disappear from the market only a few years ago, when demand began to dip for these units. However a resurgence in interest from the marketplace prompted manufacturers to revamp their respective product ranges, delivering new models to meet demand. Typically used for tasks such as finishing work, rubber tyred
  • Hong Kong boundary crossing facility
    November 7, 2018
    A new Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) project has been built that will reduce travel times for drivers. The HKBCF is intended as a clearance facility for vehicles that either leave or enter Hong Kong across the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). In addition, the HKBCF is intended to operate as a strategic multi-modal transportation hub located on the west of Hong Kong. Construction of the HKBCF has involved reclaiming some 130ha of land from the water to the North East of Hong Kong
  • Advances in materials testing
    April 10, 2012
    Quicker, better, more cost effective materials testing - Kristina Smith writes. Most developments in materials testing technology involve updating and upgrading existing machines, either to meet changes to standards or to satisfy new needs in the market. And occasionally, a manufacturer will come up with something completely new. PUMA - the precision unbound materials analyser - falls into the latter category. It has been developed by Cooper Research Technology and Nottingham Transportation Engineering Cen