Engineers test worst-case scenarios on HKZM Bridge

By CGTN's Zhu Qinliang

China has constructed a huge number of bridges over the last 20 years -- and ensuring the safety of the megastructures remains of crucial importance.

Chinese engineers have been testing worst-case scenarios in the undersea tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and resorting to new techniques that have never been done before in an effort to guarantee its resistance to misfortunate events.

The submerged tunnel lies around 50 meters below the sea surface, and a slightest accident there could spell a disaster.

CGTN Photo

In testing the tunnel’s safety, engineers need to confirm that the key structure is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. They must also draw up emergency procedures for responding to an accident.

The guardrails on the bridge have also gone through equally rigorous testing. A range of different vehicles were hurled at the barrier at speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.