One of most complex mountainous expressways in the PRC, the project expressway passes through the most difficult and complicated geo-technical terrain. In coping with various technical difficulties and challenges, Sichuan Provincial Transport Department and Sichuan Yaxi Expressway Company Limited initiated 32 technical research and development studies associated with the project's design, construction, and operation. Application of these technical findings has generated significant social and economic benefits. For example, based on a study of operation safety control technology for expressway spiral and small radius tunnels, the project expressway alignment executed a climb of 350 m in a V-shaped valley 2.9 km long by reducing the longitude slope. The study also optimized the number of ventilation fans compared with the preliminary design, thereby halving the power consumption. This study was awarded a prize by the China Highway Association. Other knowledge achievements and breakthroughs include a key-technology study on deep and super-long tunnel design and construction, a comprehensive technical solution for truss-beam and steel-column concrete for medium-span bridges, as well as design and construction of higher-pier and long-span bridges in serious seismic areas.
Central Sichuan Roads Development Project