Potain's Giant Tower Cranes Help Erect World's Largest Cable-Stayed Bridge

Enlarge Image Potain's giant MD 3600 tower cranes were central to record-breaking bridge project in China.

January 4, 2006 — Two Potain MD 3600 models are helping build the world's largest cable-stayed bridge in China — the $800 million (U.S.) Sutong Bridge in Jiangsu Province. Rented to the main contractor on the Sutong project, China Harbor Engineering Corp. has assembled the MD 3600s to a working height under hook of 1,033 feet and is using a 164-foot jib. Although the MD 3600 has a maximum capacity of 176 tons (all tons listed in U.S.) on this project, the cranes have been adapted with a dual hook design • two winches with 22- and 88-ton capacities, respectively.

 

The 22-ton winch is used for higher speed lifts, placing concrete forms at heights under 738 feet, while the 88 ton winch is used for lifts above 738 feet and for heavier lifts such as the positioning of the cable stays and steel boxes. The MD 3600 has a maximum capacity of 88 tons at a radius of 78 feet, and a maximum capacity of 32.7 tons at a radius of 159 feet. Potain engineers modified the cranes prior to assembly to give them better stability and further reach. These modifications also allow them to withstand winds of up to 201 ft/second and will simplify dismantling after the bridge's completion.

 

When complete, the Sutong Bridge will be a six lane, 112-feet-wide, 20.1-mile highway linking the ancient city of Suzhou to the industrial hub of Nantong, at the lower end of Yangtze River. The bridge's central span will be 3570 feet and will sit at a height of 203 feet. A total of 20 miles of cable will be used.