Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion,” 01157.HK), a preeminent manufacturer of advanced industrial equipment, has once again demonstrated its engineering prowess with the deployment of the world’s largest tower crane, the Zoomlion R20000-720, in the construction of the Shiziyang Bridge. This bridge, which will feature a record-breaking main span of 2,180 meters, is set to become the world’s largest dual-level suspension bridge upon completion.
Situated in Guangzhou, China, the Shiziyang Bridge is distinguished by its dual-layer steel truss suspension design, representing a significant milestone in bridge construction technology and complexity.
The R20000-720 tower crane, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of this monumental project, boasts a rated lifting capacity of 20,000 tonne-meters and a maximum lifting capacity of 720 tonnes. Its remarkable reach of 400 meters enables it to lift substantial materials to considerable heights, equivalent to hoisting 500 automobiles to the 130th floor of a building. The crane’s weld seam extends over 490 kilometers, with individual components weighing as much as 92.8 tonnes.
The R20000-720 has demonstrated exceptional performance in extreme conditions, including strong winds, high humidity, and heavy loads. It has effectively addressed the challenges of working at significant heights, adhering to stringent construction standards, and navigating complex multi-dimensional construction environments.
This cutting-edge crane integrates 158 innovative research achievements and is protected by 305 invention patents. Among its advanced features is a revolutionary moving counterweight technology, which allows for precise movement in response to varying load moments, enhancing lifting performance by over 60%.
Additionally, the crane incorporates a high-load lightweight structure and a heavy-duty modular design, reducing the weight of its upper structure by more than 20% compared to conventional designs. This innovation alleviates the challenges associated with the transportation, assembly, and disassembly of ultra-large cranes. Furthermore, Zoomlion’s Tower Crane ETI Intelligent Control System offers millisecond response times, ensuring swift and precise operational control.
The R20000-720 set a new world record upon its production at the Zoomlion Tower Crane Intelligent Factory in April 2023, surpassing the company’s previous achievements in tower crane technology.
Before its deployment at the Shiziyang Bridge, the R20000-720 was pivotal in the construction of the Ma’anshan Yangtze River Rail-Road Bridge, the world’s first three-tower cable-stayed bridge with dual main spans exceeding one kilometer, and the world’s longest steel truss cable-stayed bridge.
Zoomlion’s contributions to the Shiziyang Bridge project extend beyond the R20000-720. The company is also employing 400-ton and 260-ton crawler cranes, pumping trucks, and the ZR550G rotary drilling rig to ensure the project’s success and adherence to the highest quality standards.
