First main bridge continuous beam of Bamako No 3 Bridge in Mali shuts ahead of time

Updated: 2010-05-15

Grouting recently finished at the shutting section of the middle span of the prestressed concrete continuous beam between 57# Pier and 58# Pier of the Bamako No 3 Bridge in Mali contracted by CGGC came eight days ahead of the schedule.

This is the first main bridge continuous beam that has been successfully shut since the commencement of the bridge project one year ago. It lays the foundation for the half-width penetration of the bridge at the end of this September, and also marks the important periodical victory of the construction of the bridge project.

The bridge lies in the eastern part of the city proper of Bamako, the capital of the Republic of Mali in Africa and spans the Niger River. It is the biggest economic aid project of the Chinese Government to the West Africa. The bridge covers a total length of 1,626 meters with 69 spans, and the layout of the entire bridge consists of the prestressed concrete T beam, the prestressed concrete hollow core slab, and three 3-span prestressed concrete continuous beam bridges with the length of 122 meters each. The prestressed concrete continuous beam bridge adopts the box girder structure and the balanced grouting construction with the hanging basket and the cantilever, which belong to the key and difficulty of the bridge construction.

Since the construction of the continuous box girder in November, 2009, the Mali Bamako No 3 Bridge Technical Construction Group of CGGC No 2 Engineering Co. has purchased relevant materials and equipment from China and delivered them to the site in advance, and built the three 3-span 122 meters prestressed concrete continuous beam bridges at the same time, thereby ensuring the construction progress of every part.

The shutting sections of the middle spans of the other two main bridges will finish construction before mid-July to ensure the smooth fulfillment of the objective to open the half width on the upstream of the bridge before the 50th anniversary for the founding of the Republic of Mali on Sep 22.