Bridge Collapse in China Attributed to Design Flaw
Experts are pointing to a significant design flaw as the cause of a recent bridge collapse in China.
The Hongqi Bridge, located in Sichuan province and linking the national highway to Tibet, fell down on Tuesday, just a few months after its opening.
Prior to the collapse, police in Mercan had closed the bridge due to visible cracks in the surrounding slope, which ultimately resulted in a landslide.
The 758-meter-long bridge’s collapse was recorded on video, drawing the attention of various specialists, including Casey Jones, a licensed geotechnical engineer with over 35 years of experience.
Jones remarked, “This is almost certainly a design failure.” He noted that the original design likely did not account for the rock formation underneath and questioned whether any stabilization measures were considered.
The slope’s orientation and its environment were consistent topics of discussion among knowledgeable individuals, including bridge experts cited by Chinese state media. While experts shared their concerns, positive remarks were noticeably absent.
“If the Hongqi route was the best choice, we should have prioritized slope management,” suggested one expert to Jim News.
It was emphasized that conducting geological surveys is typically essential in selecting appropriate bridge locations, ensuring the area is not prone to landslides. Such environmental risks should ideally be avoided during site selection.
Christopher Bloom, who had a prominent role in discussing the bridge collapse, mentioned that he had moved to China for his wife’s work in construction and spent nine years as a professor at Peking University. He commented, “I think it’s true that the quality of China’s infrastructure is generally low.” He illustrated this by pointing out issues like the absence of proper plumbing features in new buildings.
Bloom continued, indicating a broader issue in China: “It’s often about cost-cutting. Whether that’s due to corruption or simply neglecting safety, there’s a trend to prioritize construction speed over quality.” He noted that building in landslide-prone areas raises serious concerns about planning and safety measures.
Social media discussions also highlighted a lack of reinforcement in specific structural areas, leading to concerns about overall integrity. Some users pointed to potential flaws in construction practices and a general shortage of skilled tradespeople.
Despite claims from Chinese officials about having a surplus of skilled workers, critics argue that the reality on construction sites says otherwise. Reports claim that China’s skilled workforce exceeds 200 million, but the question remains whether this talent is effectively utilized.
