Speaker: Honglei WU, Prof. of Eng., National First-class Registered Structural Engineer, Chartered Structural Engineer (UK), Deputy Chief Engineer of Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.

Moderator: Dong Xu, Vice President of Chinese NG, Prof. Dr. Civil Eng., Tongji University, China. 

Abstract: The Jianghehui Landscape Pedestrian Bridge is a 380-meter Z-shaped hybrid arch structure spanning the Grand Canal. Through optimal load distribution, utilization of high-performance materials, parametric BIM-driven modeling techniques, and an innovative construction sequencing approach, the bridge achieves enhanced structural safety, improved user comfort, and long-term sustainability. The bridge seamlessly integrates urban connectivity, pedestrian comfort, and cultural heritage, serving as a dynamic landmark and eco-friendly urban link.

 INNOVATION DESIGN OF DEMOLITION-CONSTRUCTION COLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE ZHENGZHOU RAINBOW BRIDGE, CHINA

DATE: 7 November 2025. Time: 14:00 - 15:00 hrs CET. 

WB.NG.8.2025. Register (free): Click Here

Organised byeLearning Board and the Chinese NG.

Speakers: Xiaofei Wang, Senior Engineer of China Railway SIYUAN Survey & Design Group Co.,Ltd.

Moderator: Yingliang Wang, Prof. Eng., Delegate Chinese NG of lABSE, China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd., China.

Abstract: The Zhengzhou Rainbow Bridge arches across the largest train marshalling station in Asia. The original bridgedge was built in 1994, with spans of (122 + 62 + 62 + 122) meters and a two-way four-lane configuration. However, with the accelerated urbanization of Zhengzhou, the original bridge's functional deficiencies became apparent. The need for transportation development and railway upgrading made the reconstruction urgent. The new bridge features a three-span continuous single-ribbed steel box bridge with spans of (121 + 125 + 121) meters, accommodating eight lanes in two directions and designed for a speed of 60 km/h. The placement of the single arch rib at the center of the bridge deck optimizes the spatial layout and allows construction and maintenance of arch ribs in the middle of deck. By retaining the original style while introducing innovative structural designs and a dynamic, aesthetically pleasing shape. It harmonizes with the surrounding environment, establishing itself as a new landmark in Zhengzhou. The reconstruction was commenced in May 2021, the demolition was completed in June 2022, and the new bridge was completed and opened to traffic in September 2023. The Zhengzhou Rainbow Bridge represents the first instance in China of bridge construction that crosses a marshalling station through in-situ assembly of large girder segments and longitudinal movement using the transformed bridge demolition system. This innovative solution facilitates the rapid construction of long-span arch bridges over existing railways, significantly reducing construction and operational risks for similar projects while delivering substantial social benefits.

 PUSHING BOUNDARIES: A PROBABLE WORLD FIRST - LAUNCHING A 103 M NETWORK ARCH BRIDGE USING A ROPEWAY CABLE CRANE (INDIA)

DATE: 21 November 2025. Time: 14:00 - 15:00 hrs CET. 

WB.NG.9.2025. Register (free): Click Here

Organised by eLearning Board and the Indian NG.

Speaker: Deepak Prajapati is the Co-Founder and Director at Force SE Pvt. Ltd; M.Tech IIT Mumbai, India. 

Moderator: Dr. Harshavardhan Subbarao, IABSE President, Chairman and Managing Director, Construma Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.; India.

Imagine a 103-metre-span bridge suspended midway across a 50-metre-deep gorge, hanging on two points from a ropeway cable crane. What sounds like an impossible feat became reality in Mizoram, India, where one of the country’s first steel network-tied arch bridges was launched using a ropeway cable-crane system—a probable world first in bridge construction. The operation also sets a probable world record for the heaviest point load (220 tons) ever transported over a cable crane.

Located between Lengpui Airport and Aizawl, the bridge site presented extreme challenges—flash-flood-prone terrain, seismic Zone V classification, and a 50 m-deep gorge. Conventional erection or launching methods were unfeasible. Engineers at Force SE Pvt. Ltd. devised an indigenously engineered ropeway-based cable-crane system, featuring twin towers, pulleys, winches, and lifting beams, designed entirely in India.

In this webinar, Deepak Prajapati, Co-Founder and Director at Force SE, will take you behind the scenes of this groundbreaking project—covering the engineering design evolution, system development, load testing, and the flawless six-hour launch that redefined how bridges can be built in challenging terrains.