World's tallest bridge begins load tests

The tallest bridge in the world began pre-opening load tests on Thursday, with maximum test weights exceeding 3,300 metric tons.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province will undergo static load tests through Saturday to simulate how its components respond to heavy traffic and congestion ahead of its opening.

Load testing is done to verify a bridge's structural safety and carrying capacity before opening. The four-day program also includes an empty-load stage and follow-up dynamic load trials.

On Thursday, more than 400 sensors monitored deformation and stress in the bridge's towers, girders, and cables under static loading after 18 trucks with a combined load of 630 tons stopped at designated positions.

The static tests use vehicles in three stages — 18, 48, and 96 trucks, respectively — with loads increasing to a peak above 3,300 tons. Follow-up static tests are scheduled for the next two days, and dynamic load trials are planned for Sunday.