July 22, 2025
IEC’s Intelligent Rotational Bearing System Powers Record-Breaking Twin-Span Bridge Rotation in Xi’an
On Jul., 2ed 2025, at 3:10 PM, a remarkable milestone was achieved during the Belt and Road Xi’an Air-Rail Intermodal Project. With a single command from the site director, China’s first-ever ultra-wide, asymmetrical twin-span concrete bridge featuring pier-top rotational bearings was successfully rotated into position over an active railway corridor. In a highly choreographed 68-minute maneuver, the 11,000-ton right span rotated counterclockwise by 110.01°, while the 14,500-ton left span turned clockwise by 71.26°, marking a national record for twin-span bridge rotations.
Before/After Comparison of Rotation Process
This complex operation took place above the China-Europe freight rail northern corridor—one of the busiest international cargo routes in the world. With limited construction timeframes due to strict railway operation windows, and with the bridge located less than 2 meters from the China-Europe freight line and Xi’an Metro Line 10 (as well as future Line 3 and reserved underground passages), the project posed exceptional technical and logistical challenges. Success hinged on absolute precision and efficiency in both design and execution.
At the heart of this precision was the spherical hinge bearing system—critical for safely rotating massive bridge structures. After extensive analysis and expert consultation, the project adopted IEC’s independently developed “Intelligent Detachable Drop-Beam Rotational System for Pier-Top Installations”. IEC was responsible for the full turnkey solution, including bearing design and fabrication, system installation, real-time rotational operation, geometric control, and post-rotation system conversion.
The system is powered by IEC’s proprietary TWINSA® Intelligent Monitoring and Control Platform, and offers the following key advantages:
1. Low Center of Gravity for Safer Rotation: Ensures a smooth and stable process. The right span rotated in just 60 minutes and the left span in 90 minutes.
2. No Need for Lifting Systems: The self-dropping spherical hinge allows for seamless transformation without jacking or large-scale, high-precision lifting equipment.
3. Reusable Equipment: The bearings, reaction blocks, and other rotational components are detachable and reusable, reducing long-term costs.
4. Lower Project Cost and Carbon Footprint: The system simplifies logistics and construction, contributing to both economic and environmental goals.
IEC’s successful deployment of this cutting-edge rotational bearing system at the Xi’an Eurasia Avenue Overpass marks another breakthrough for the TWINSA® platform in intelligent infrastructure solutions. The achievement also showcases the power of industry collaboration in driving high-tech, high-efficiency bridge construction. With the bridge now 95% complete, final conversion from temporary to permanent bearing support is scheduled for around August 20, 2025. IEC warmly welcomes experts, clients, and industry partners to visit the site for observation and ideas exchange.
