The World's Longest Bridge Was Made of... Bamboo. They Call It "Indestructible"

Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau (HZMB) is the world's longest sea bridge, with a length of 55 km! Every day, it is the main transport route for thousands of people who travel between cities. The bridge, which opened 7 years ago, still arouses considerable emotions. All thanks to innovative bamboo composites, which reinforced the structural elements, supported by modern construction technologies.

It all started at the Bamboo Research Institute of Nanking Forestry University in China, where work on bamboo had been going on for years. The favorite delicacy of pandas turned out to be an excellent material that can be used in many areas. Its structure is quite flexible and also resistant to stretching. Most importantly, it grows much faster than a tree and can be harvested every few years.

Chinese engineers have therefore developed special composites from bamboo, which in terms of their durability resemble steel. According to scientists, they are highly resistant to various external conditions and resistant to damage. Bamboo panels placed in the bridge structure have proven the potential of this material.

The "Indestructible Bridge" has gained an advantage over other similar bridges thanks to them, guaranteeing durability even during dangerous typhoons. Additionally, bamboo panels are pro-ecological, which pleases not only ecologists but also shows the potential for the development of natural materials.

Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau / Shutterstock

Construction of the world's longest bridge began in 2009 and took almost a decade. During the works, one of the biggest challenges was protecting marine fauna and flora. All activities had to leave the ecosystem almost intact. Creating a stable structure that would survive earthquakes and typhoons was also a priority.

In addition to steel and concrete, which are a given in terms of strength, it was also decided to use bamboo – not only as an equal form to steel, but also as a test for this material. Bamboo panels appeared on the artificially created islands , the task of which was to strengthen this structure. Bamboo elements covered over 20,000 square meters and have remained intact for 7 years, proving their enormous potential in the field of construction engineering.

Chinese experts and scientists are delighted with their achievement and are working on further development of bamboo technology. It is estimated that the bamboo industry could reach $79 billion.

Ecological bamboo may prove to be an excellent alternative to known and used materials in construction, bringing multi-faceted benefits. The Chinese are still planning activities for green infrastructure, placing materials obtained from nature as a key element. After bamboo panels installed on a Chinese bridge passed the durability test, interest in this material has definitely increased.

The world's longest bridge cost $20 billion to build. The entire crossing includes a bridge, artificial islands, and undersea tunnels that allow passage through the waters of the Pearl Gulf.

An estimated 40,000 people travel across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge every day.

The general contractor for the bridge was China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), one of the largest engineering and construction companies in the world.