Daewoo wins bridge projects in India, Africa
Daewoo Engineering and Construction has been showcasing its engineering prowess both domestically and internationally, winning a series of large-scale bridge construction projects.
On home soil, Daewoo E&C constructed the Dongjak Bridge, the first combined railway and roadway bridge in South Korea in 1984. Since then, they have successfully completed numerous bridges, including the Gwangan Bridge, Cheonsa Bridge, and the Geoga Bridge, which features the country’s first underwater tunnel, connecting Busan and Geoje.
One notable technique employed by Daewoo E&C in the construction of the Geoga Bridge is the underwater tunnel construction method. This method involves floating pre-built concrete box structures on water using buoyancy, transporting them to the installation site, submerging them, and then using differential water pressure to join the structures.
Venturing beyond Korea, Daewoo E&C took on the monumental task of constructing the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River, situated on the border between Zambia and Botswana in central southern Africa. The company secured the deal in 2014 and completed it in 2020, marking its first solo project for an extra-dosed bridge outside its home country.
Spanning 923 meters
in
length with a width of 18.5 meters, the bridge includes a single railway line alongside the roadway to mitigate vibrations caused by both vehicular and rail traffic.
Another notable project undertaken by Daewoo E&C is the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link in India, connecting Mumbai city with Navi Mumbai, two neighboring cities separated by Thane Creek, a bay in the region.
This bridge was constructed to address the population density in Mumbai, India’s major economic hub. Mumbai had encountered challenges in its city development plan due to inadequate connectivity with Navi Mumbai, a city designed to alleviate Mumbai’s dense population.
Partnering with Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates in 2018, Daewoo E&C completed the MTHL project in January of this year, ensuring safety throughout the 69-month construction period.
With a total length of 21.8 kilometers, including a main bridge spanning 7.8 kilometers, Daewoo E&C managed the design, procurement, construction and quality control of the project. In particular, the company prioritized environmental conservation by adhering to stringent standards and employing the “precast segment method” to minimize disruption to mangrove forests and marine ecosystems.
In February 2016, Daewoo E&C secured another significant endeavor: the Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project. This project involves constructing a bridge across the Ganges River, a vital waterway for over 1.3 billion Indians. The project’s total value amounted to $480 million, with Daewoo E&C holding a 50 percent stake.
Competing fiercely against two Chinese firms, Daewoo E&C formed a joint venture with Larsen & Toubro Ltd., India’s leading construction company, to leverage the Indian company’s extensive experience including a skilled workforce, equipment and local resources.
By designing
the
main
bridge with a span height of 150 meters, surpassing India’s initial requirements, Daewoo E&C not only secured the deal but also minimized the demand for resources for foundations and pillars while optimizing the deck structure.
The Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project aims to connect the Patna region of Bihar, India, by spanning the Ganges River and linking to the Bidupur area. With a total length of 19.7 kilometers, the project includes a main bridge featuring a dual six-lane carriageway, with a primary span of 150 meters supported by 65 towers. The construction is expected to be completed by 2025.