Skip to content 
On October 22, 2024, the Academic Annual Conference of the China Civil Engineering Society and the 20th China Civil Engineering Zhan Tianyou Award Ceremony were held in Suzhou. The Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station, a significant project in China’s hydropower sector, won the prestigious Zhan Tianyou Award, a national honour for technological innovation in civil engineering. Rapid Scaffolding (Engineering) Co., Ltd. was proud to contribute to the success of this landmark project, employing Ringlock scaffolding systems for its construction.
This article explores how Ringlock scaffolding, along with other engineering innovations, played a crucial role in overcoming the unique challenges presented during the construction of this pumped storage power station. It also highlights the project’s broader impact and the importance of scaffolding systems in large-scale infrastructure projects in China.
The Role of Ringlock Scaffolding in Large-Scale Hydropower Projects
The Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station is the largest in Jiangsu Province and the fourth-largest in China. This massive project includes key components such as the upper reservoir, water transmission system, underground power plant, and lower reservoir. Each part of the station posed unique construction challenges, and the application of Ringlock scaffolding was critical in providing a reliable and efficient support system.
The most complex part of the construction was the rectifying cone with a cover plate, suspended directly above the water inlet. This part required scaffolding capable of supporting large spans and heavy loads. The Ringlock scaffolding system provided the necessary support due to its adaptability, strength, and ease of installation, which was crucial for the success of this component.
Benefits of Ringlock Scaffolding for Hydropower Projects
Ringlock scaffolding is widely used in scaffolding China due to its versatility and ability to handle complex construction requirements. The Ringlock scaffolding system is particularly well-suited for projects like the Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station because of the following benefits:
- Flexibility in Design: The modular nature of Ringlock scaffolding allows for easy customization, making it ideal for large, intricate structures such as the rectifying cone.
- Heavy Load-Bearing Capacity: Ringlock scaffolding can support substantial weight, which is essential when working with massive components such as the water inlet structures.
- Ease of Installation: With its efficient interlocking design, Ringlock scaffolding significantly reduces setup time, ensuring that construction teams can focus on other critical aspects of the project.
- Safety: The Ringlock scaffolding system enhances the safety of workers, providing a stable platform for construction activities at high elevations, such as the 53-meter tall towers at the upper reservoir of the Liyang station.
Scaffolding Solutions for the Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station
During the construction of the Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station, the project required a combination of suspended steel platforms and Ringlock scaffolding to form the support framework. At the concrete base of the station at elevation 238.2 meters, a 2.2-meter-wide concrete structure was reserved for a subsequent pour. A variable cross-section steel truss, 21 meters wide, was welded and fabricated, and suspended using Φ15.24 steel strands. This innovative construction method was made possible by the adaptability and strength of Ringlock scaffolding.
Additionally, the project used a phased tensioning and multi-layer casting approach for the rectifying cone, further highlighting the critical role that scaffolding plays in reducing workload and complexity in large-scale construction projects.
Ringlock Scaffolding: A Key Contributor to Technological Innovation in China’s Civil Engineering
The Zhan Tianyou Award is China’s highest honor for civil engineering innovation, and the Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station project stood out for its technological excellence. The collaboration between Rapid Scaffolding (Engineering) Co., Ltd. and Southeast University on the construction of the shaft-type tower body for the eight maintenance sluice gates demonstrates how Ringlock scaffolding can contribute to the success of national key projects in China.
This recognition emphasizes the importance of adopting advanced scaffolding solutions to meet the demanding requirements of modern infrastructure projects, particularly those in the hydropower sector.
Future Prospects: Advancing Construction with Scaffolding in China
The success of the Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station is not just a testament to the innovative use of Ringlock scaffolding, but also an example of how scaffolding China has evolved to meet the demands of complex, large-scale construction projects. Moving forward, Rapid Scaffolding (Engineering) Co., Ltd. will continue to focus on technological innovation and quality improvement in scaffolding systems, ensuring that Ringlock scaffolding remains a key component in the construction of future hydropower plants, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects across China.
Conclusion
The Jiangsu Liyang Pumped Storage Power Station is a monumental achievement in China’s civil engineering landscape, and the success of this project was made possible by the use of advanced construction techniques, including the Ringlock scaffolding system. As the largest pumped storage power station in Jiangsu Province and the fourth-largest in China, this project exemplifies the critical role that scaffolding systems play in large-scale infrastructure projects. By continuing to innovate and optimize scaffolding solutions, companies like Rapid Scaffolding (Engineering) Co., Ltd. are helping shape the future of civil engineering in China.
