Artistry Paves the Way, Intelligent Rail Illuminates the City - A Chronicle of the Construction of the First Section of Wuhan Metro Line 16 by China Railway No. 24 Bureau

Project Background and Strategic Significance 

The Wuhan Rail Transit Line 16 is a key infrastructure project of Wuhan City. The total length of the line is approximately 33.1 kilometers, running through Han Yang District and Han Nan District. It holds milestone significance in implementing the national "Yangtze River Economic Belt" strategy, promoting the economic integration of Wuhan City, and alleviating regional traffic pressure. The first section of the project, constructed by China Railway No. 24 Bureau, serves as the starting point and a key controlling section of the entire line. The success or failure of its construction directly affects the progress of the entire project. The project department not only bears the responsibility of engineering construction but also shoulders the glorious mission of opening up the arteries of urban development and facilitating the economic take-off of the region. 

Engineering challenges and core difficulties 

From the very beginning of its launch, the project has been confronted with unprecedentedly complex challenges: 

Complex geological and hydrological conditions: The project is located along the Yangtze River, with a high groundwater level, extensive soft soil foundations, and the need to pass through various complex strata. This poses extremely high technical and safety requirements for the excavation of the foundation pit, the start and reception of the shield machine, etc.

Urban construction area restrictions: Part of the first section of the project is located in the urban built-up area, with dense surrounding buildings and pipelines, significant pressure from traffic diversion, and narrow construction sites. This poses severe challenges to civilized construction, environmental protection, and noise control.

High technical standards and tight schedule: As a urban rail transit project, the quality requirements are extremely strict. At the same time, in order to realize the "metro dream" of the citizens as soon as possible, the project schedule is tight, and efficient organization management and resource allocation are required.

Construction across existing lines and structures: The project involves intersections and connections with existing municipal facilities, roads, and bridges, which are difficult to coordinate and have high safety risks.

Innovative management and technical breakthroughs 

Facing numerous challenges, the project management department of the 16th Line of Wuhan Rail Transit of China Railway No. 24 Bureau adhered to the concept of "excellence in every detail, quality first", and launched a series of highly effective breakthrough actions: 

Smart Construction Site, Scientific Management: The project department has fully adopted the "smart construction site" management system, utilizing BIM technology for three-dimensional modeling and construction simulation to anticipate and resolve issues such as pipeline conflicts and space collisions in advance. Through the Internet of Things and big data platforms, real-time monitoring and intelligent scheduling of personnel, machinery, materials, methods, and environment on the construction site have been carried out, significantly improving management efficiency and the scientific nature of decision-making.

Technology Leadership, Overcoming Challenges: In response to complex geological conditions, the project technical team conducted repeated studies and adopted advanced pile construction techniques such as "rotary drilling machine + full pipe follow-up", ensuring the high-quality and efficient completion of the pile foundation project. In deep foundation pit construction, an automated monitoring system was used to conduct 24-hour continuous monitoring of the displacement and stress of the support structure, ensuring the safety and controllability of the entire construction process.

Green Construction, Harmonious Coexistence: To minimize the impact on residents' lives and the environment, the project department strictly implemented the "seven hundred percent" dust control standards, setting up high-standard fences, spray water systems for dust reduction, and noise monitoring equipment. By optimizing the construction plan, using low-noise equipment, and actively communicating with the community, it won the understanding and support of surrounding residents, achieving the harmonious coexistence of the project and the city.

Party Building Leadership, Forging an Iron Army: The project department adheres to "branch established in the project", fully leveraging the combat fortress role of the Party organization and the vanguard and exemplary role of Party members. Through activities such as labor competitions and skills competitions, a "compete, learn, catch up, help, and surpass" atmosphere has been created, forging a "steel army" team that is capable of taking on tough tasks and achieving victory.

Outstanding Achievements and Social Benefits 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of all the construction workers, the No. 1 Segment Project of Wuhan Rail Transit Line 16 of China Railway No. 24 Bureau has achieved remarkable accomplishments: 

Zero accidents in safety: Throughout the entire construction period, the ambitious goal of achieving "zero accidents" in safe production was successfully accomplished.

Quality excellence: The acceptance rate of all projects was 100%, and many sub-projects were rated as high-quality model projects.

On-time performance: Despite the adverse impacts of the epidemic and other factors, key milestones were completed on time or ahead of schedule, effectively ensuring the full opening of Line 16.

Social recognition: The high standards of construction and humanized management of the project have received high praise from the Wuhan municipal government, the owner's unit, and all sectors of society.

Now, Wuhan Rail Transit Line 16 is speeding through the land of the city, not only a transportation line, but also a development line, scenic line and happiness line. The project manager's department of the 1st section of Wuhan Rail Transit Line 16 of China Railway No. 24 Bureau has perfectly interpreted the enterprise spirit of "pioneering leaders" with its professional strength, responsible attitude and hardworking spirit, contributing to the convenient travel of Wuhan citizens, and also writing a significant chapter in the history of China Railway Construction's rail transit construction in Central China.