By the banks of the Yangtze River in Yichang, the drill bits of XCMG rotary drilling rigs steadily penetrated the earth, marking a critical milestone for this world-class engineering project.

The bridge construction faced multiple challenges, including gravel layers, highly weathered sandstone, and extremely hard rock formations, with single piles exceeding 80 meters in depth and 3 meters in diameter—demanding unparalleled precision in borehole completion. The bridge site is adjacent to the existing Yichang-Wanzhou Railway Bridge and spans the core conservation zone of Chinese sturgeon, imposing stringent ecological protection requirements.

Numerous technical hurdles stood in the way, placing unprecedented demands on the performance and reliability of construction equipment.

Confronted with formidable geological challenges and tight deadlines, the XCMG XR580HD and XR580 rotary drilling rigs emerged as "rock-breaking blades," tackling the difficulties with superior performance and innovative technology.

On-site, four XCMG XR580HD and two XR580F rigs adapted to the Yangtze’s water level fluctuations, seizing the dry season to complete each pile in just 4-5 days. The XR580F, designed for large-scale foundation projects such as high-rise buildings, high-speed railways, and cross-river/sea bridges, excels in deep, large-diameter, and hard-rock drilling with high efficiency and easy transportability.

"XCMG’s equipment far exceeded expectations in hard rock drilling efficiency, and its intelligent verticality adjustment ensured a 100% compliance rate for the piles," said the project manager. "What XCMG has laid for this bridge is not just a foundation—it’s the confidence of Chinese manufacturing."

Beneath the 80-meter-deep piles, each "pillar of stability" forged by XCMG’s heavy machinery not only provides unshakable support for the Yichang Yangtze River Rail-Road Bridge but will also uphold a future world-class integrated rail-road transport hub.

Once completed, the Yichang-Fuling High-Speed Railway will cut travel time from Yichang to Chongqing from 4.5 hours to just 2 hours. As a key component of the Yangtze River Economic Belt’s comprehensive transport corridor, the bridge will enhance China’s railway network, boost regional development, and improve Yichang’s river-crossing infrastructure and urban growth.