From November 15 to 17, 2024, the Second Academic Conference on Long-Span Bridge Safety, Longevity, and Health Operation was successfully held in Nanjing. The event was organized by the National Key Laboratory for Long-Span Bridge Safety, Longevity, and Health Operation and co-hosted by Southeast University, Jiangsu Communications Holding Co., Ltd., Suzhou Sutek Group Co., Ltd., CCCC Highway Consultants Co., Ltd., and the Ministry of Transport Highway Science Research Institute. Datong, as a co-organizer of this event, actively participated in the conference, which attracted over 300 experts, scholars, and industry representatives from universities, design institutes, inspection agencies, and equipment manufacturers.The conference aimed to respond to President Xi Jinping’s directive to “strive to build safe engineering projects and effectively manage and utilize large bridges.” It focused on key scientific and technological challenges in the safety, longevity, and health operation of long-span bridges, promoting innovation in this field in China.

The opening ceremony was held on the morning of November 16. Speeches were delivered by Conference Chairperson and National Key Laboratory Director, Academician Zhang Xigang from the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Vice President of Southeast University, Zhong Wenqi; and Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Transportation, Ling Yaochu. They reviewed the laboratory’s achievements over the past year and outlined future directions. The ceremony was hosted by Guo Tong, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering at Southeast University and Deputy Director of the National Key Laboratory.

The conference featured 13 plenary reports and 28 breakout session reports, held throughout November 16 and the morning of November 17.During the plenary sessions, 13 renowned bridge experts delivered presentations on topics such as bridge monitoring and early warning, wind-induced vibration analysis, prestressed structural safety theories, ultra-high-performance concrete applications, fiber-reinforced self-sensing materials, and high-performance steel components. These presentations provided attendees with valuable insights into research achievements and future trends.The breakout sessions focused on specialized topics, including:

• “Safety, Toughness, and Span Breakthroughs in Long-Span Bridges,”

• “Performance Evolution and Service Life Extension of Long-Span Bridges,”

• “Sensing, Diagnosis, and Health Operation of Long-Span Bridges,”

• “Technological Innovation and Discipline Development in Long-Span Bridges.”

Attendees also visited the National Key Laboratory at Southeast University and Suzhou Sutek Group’s National Key Laboratory, gaining a deeper understanding of the practical importance and future prospects of safety, longevity, and health operation technologies in large bridges.

On the morning of November 17, our company’s Chief Engineer, Luo Qi, presented a report titled “Technological Innovation and Application of Key Bridge Components.” The report highlighted the critical role of bridge bearings in ensuring the structural integrity and lifespan of bridges. It introduced innovative approaches combining novel structures, advanced materials, and digital technologies to improve the durability of bearings for long-span bridges, supported by experimental and practical validations.

The conference also included promotional booths, showcasing information and products from participating companies. Our company actively engaged with participants, demonstrating our technical capabilities and research achievements in bridge safety, longevity, and health operation. In-depth discussions were held with several professors on the development of new isolation and damping components, as well as intelligent monitoring systems. These interactions enriched our perspectives and provided valuable academic guidance for future research and development.

The conference concluded successfully on November 17. Datong will continue to forge ahead, strengthening collaboration with experts, research institutions, design firms, and construction teams. We remain committed to innovation in the fields of structural safety, service life assurance, and health operation for long-span bridges, contributing to the advancement of safety and longevity technologies in China’s bridge industry.