At the bustling construction site of the Qin-Shen Expressway (Qinhuangdao to Shenyang), a modern, smart beam yard stands out as a remarkable highlight. Unlike traditional precast beam yards filled with lively chatter and the roar of machinery, this facility relies instead on the precise operation of intelligent equipment and real-time control from advanced digital systems. Built by Dongfeng Rail, the smart beam yard is injecting fresh momentum into the high-quality construction of this vital transportation artery—with its cutting-edge technology leading the way.

Empowering with intelligence, revolutionizing the traditional beam-making model

Traditional precast beam yards commonly suffer from issues such as low production efficiency, quality control heavily reliant on manual processes, and numerous safety risks. Dongfeng Rail's Smart Beam Yard, however, has achieved a comprehensive upgrade of the beam-production process by integrating advanced technologies like IoT, big data, and BIM.

"The project leader of the Dongfeng Rail Transit project introduced, 'We have built a fully intelligent production line that covers everything from rebar processing to concrete pouring, curing, tensioning, and grouting.'" At the smart beam yard, each precast beam is assigned a unique "ID card," with its entire lifecycle—from production to installation—recorded and tracked via a QR code.

Precision and efficiency—building quality projects

In the prefabrication of precast beams required for the Qin-Shen Expressway project, the smart beam yard has demonstrated significant advantages:

The intelligent production line has automated more than 90% of key processes, boosting productivity by approximately 30% while reducing labor costs by 25%.

The steam curing system automatically adjusts temperature and humidity according to environmental conditions, ensuring stable and controllable concrete strength.

Intelligent tensioning technology enables precise application of prestress, with errors controlled within 1%, significantly lower than the 5% requirement stipulated by standards.

The quality traceability system fully records the production data of each beam, enabling quick identification and tracing of any quality issues.

These technological measures ensured the safe, high-quality, and efficient production of prefabricated beams required for the Qin-Shen Expressway, providing a solid guarantee for the project's overall progress.

Green safety sets a new industry benchmark.

Compared to traditional beam yards, the Dongfeng Rail-based Smart Beam Yard also excels in environmental protection and safety management:

The facility is equipped with dust and noise monitoring systems, as well as wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, enabling zero discharge of effluent and controlled dust levels.

Large-scale equipment is equipped with safety monitoring devices, and electronic fences are installed in hazardous areas to effectively prevent safety incidents.

Through an intelligent scheduling system, optimize material transportation routes and reduce the risk of cross-operations within the site.

These measures not only ensure a green and low-carbon production process but also create a safer working environment for workers.

Support the Qin-Shen Expressway and advance the building of a transportation powerhouse.

The Qin-Shen Expressway, as a vital link connecting Northeast China with North China, plays a crucial role in boosting regional economic and social development. The successful implementation of the Dongfeng Rail Intelligent Beam Yard has provided robust technical support for this project, serving as a vivid example of the intelligent transformation in transportation infrastructure construction.

“Smart beam yards not only address the pain points of traditional precast beam production but also pave new pathways toward industrialized and intelligent beam manufacturing,” commented an industry expert. “This innovative model holds significant reference value for future highway construction.”

As China’s transportation infrastructure construction continues to advance toward high-quality development, the successful experience of Dongfeng Rail Intelligent Beam Yard is expected to be replicated in more projects, contributing greater intellectual strength to the nation’s drive toward becoming a transportation powerhouse.

In the future, Dongfeng Railways stated that it will continue to deepen its research and development of smart girder yard technologies, expand their application in bridge construction, and drive China’s transportation infrastructure development toward greater intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability.