Straddling the Rambler Channel at the entrance to Hong Kong’s busy Kwai Chung Container Port, the Stonecutters Bridge will be one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world when completed in 2009. Its clear span is 1018 metres and total length 1596metres. Suspended from two 295metre-high single-pole towers, the deck is high enough to allow next-generation super-container vessels to pass safely below.

Both towers are steel-concrete composite structures with duplex 2205 stainless steel supplied by Outokumpu enveloping the top 118metres. As well as providing stiffness and damping for this engineering masterpiece, Outokumpu’s duplex steel also makes the top sections maintenance-free – a major financial saving for the bridge owners.

Materials consulting by Arup was instrumental in introducing the duplex concept to the bridge project, and engineers selected the 2205 grade because of its high strength and proven qualities in hot and humid maritime conditions.

Outokumpu completed delivery of approximately 2000tons of customised duplex 2205 pipe and plate sizes with a 1K surface in late summer 2006. With the stainless steel skin on the East Tower now completed, the construction of an astonishing bridge and a new Hong Kong landmark is well on its way to completion.

Outokumpu is based in Stockholm, Sweden. www.outokumpu.com