A state-owned Qianshan-Hengqin construction company received a first-prize National Science & Technology Progress Award at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Jan 8.

The coveted honor went to CRCC Harbour & Channel Engineering Bureau Group for developing the theory, key technology, and engineering application of composite foundations. It is one of 23 first-place achievements recognized by the Chinese government.

The behemoth China Railway Construction Corp subsidiary registered Harbour & Channel Engineering Bureau Group in Hengqin New Area in July 2011. It was initially located at 189 Cuifeng St, Qianshan. Both Hengqin and Qianshan are in Xiangzhou District of Zhuhai.

The award-winning achievement is an outcome of teamwork with Zhejiang University of Science & Technology based on nearly 30 years' experience in soft-foundation treatment.  

CRCC Harbour & Channel Engineering Bureau Group [Photo courtesy hceb.crcc.cn]

The technology has been applied in 95 projects in 15 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions including 13 high-speed rail lines and more than 30 expressways. It has contributed to 3.5 billion yuan ($515 million) in economic benefits over the past three years.

The company has also formulated major domestic norms and standards related to composite foundations, filling a geotechnical engineering gap in China.

The award is meant is to engage domestic technicians in cutting-edge technologies, make breakthroughs, expand international cooperation, support economic development, and improve livelihoods.

National Science & Technology Award Conference [Photo courtesy news.cn]