Two scientific and technical achievements made by Tianjin Port Engineering Institute Limited of CCCC – First Harbor Engineering (CCCC-FHEC), Research on Underwater Loading Tests of Composite Foundations with Sand Compaction Piles for the West Artificial Island for Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao (HKZM) Bridge and Experimental Study of Stability of Non-Navigational Bridge Spans Against Waves and Tides between Artificial Island and Bridge Spans of Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao (HKZM) Bridge, were reviewed and appraised by Tianjin Municipal Science & Technology Evaluation Center on January 4^th, 2013 and were certified to have attained to the world advanced level.  

During the research on Underwater Loading Tests of Composite Foundations with Sand Compaction Piles for the West Artificial Island for Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macao (HKZM) Bridge, a series of methods were proposed for underwater loading tests, which are applicable for loading tests of composite foundations in offshore deep waters with larger loads and longer duration in the light of the features of the artificial islands for HKZM Bridge. The results of the research were successfully used in the designs of the sand compaction piles for the artificial island and tunneling projects for HKZM Bridge and the loading devices and the methods of measurement proposed in the research are promotable in other underwater static loading tests and underwater loading tests of composite foundations.

The experimental study of the stability of non-navigational bridge spans against waves and tides between the artificial islands and the bridge spans of the HKZM Bridge was conducted in view of the complex wave and tidal conditions at the location joining the artificial islands and the bridge spans. During the experimental study, the bridge structure and its adjacent structures were taken as an integral whole; six-component total wave force instruments were specially developed and used in the study; and distribution relationship of envelopes was established between the underside elevation of box girders and the stress relationship at wave heights with different recurrence periods. A 3D mathematical wave model was established to provide basis for optimizing design proposals. The research results of the study was also successfully used in the designs of the non-navigational bridge spans at the junctions with the east and west artificial islands for the HKZM Bridge and the research results can also be used in the analysis and calculation of the stability of similar offshore projects, producing significant social and economic benefits. ()