The ship lift at the Three-Gorges-Dam in China - Construction of the world's largest elevator

With a total height of 169 m, a maximal lifting height of 113 m and moved masses of approx. 33 000 t, the ship lift at the Three-Gorges-Dam in China will be the largest of its kind worldwide. The entire structure is nearing completion. Operational testing started in 2015. Located parallel to the existing fully operating five stage ship lock at the 2,3 km long barrage, the ship-lift consists of four RC towers. A steely, water filled ship chamber with 132 m length, 23 m width and 10,5 m height will lift ships with a max. water displacement of 3 000 t. The construction gains its flexibility from an innovative combination of structural and mechanical parts. Since 2008 the ship lift structure was erected by climbing formwork. Due to the tolerances demanded by the embedded parts of the mechanical drive system, a special procedure of 1st and 2nd stage concrete and grouting had to be developed. The article describes the structural aspects of the project with focus on the execution.