Route Selection for the Extension Line of Pinglu Canal: A Comparative Study

The Pinglu Canal, China’s first strategic river–sea transport canal, connects the inland waterway trunk line with the Beibu Gulf International Hub Port, while a diversion channel extension is needed for port development. This study proposed a comparative study of extension routes to Fangchenggang th...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Honglin Feng, Zhefei Jin, Xiao Chu, Weihan Wang, Haiyuan Yao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1266
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The Pinglu Canal, China’s first strategic river–sea transport canal, connects the inland waterway trunk line with the Beibu Gulf International Hub Port, while a diversion channel extension is needed for port development. This study proposed a comparative study of extension routes to Fangchenggang through qualitative analysis and quantitative modeling. Eventually, Route 4 is selected considering the engineering feasibility, ecological impact, and hydrodynamic modeling. It yields the lowest engineering cost, effectively bypasses the ecological protection red lines and cultural heritage areas, and only intersects the controllable ecological restoration zones in a limited manner. Hydrodynamic results show moderate tidal velocities, with maximum rising and falling speeds of 0.72–0.80 m/s and 0.72–0.86 m/s, respectively. The sediment deposition intensity (0.06 m/a) and total volume (58,600 m<sup>3</sup>/a) are generally lower than the other alternatives. The comparative study shares useful insights into canal route selection and would support the sustainable development of the logistics transportation system in Southwest China.
ISSN:2073-445X