Structural Aspects of Submerged Tube Tunnel Construction

In this paper comparisons are drawn between the various techniques employed in the two basic systems of submerged tube tunnel construction and conclusions are drawn on the relative merits of these methods. Tables giving details of existing submerged tube tunnels are included. The selection of the cross-section shape and the structural design of the tunnel are considered and a number of special structural problems are discussed including foundation design and the jointing of tunnel units. Temporary works are also reviewed and particularly the effect of forces on tunnel units during the handling and sinking operations and the problems of integrating the normal design and construction duties. Alternative methods of fabricating the tunnel units either in a casting basin or on a slipway are compared.

G.M.J. Williams and K.W. Innes