ABSTRACT

In this paper, the behaviors of the ground-tunnel interface of submerged floating tunnels (SFTs) and traditional bored subsea tunnels are investigated through numerical analyses. The analyses consider both permanent loads (self-weight, hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy etc.) and environmental loads (currents, waves, tides etc.). In order to simulate accurate subsea conditions, the magnitude, influence factors, governing formula and characteristics of each load type are discussed and determined. The analyses show the maximum stress and maximum displacement distributions along the ground-tunnel interface. The results can be used to suggest a three-dimensional ground reinforcement scheme based on additional stiffness requirements and ground deformation ranges.