Innovation and Prospect of Key Technologies of Immersed Tunnels in China（中国沉管法隧道典型工程实例及技术创新与展望）

In this paper, the application status of foundation trench excavation and navigation channel dredging, dry dock construction, element precasting, element transport, element mooring, element immersion, joint treatment and foundation treatment of several typical immersed tunnels in China are introduced. And then the Honggu Immersed Tunnel in Nanchang and subsea tunnel of island tunnel project of Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge are taken as examples; and some innovations of key technologies, i.e. key construction technology, element transport and immersed technology, differential settlement control technology for element immersion, subsea connection technology, and subsea space development and subsea harbor construction technology, are summarized for river crossing and sea crossing immersed tunnels. Finally, the development trends of immersed tunnels are prospected based on new technologies and equipments from the aspects of prolongation of immersed tunnel, field breakthrough, urban construction promoting and traffic demand adding of cities along rivers and seas. The results can provide reference for construction and popularization of immersed tunnels.     

Representative Projects and Development Trend of Underwater Shield Tunnels in China（我国水下盾构隧道代表性工程与发展趋势）

In the 21st century, the underwater tunnels have advanced rapidly in China. A large number of projects, completed or ongoing, have greatly promoted the advancement of underwater shield tunnel technologies in China and in the world. The development history of the underwater tunnels in China is summarized, and the technical challenges and breakthroughs encountered and achieved during the construction of many tunnels are presented, as represented by Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel and Shiziyang Tunnel of Guangzhou Shenzhen Hong Kong High speed Railway. The characteristics and challenges of some representative underwater tunnels during construction, including Road Railway Yangtze River Tunnel in Sanyang Road, Shiziyang Tunnel of Foshan Dongguan Intercity Railway, Yangtze River Tunnel of Suzhou Nantong UHV Power Transmission and Transformation Project; and projects to be constructed, such as Pearl River Estuary Tunnel of Shenzhen Maoming Railway, Shantou Bay Subsea Tunnel of Shantou Shanwei High speed Railway, and Nanjing Heyan Road Yangtze River Tunnel, are presented as well. The development trend of China′s underwater shield tunnels, including from single soft soil formation to complex soil formation, from large diameter to super large diameter, from medium water pressure to high and ultra high water pressure, from ordinary to special and unfavorable geological conditions, from seismic regions with moderate intensity to those with high intensity, and from single construction method to combination of multiple methods, are analyzed. It is pointed out that the technical fields still require further study and innovation, and the areas still require further enhancement and innovation, such as the norms, codes, designs, constructions, equipment, materials and management.     

Study of Engineering Geological Conditions and Railway Tunnel Scheme across Qiongzhou Strait（琼州海峡工程地质条件及铁路隧道方案研究）

The cross sea channel for the Qiongzhou Strait not only provides a solution for transportation, but also plays an important role in the political and economic development of the region. In addition, the project has an extensive impact on many fields, such as energy, national defense, science and technology, opening up and reform, comprehensive utilization and so on. It is a significant project to enhance China′s comprehensive national strength, defend the country′s territorial integrity and promote regional economic development. The geological conditions across the Qiongzhou Strait are complex. A large amount of existing engineering geological information and hydrogeological data are collected, based on which the seismic impact on subsea tunnels and the main geological conditions including tectonic structures are analyzed. Different options crossing the Qiongzhou Strait have been considered and compared in terms of engineering geology, environmental condition, as well as the construction feasibility. The analystical results indicate that a subsea tunnel has more advantages over a bridge. Because more complicated technical difficulties have to be solved for a highway tunnel which would potentially increase construction and operation costs, a railway tunnel scheme is recommended. Vehicles can be carried by trains through the Qiongzhou Strait railway tunnel. Based on the seabed topography and geological conditions, four preliminary railway tunnel routes are proposed. After a comprehensive comparative analysis, the railway tunnel route Ⅱ is identified to be superior to other alternatives and should be the basis for determining the final tunnel layout. The proposed tunnel cross section includes two railway tunnels and one service tunnel. All the three tunnels have the same structural form and dimension and will be constructed by shield.     

Achievements and Challenges of Tunneling Technology in China over Past 40 Years（中国隧道工程技术发展40年）

In this paper, the current situation of tunnel engineering in China is introduced, especially the achievements obtained in the field of tunnel construction since the reform and opening up over 40 years. The 34 708 km long traffic tunnel built after reform and opening up takes 96% of the total length. The challenges met and achievements obtained during the key tunnel projects construction in China are presented emphatically from the aspects of extra long tunnel, deep tunnel, large tunnel, tunnel at high altitude and tunnel in complex environment. It is pointed out that: the main technological challenges during extra long tunnel construction are the accuracy of geological investigation, rapid construction and running disaster prevention; the main challenges during deep tunnel construction are high geostress, high waterpressure and high geothermal; the large tunnel faces high design and construction challenges; the challenges during tunnel construction at high altitude are freezing thawing and hypoxia; but still, many tunnels have been built under complex environments, including karst, gas, high geostress, high waterpressure, expansive rock, etc., and many technological breakthroughs have been achieved. The development trend of tunnel projects in China is proposed from the aspects of investigation, design, construction and operation, turning the development speed into development quality. It is generally acknowledged that the tunnel engineering achievements in China over the past 40 years benefit significantly from the development of international tunnel technology. Meanwhile, the development of tunneling technology in China has also greatly contributed to the international tunnel engineering development.     

Fully Prefabricated Assembling Technology of Tsinghuayuan  Tunnel in Beijing Zhangjiakou High speed Railway（京张高铁清华园隧道轨下结构预制拼装技术）

Tsinghuayuan Tunnel of Beijing Zhangjiakou High speed Railway is the first fully prefabricated high speed railway tunnel in China. The supporting structure, subrail structure, and subsidiary structure of Tsinghuayuan Tunnel are all prefabricated in the factory. The strength, deformation and stability of subrail structure are analyzed by numerical simulation method; a kind of three block type of subrail prefabricated structure is put forward according to prefabricated assembling technology; and the subrail space is used to ventilate and rescue under the stability condition. The connection between subrail structure and shield segment is the key to fully prefabricated assembling technology. By introducing the grouting technology and construction keys of subrail structure, the stress on subrail structure and shield segment can be balanced. The results can provide reference for similar projects in the future.     

State of art and Prospectives of Urban Utility Tunnels in China（我国城市综合管廊建设发展现状与未来发展趋势）

Based on the introduction of the history and typical projects, the state of art of urban utility tunnels in China are mainly discussed in terms of construction mode, planning and design, construction and operation management. Then the significant technologies used for utility tunnels in China such as the green construction concept, intensive planning/design concept, intensive planning/design method, formwork slipping technology, precast/assembly technology and BIM based intelligent management technology and so on are elaborated. Finally, prospectives of utility tunnels in China are presented.     

Main Construction Technical Difficulties and Solutions of  Shenzhen Chunfeng Tunnel（深圳春风隧道主要施工技术难题与解决方案）

Shenzhen Chunfeng Tunnel is one of the shield tunnels under construction with the largest diameter in mainland of China. The whole tunnel passes through the coastal composite stratum, with rock from broken to integral, and the strength of some sections reaches 173 MPa. The tunnel under crosses the railway, subway, bridge and multiple buildings closely in a complex and sensitive environment. Combining the stratum situation and characteristics of large diameter shield machine, the problems that will be faced during the construction process, including low rock breaking efficiency of shield machine, discharge stagnation and jamming of the chamber, settlement control in sensitive environment, and impact of large diameter shield segment floating, cracking and construction on urban traffic, are analyzed. Based on the engineering experience, the following solutions are proposed: a shield rock breaking efficiency solution for the complete extremely hard rock section, settlement control measures for adjacent buildings and structures of shield driven tunnels, solutions for jamming and discharge stagnation of large diameter slurry shield, comprehensive measures for prevention and control of shield segment floating and cracking, and a slag treatment plan for downtown areas. Chunfeng Tunnel tests the wisdom of Chinese builders with its tremendous volume and strict construction standards, and it also has certain reference significance for other similar projects.     

Construction Technologies for Tunnels in Special and  Complicated Geology of Lanzhou Chongqing Railway（兰渝铁路特殊复杂地质隧道修建技术）

Lanzhou Chongqing Railway is located in the uplift margin of the Tibetan Plateau, where the geological environment is very complicated and special. Based on numerical analysis and field tests, the physical and mechanical properties, micro structure, and complicated water related stability of the Tertiary sandstone are studied. A comprehensive dewatering system integrating deep surface wells and vacuum light well points in tunnel is used and the construction technique featured with advance reinforcement by horizontal jet grouting for the full face of aquiferous silty fine sand tunnels is invented to solve the problem of the Tertiary quick sand. In addition, the classification method for deformation potentiality in design and dynamic adjustment in construction of tunnels in high geostress soft rock is established, the deformation control technology combining active stress release and passive control according to the deformation mechanism is developed, an automatic real time monitoring system for operation is invented, and a complete technological system of design, construction, and operation management of soft rock tunnels is built. Moreover, the TBM equipment parameter design principles are put forward, the parallel lining and multi stage belt conveyor mucking system is researched, the phased ventilation technology is invented and thus the problem of safe and fast long distance construction by large diameter TBMs is solved. The technological achievements have filled in gaps and facilitated development of the tunnel construction technology.     

Innovation and Practice of Hard Rock TBM in China（我国硬岩掘进机的创新与实践）

In recent years, with the help of good national policy support, the design, manufacturing and construction technology for tunnel boring machine (TBM) in China have been greatly improved; but compared with foreign relatively proven technology, there is still a certain gap for domestic technology development and engineering application. Based on the situation analysis of research and application of TBM in China and abroad, the research work for TBM design is carried out according to the complex geological conditions of Gaoligongshan Tunnel on Dali Ruili Railway as follows. (1) The prototype disc cutter rock breaking and scaled disc cutter wearing experiment are carried out to provide reference for adaptable design of TBM cutterhead and key parameter calculation. (2) The TBM design scheme is discussed from the aspects of high efficiency rock breaking of cutters and cutterhead, TBM over excavation, integrated support system, etc. (3) Two kinds of advanced geological prediction technology, i.e. HSP method and RTP method, are researched. The study results can provide reference for design and manufacture of TBM with high adaptability in complex geology and construction application in Gaoligongshan Tunnel.     

General Design of Shenzhen Zhongshan River crossing Link Project（深圳至中山跨江通道工程总体设计）

Shenzhen Zhongshan River crossing Link is the first super integrated project in the world that consists of four different types of structures, i.e. ultra long and wide immersed tunnels, super large span sea crossing bridges, deep water artificial islands and undersea interchanges. The river crossing is designed for two way and 8 lane as per highway technical standards. Based on project characteristics and its technical difficulties, engineering solutions and the associated technology innovations have been listed as follows: (1) Proposed a design concept of standardization, industrialization, intelligence and project integration, and completed the study of overall design of Shenzhen Zhongshan River Crossing Link. An immersed tunnel with a combined steel shell and concrete composite structure is designed and the width of tunnel elements is from 46 to 55.5 m; Lingdingyang Bridge has been designed as a suspension bridge with a 1 666 m main span and two 270 m high main bridge towers. For West Island, a temporary enclosure caisson structure made of ultra large steel cylinders with a diameter of 28 m is designed to achieve a rapid artificial island formation. (2) Summarized the design and construction solutions related to combined steel shell and concrete structural immersed tunnel, the mix design, batching and concrete casting methods of high strength self compacting fluidized concrete, concrete quality check and inspection, design and construction of deep cement mixed (DCM) pile foundation for immersed tunnels, design and construction of large scale undersea dimensional transport interchange, flutter and wind stability design for super large span suspension bridge with monobox girders, and key techniques related to design and construction of offshore anchorage in deep sea. Furthermore, an equipment is developed and innovated for not only transport, also for installation of immersed tunnel elements to ensure the implementation of the project in an effective and economical way.     

Design and Application of Double shield TBMs  for Urban Metro Tunnels（城市地铁双护盾TBM设计及应用）

With reference to the construction conditions and features of metro tunnels, the design features of double shield TBMs are analyzed and key issues to be considered and settled when a double shield TBMs is used for metro tunnel construction are proposed. The issues include cutterhead′s rock breaking capacity, small curve excavation, selection of backfill grouting technology and jamming prevention and release function in fault and fracture zone, etc., which all have a direct effect on the geological adaptability, tunnel lining quality and tunneling performance of double shield TBMs. Subsequently, the specific design and optimization scheme, which includes the design of cutterhead thick steel plates, tapered shield, monorail hoist and pea gravel backfill and cement slurry grouting, etc., are studied. The success of double shield TBMs in Shenzhen Metro project well proved its remarkable geological adaptability and advantages in efficient mechanized construction.     

Scientific and Technological Innovation and Operation related Issues for Island Tunnel of Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Fixed Link Project（港珠澳大桥岛隧工程建设的科技创新和 运营后应关注的若干问题）

The author explains why a giant undersea immersed tube tunnel was selected for the sea area of the main channel of the east side of the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Fixed Link Project, instead of employing a bridge or shield tunnel; and summarizes several domestic and international leading innovative technologies applied in the island tunnel construction of the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Fixed Link Project, including the use of huge self stabilized steel cylinders as retaining structure of foundation pits for constructing the artificial islands, the large area and ultra deep "sand compaction pile (SCP) composite foundation" reinforcement technology, "semi rigid segment joints", "sandwich" steel RC combined inverted trapezoid closure joints, and crack control and anti corrosion/durability design for RC tube structure. All these technologies reflect Chinese wisdom and Chinese speed. The author also points out some technical issues to which attention should be paid after the immersed tube tunnel of the project is put into operation: （1） Will the post construction settlement and differential settlement of the immersed tube tunnel further develop after the project is open to traffic? How much is the final convergence value? If it exceeds the limit, what control measures should be taken?（2） How to deal with the issue that the joints of large/small elements or segments are open? How to ensure that all the large and small joints between segments of the tube are "watertight"? Furthermore, the author presents some suggestions and control measures: （1） For excessive post construction settlement (especially differential settlement) spotted on large joints, it is suggested to incorporate "micro disturbance grouting" for post treatment. （2） If a joint opens under the excessive positive bending moment at the floor slab, it is believed that the open joint on the floor slab can be closed again by cutting off some prestressed tendons in the roof slab of the segment to reduce the positive bending moment of the section.     

Key Technology of Sea crossing Interval Tunnel in Complex  Environment Design of Xiamen Rail Transit Line 3（厦门轨道交通3号线复杂环境过海区间隧道设计关键技术）

A sea crossing tunnel is generally large in scale, having a complex site environment, and lack of engineering experience. The success of the project is directly related to the design plan. At present, no metro sea crossing tunnel havd been built in mainland, and the design standard and technology of the sea crossing tunnel are not studied throughly. The key technology of long and large sea crossing metro tunnel design, including construction method selection, cross section design, waterproofing and drainage system design, response to complex environment in sea area, durability design, ventilation and evacuation are analyzd with methods of geological analysis, engineering analogy and comprehensive comparison based on the sea crossing tunnel of Xiamen Rail Transit Line 3. A combination of shield and mining methods is proposed for the geological conditions of different sections. The drainage system of the mining section can be maintained by applying advanced grouting to control displacement. The complex geology of the sea area is considered in the targeted design, including a deep weathering trough, a water rich sand layer, a hard rock and uneven stratum, and the development of solitary rocks. The durability design of the tunnel structure and the limit of the bearing capacity are treated equally to consider safety reserve. The tunnel adopts sectioned longitudinal ventilation and smoke extraction mode, and contains ventilation shafts and civil smoke extraction air shafts on shore to prevent disasters. The conclusions can provide technical support for tunnel scheme decision and reference for similar projects.     

Study of Collaborative Management of Intelligent Highway Tunnel（智慧公路隧道协同管理研究）

Aiming to solve the problems of collaborative management of intelligent tunnel and tunnel management under different traffic conditions, the tunnel is regarded as a part of highway, and five features of the intelligence are proposed from the definition of intelligence. In order to realize a collaborative management of intelligent highway tunnel, the spatial extent of tunnel is defined at first. Then, a collaborative management road topology based on road critical nodes is proposed; and a holographic collaborative control information system based on tunnel structure, facilities, vehicle, operation, management, and environment is established. Finally, collaborative control of people, cars, roads and environment could be realized, so as to improve the management level of the intelligent highway tunnels.     

The Current Status and Some Problems of Slurry Shield in China（中国泥水盾构使用现状及若干问题）

For recent ten years, the slurry shield tunnelling technology has been widely used in major underneath river/ocean tunnels and urban metro constructions in China. With the gradual maturity of the slurry shield technology, especially the large diameter slurry shield technology, the numbers of projects and shield machines have been among the highest in the world. However, great challenges arise during the construction of the slurry shield projects under complex geological conditions, such as the stability of the excavation face, cutting tool abrasion, opening the chamber and repairing the machine, slurry circulation with slag, and remanufacturing of the shield. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the development of slurry shield construction technology in China. Based on typical cases of slurry shield projects, this study analysed the main problems of the slurry shield in the construction process and summarised the current experiences and key technologies. Considering the actual situation of the slurry shield technology, this study clarifies its development direction in China, which is significant to promote the development of the slurry shield technology in the world.     

Current Status and Development Trend of Urban Underground Space in China（我国城市地下空间利用现状及发展趋势）

The development and utilization of urban underground space is an important way to alleviate the shortage of urban resources, improve the environmental conditions and the quality of life of residents. It has important practical significance. The status of underground space utilization in China and other countries and the problems that need to be solved in China are analyzed. Combined with the general trend of intelligent, green, deep and comprehensive development of urban underground space, several suggestions for the development of underground space in China are put forward. Based on the characteristics of the development of underground space in foreign cities, the status quo of domestic underground commercial street, underground road and parking system, subway, integrated pipe gallery, underground complex, underground municipal system, underground storage and logistics systems, relevant laws and regulations and standard specifications are analyzed, respectively. The shortcomings of laws and regulations, management mechanism, urban planning, development protection, information sharing, disaster prevention and investment and financing mode in the development and utilization of underground space in China are analyzed in depth. Combined with the general trend of development of intelligent, green, deep and integrated development of underground space, it is proposed that in addition to the theoretical system and key technologies for the development of underground space, comprehensive management, overall planning, innovative investment and financing, income models and policies and laws that are in line with national conditions are needed.     

Design Standard for Thermal Insulation and Drainage Facilities of Railway Tunnels in Cold Regions（寒区铁路隧道保温排水设施设计标准研究）

Targeted to the issue of lacking of systematic design standards for thermal insulation and drainage facilities of railway tunnels in cold regions, the authors propose the method of design division of railway tunnels in cold regions based on the division of cold regions, the current technical status of thermal insulation and drainage in tunnels, and the investigation on some tunnel freezing damage cases in northeastern China and the northern part of North China. Through analyzing the application conditions of the thermal insulation and drainage facilities and combining the measured temperatures in the operating tunnels and drainage facilities, the authors propose the suggested length for the thermal insulation and drainage facilities of tunnels in cold regions in different divisions. The results show that: (1)railway tunnels in cold regions may be classified into 5 divisions based on annual average temperature and average temperature in the coldest month; (2)the elevated thermal insulation ditch only adapts to the cold regions with a higher temperature; (3)an effective measure for thermal insulation and drainage in cold regions is to embed ditches into structures within a certain range from the portal; (4)the ditches may be arranged in structures for the trunk section of long tunnels equipped with thermal insulation measures; (5)for the tunnels with the necessary conditions available, the double spur grade and a steep gradient in the longitudinal slope may be applied, which is beneficial to improving drainage conditions and preventing the ditch from freezing.     

Key Construction Technologies for Overlapping Twisted Shield bored Tunnels in Weak Water rich Strata(富水软弱地层中麻花型盾构隧道群施工关键技术)

The project under study is an overlapping twisted shield bored tunnels in weak water rich strata. The purpose of the study is to solve the key technological problems in the construction of the project. The optimal construction sequence of the overlapping twisted shield tunnels is determined according to the engineering geological conditions, the surrounding working environment, and theoretical analysis on the spatial relationship of the four tunnels, and verification control are carried out via monitoring means. The tunnel construction is properly timed, smart self propelled movable support jumbo is adopted, and grouting reinforcement technology is used to ensure the construction safety of the overlapping twisted shield bored tunnels. The grouting pre reinforcement technology and the clay shock technology are adopted to ensure the safety of the surrounding buildings. The technologies for the construction of the overlapping twisted shield bored tunnels described in this paper is of great significance for the construction of similar overlapping tunnels with high shield launching/receiving risks and crossing under important structures with small clearance.     

Key Design Technologies for Cutter Replacing of Super large  Slurry Shield under Atmaspheric condition: Case Studies of Shantou Gulf Tunnel and Shenzhen Chunfeng Tunnel（超大直径泥水盾构常压换刀设计关键技术——以汕头海湾隧道及深圳春风隧道为例）

By analyzing the application cases of super large diameter shield machine in the world and taking China Shantou Gulf Tunnel and Shenzhen Chunfeng Tunnel construction for examples, the problems encountered in the research and development and construction are proposed and the key technologies to solve a series of problems, such as cutterhead maintenance and cutter changing technology under high soil and water pressure, boring in long fractured zone, are explored. More specifically, the technologies mainly involve cutterhead design, atmospheric cutter changing, main drive with telescopic and swinging function, reliable sealing system, anti blockage technique by applying double crushers, which are of great significance to the development and application of super large diameter shield machine.     

Reflections on Construction of Bohai Bay Crossing Corridor（对兴建渤海海峡跨海通道有关问题的思考）

The author discusses the necessity and urgency of constructing the Bohai Bay Crossing Corridor from the following aspects such as the increasing traffic volume, the convenience of the transportation after the corridor is constructed, and the regional benefit brought by the corridor. As for the timing of the construction of the sea crossing corridor, the author thinks that as long as the national economic situation permits and relevant conditions are basically available, the preliminary work should be carried out as soon as possible so as to promote the early commencement of the construction. Regarding the proposal of building another coastal national highway/high speed railway along the Bohai Bay coast, the author puts forward his viewpoints. In the aspect of construction risks, the author thinks that the geological risks in the construction of the Bohai Bay Crossing Corridor are very difficult to be dealt with; therefore, strict and detailed risk assessment should be carried out, and effective safety measures should be taken to mitigate the risks. The author also briefly describes the technological advantages of the tunnel proposal selected for the Bohai Bay Crossing Corridor, and briefly analyzes some key technological issues in the tunnel construction. The author describes the construction scheme and construction period estimation for the sea crossing corridor in details. The author makes the following proposal are given: (1)the hard rock tunnel boring machine (TBM) assisted by the drilling and blasting method should be used for the construction of the long sea crossing tunnel of Bohai Bay Crossing Corridor; (2) a parallel service tunnel shall be arranged between the twin main tunnel tubes; (3) in Proposal 2, the diameters of the twin main tunnel tubes and the service tunnel should be 8.0 m and 55 m, respectively. The proposal has two optional solutions: Solution 1: The service tunnel ( 55 m) located between the main tunnel tubes will be constructed first; for the main tunnel tubes, the disassembled TBMs ( 8 m) and the backup gantries are assembled for tunneling after arriving at the main tunnel tubes through the service tunnel and the cross passage; Solution 2 (alternative): Tunneling with  55 m TBM is carried out; the  55 m TBM will be dismantled to pass through the cross passage, and then be re assembled after arriving at the main tunnel; the start section (180 m) of main tunnel tube will be formed by  55 m TBM before it is enlarged to  8 m by drilling and blasting method; or the cross passage is enlarged to a large curved space to allow the 5.5 m TBM passing throught without disassembly. Comparison and contrast will be made and the preferred solution will be adopted. According to the rough estimation on the construction period of the 125 km long sea crossing tunnel, the total construction period of "completed tunnel" will be about 19 years (including 5 years of detailed offshore investigation) in Solution 1.