New Technologies and Challenges in the Construction of the Immersed Tube Tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Link
Man Zhou, Xiaolong Su, Yaying Chen, Lin An
Abstract
The immersed tube tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Link spans a total length of approximately 6.7 km and is currently the longest concrete immersed highway tunnel in the world. The maximum depth of the tunnel is 45 m, which enables the smooth navigation of 300,000 tons of fully loaded tankers through the waterway above. Accordingly, the construction of the immersed tube tunnel of the Hong Kong Zhuhai-Macao Link is regarded as one of the most challenging tunnel projects in the world due to the poor geological conditions, the remarkable length of the tunnel section, the harsh construction conditions at sea, and the complicated stresses on the structures in the transition sections between the artificial islands and the immersed tunnel segments. In this context, several innovations were implemented in the design, production and installation of the immersed tube segments, providing valuable engineering experience and a unique example of engineering technology for the construction of undersea tunnels worldwide.