The submarine tunnels are one of the most fantastic examples of modern-day engineering feats. Such underwater channels have various types of usage like transportation, energy pipelines, and communication networks. Such construction under the vast oceans is not a simple job; it is rather a matter of advanced technology, planning, and geology and hydrodynamics knowledge.
How Are Submarine Tunnels Built
Some of the procedures for the building of submarine tunnels are as follows.
Geological Surveys: The engineers carry out more detailed geological surveys before actual construction so that they could evaluate the composition and stability of the seabed. The knowledge on rock layers and soil conditions would be helpful to design the most appropriate tunnel.
Large tunnel boring machines have generally used to dig through the tunnel; they equipped them with the very effective cutting heads to dig through any sort of soil or rock allowing for a pass under the sea.
Immersion tube method: Another is immersion tube, in which parts of the tunnel are constructed in advance, brought to the site as a prefabricated entity on the land surface and then sunk down in an excavation or pre-dredged trench dug within the seabed.
Waterproofing and Ventilation: The first requirement is that the waterlogging of the tunnel should be avoided. Modern sealing materials and high-tech seals are designed to prevent water seepage into the tunnel. Further, a system of proper ventilation shall always be maintained to ensure the proper supply of fresh air.
Famous Submarine Tunnels Around the World
Channel Tunnel (England-France): One of the world’s longest underwater tunnels connects the United Kingdom with the mainland of Europe. It is popularly known as the “Chunnel.”
Seikan Tunnel (Japan): This is the world’s longest underwater tunnel, measuring 50 kilometers, and of which 23 kilometers of the route go under the seabed.
Eik Sund Tunnel (Norway): Eik Sund Tunnel has been classified as the deepest underwater tunnel worldwide, with up to 287 meters depth in relation to sea level.
Examples of submarine tunnels and their regional connectivity
Advantages of submarine tunnels
Better Connectivity: Island and mainland regions come closer through submarine tunnels. It reduces the travelling time, and the level of economic activities increases.
Environmental Benefits: The underwater tunnel has relatively fewer visual impacts on the landscape, and these do not hinder shipping routes in the same way a bridge does.
Safe in Strong Weather Conditions: The submarine tunnel has lesser turbulence from the strong winds and storms compared to bridges. This, therefore, creates safer passages of extreme weather conditions.
Challenges of Building Submarine Tunnels
With all these advantages, submarine tunnels still have considerable challenges facing their construction:
Cost: Underwater tunnel construction and maintenance cost is more as compared to bridge construction.
Engineering Challenges: It faces engineering challenges such as working in high water pressure and ensuring the structure withstands time.
Environmental Impact: Impacts on marine ecosystems do occur due to submarine tunnels during the construction phase. Planning and mitigation measures can be appropriately taken to reduce the impacts.
Conclusion
submarine tunnels are such wonders of human imagination-places which were hitherto inaccessible by the broad ocean. Now engineering marvels form a strong force in infrastructure these days because transportation, trade, and even communication are just a few features which they represent.
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