Case Study of Rehabilitation of a Damaged Underwater Tunnel in the Construction Phase

Abstract

A case was examined in which an underwater shield tunnel was rehabilitated during the construction phase. An unexpected methane eruption resulted in an inrush of water and silt, which damaged the tunnel. Because of this situation, the sleeve method was adopted to repair the tunnel and to mitigate the environmental influence. The process and technologies for rehabilitation are explained in this work. The finite-element approach was also used to simulate the repair procedure and to analyze the risks in the construction phases to ensure the safety of the tunnel. This presentation of rehabilitation in key construction phases can serve as instructions for similar engineering accidents that occur in the future.