ASSESSMENT OF SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF SUBMERGED FLOATING TUNNEL UNDER MULTI-SUPPORT SEISMIC EXCITATIONS

Abstract

Submerged floating tunnel (SFT) is an innovative structural solution for the transportation infrastructure through sea straits, fjords, and inland waters and is an economical alternative to the long-span cable-supported bridge, immersed tunnel, or underground tunnel. An SFT is a massive cylindrical structure that floats at a certain depth below the water surface and subjected to extreme environmental conditions, such as waves, tsunamis and earthquakes. The seismic assessment of SFT supported by mooring cables, under multi-support seismic excitations needs to be evaluated in more detail. The time domain dynamic problem of SFT moored by inclined mooring cables/anchors is formulated and the geometric non-linear dynamic analysis of SFT subjected to hydrodynamic and seismic excitations is performed in this paper. The prototype of SFT to be constructed in Qindao Lake of China is analysed under multi-support seismic excitations. It was found that due to the fluid environment and flexible cables the effective seismic forces are dissipated well and SFT is stable under the spectrum compatible ground motions. However, the lateral component of seismic excitations produce larger responses compared to longitudinal one and may be critical for other case studies.