DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW FLEXIBLE JOINT STRUCTURE FOR SUBMERGED TUNNELS

Abstract

This paper describes a newly developed flexible joint structure for submerged tunnels. This joint called Crown-seal joint can absorb larger deformation in a submerged tunnel element than other types of flexible joint Crown-seal joint mainly consists of rubber, which was reinforced by plastic fibers. For investigating its applicability to actual submerged tunnels, some experiments were conducted using a full-scale model of tunnel section including Crown-seal joint. From the experimental results, it was confirmed that no abnormal deformation and local distortion were observed on the surface of rubber even if displacement at the joint occurred in the direction parallel and perpendicular to the tunnel element Furthermore, watertightness of the joint was verified through the seepage tests utilizing water pressure.