Construction of Shanghai's Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (opened 2010) is China's first immersed tube tunnel. Key construction steps:
- Prefabrication: 11 giant segments (16.5m L × 33m W × 10m H) cast in Taicang dry dock.
- Trench dredging: Huangpu Riverbed excavated to grade; sand/gravel foundation laid.
- Float-out & immersion: Segments towed by barges, lowered via winches into trench using GPS/sonar for precision alignment.
- Connection & sealing: Segments joined with temporary bolts; divers install watertight gaskets & epoxy.
- Backfill: Sand/gravel placed over/around tubes for protection.
- Fit-out: Electrical, ventilation, lighting, fire systems, trackless automated vehicles, multimedia displays.
Length: 890 m. Construction: Oct 2007–Apr 2010. Method minimizes river disruption, speeds schedule.
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