Preliminary Design of an Immersed Tunnel in Izmir

Abstract

Preliminary design of an immersed tunnel in Izmir Possibilities for building the Izmir Bay Immersed Tube Tunnel are analyzed in the paper. Study results show that the tunnel construction is feasible if a particular soil improvement is conducted properly. A minimum SPT-N value, compatible with concrete to be used in construction of the immersed tube, is defined so as to enable subsequent improvement of soil density. This procedure enables achievement of the minimum post-improvement soil-structure interaction stiffness level, as well as fulfilment of all other geotechnical criteria. This was demonstrated using the existing data about sub-sea soil in which the tunnel construction is planned.