Hydrodynamic experiment of submerged floating tunnel under regular wave and current actions during construction period

Abstract

Submerged floating tunnel (SFT) is an innovative cable-supported structural system for crossing deep and long-distance ocean environments. In the complex ocean environment, the construction of SFT needs to consider wave and current forces. Specific construction measures and control also require in-depth study and understanding of the dynamic response of SFT under such environmental loads. In this study, the dynamic response of SFT and cable forces under the action of waves alone and wave-current interactions are investigated by using a large wave-current basin. A total of 138 regular wave and wave-current cases were conducted during the experiments, and the influence of waves and wave-current interactions on the dynamic response of SFT and cable forces are discussed in detail by combining experimental data with corresponding analysis. Results show that the wave height, current velocity, and ratio of wavelength to structure size are important factors affecting the dynamic response of SFT and cable forces. The multi-anchor cable arrangement used in the present experimental tests distribute cable force more effectively and reduce the potential safety hazard caused by cable breakage. This study can provide a useful reference for the construction and control of the single SFT segment under construction in a complex ocean environment, especially under the interaction of waves and currents.