Construction Methods for Tunnel

I)

Drill and Blast

II) Immersed Tube III) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) IV) Cut and Cover

Existing Road Tunnels in Hong Kong

Tunnel Length (km) Lion Rock Tunnel Cross Harbour Tunnel Aberdeen Tunnel Airport Tunnel Eastern Harbour Crossing Shing Mun Tunnel Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Tates Cairn Tunnel Western Harbour Tunnel Cheung Tsing Tunnel Tai Lam Tunnel Discovery Bay Tunnel Nam Wan Tunnel 1.4 1.9 1.9 1.3 2.2 2.6 0.9 4 2 1.6 3.8 0.9 1.25 No. of Carriageways Dual-2 Dual-2 Dual-2 Dual-2 Dual-3 Dual-2 Dual-2 Dual-2 Dual-3 Dual-3 Dual-3 Dual-1 Dual-3 Construction Method Drill and Blast Immersed Tube Drill and Blast Cut and Cover Immersed Tube Drill and Blast Drill and Blast Drill and Blast Immersed Tube + Cut and Cover Drill and Blast Drill and Blast Drill and Blast Drill and Blast

I) Tunnel by Drill and Blast Method

Required the tunnel to be found in competent rock with Grade III or better; Geological conditions, Grade III rock may be very deep below ground levels Detailed GI

II) Tunnel by Immersed Tube Method

Considering the characteristics of marine mud, immersed tube tunnel is expected to be found on alluvium, for the following reasons: The top of the partially dredged mud would be heavily disturbed and softened to different degrees along the alignment. Subsequent placing of the tunnel box would cause uneven settlement at the different units. Extremely difficult to achieve a good blanket before placing the tunnel units, leading to permeation of clay and hence uncontrolled settlement. Inadequate bearing capacity from the marine mud during construction when the tunnel units have to be temporarily supported by foundation.

Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

The Worlds Largest TBM (15.2m diameter) is required, which is being adopted by Shanghai Chongming South Channel Tunnel (target completion by 2007).

Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

Uncertainties with regard to construction practicability of applying the giant TBM; Difficult handling and logistics of such huge TBM; A very large working area (approximately 5 ha) for the assembly and operation of equipment Substantial and extensive ground treatment in the areas of cavities and fault zones;

Tunnel by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

Restriction: Impacts such as water quality and ecology Waste generated

Cost and Programme Comparison with Viaduct Option

Reference Projects: 1. 2. Groene Hart Tunnel Netherlands: tunnel length ~7.1km tunnel external diameter = 14.87m no reclamation contract period ~4.5yrs, target completion by early 2005 contract sum ~HK$ 4,300M Chongming South Channel Tunnel Shanghai: tunnel length ~8.9km tunnel external diameter = 15.2m contract period ~4yrs, target completion by 2007 contract sum ~HK$ 11,500M

Cost and Programme Comparison with Viaduct Option

Tunnel tunnel length ~3.9km tunnel external diameter = 15.2m need reclamation estimated programme ~(4.5/7*5 = 3.2yrs) + ~1.5yrs for reclamation (require the artificial island completed first for works area), therefore total ~4.7yrs estimated cost ~11500/8.9*3.9 = HKD 5,050M For viaduct option (reference to Shenzhen Western Corridor, 3.3km, 2.5yrs, HKD 2,200M): length of viaduct ~3.9km estimated programme ~3yrs estimated cost ~HKD 2,600M

General Issue related to Tunnel

Restriction: Restriction to dangerous goods vehicles Cat 1, 2 and 5; Traffic speed of tunnel to be limited to 80km/h; Connectivity No lane changing

Cost Comparison between Tunnel and Marine Viaduct

Construction Capital Cost (HK$/m2) Viaduct over sea (referenced to Shenzhen Western Corridor) Drill and Blast Tunnel (including E&M works) (referenced to Nam Wan Tunnel) 14,059 Annual Recurrent Cost (HK$/m2) 89

18,166

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