AECOM’s innovative immersed tunnel methodology continues to set new benchmarks in China, expanding our market presence while addressing traffic congestion in some of the country’s most populous cities.
To relieve heavy congestion in downtownGuangzhou — one of China’s largest metropolitan areas — a new immersed tunnel was required beneath the Pearl River to link the Haizhu and Fangcun districts. AECOM proposed an advanced immersed tunnel scheme to overcome significant engineering challenges.
Drawing on our specialized expertise in immersed tunnels, marine works, geotechnical engineering and traffic engineering, we delivered the most cost-effective solution, incorporating several key innovations. These included recommending a shallower immersed tunnel with shorter approach sections, rather than a deeper TBM-bored tunnel or bridge scheme. This approach minimized land acquisition requirements on both riverbanks, reduced costs and shortened the project schedule.
Given the site’s geological constraints, the design also located the dry dock along the tunnel approach at the riverbank edge. This alignment shortened the transport route for tunnel units and significantly reduced the amount of dredging required in the Pearl River. Additionally, to accommodate an extra climbing lane within the immersed tunnel, AECOM pioneered the use of tapered tunnel elements in China. This novel design effectively balanced hydrostatic forces during floating, towing and sinking operations. Through detailed analysis and careful execution, the tapered units were successfully constructed, floated, towed and installed.