Core Viewpoint - The successful completion of the Shantou Bay underwater tunnel marks a significant achievement in China's high-speed rail infrastructure, showcasing innovative engineering solutions to overcome complex geological challenges [4][5][15]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Shantou-Shanwei High-Speed Railway, connecting Shantou and Shanwei, is a crucial part of China's "Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal" high-speed rail network, with the underwater tunnel being a key engineering feat [4]. - The underwater tunnel took six years to construct, from 2019 to 2025, and set multiple industry records, including being the world's first underwater tunnel designed for a speed of 350 km/h [5][6]. Group 2: Engineering Challenges - The construction faced significant challenges due to high seismic intensity, extreme underwater pressure, and complex geological conditions, including multiple active fault lines [5][6][7]. - The team had to adapt their construction methods to address issues such as equipment malfunction and geological instability, employing innovative techniques like blasting and shield tunneling [7][11]. Group 3: Innovative Solutions - The construction team developed over ten innovative techniques, including high-strength concrete formulations and seismic isolation technologies, to enhance the tunnel's resilience against environmental threats [15]. - A unique approach was taken for the dismantling of the shield machine, which involved creating a large underwater chamber for safe disassembly, a first in the industry [14][15]. Group 4: Team Collaboration and Resilience - The project exemplified teamwork and collaboration, with members drawing on their expertise to tackle challenges collectively, demonstrating a strong commitment to overcoming obstacles [17][18]. - The successful completion of the tunnel is seen as a testament to the team's perseverance and innovative spirit, contributing to the broader goal of high-quality infrastructure development in China [18].
走近大国工程丨“巨龙”穿海探访世界首座设计时速350公里单洞双线高铁海底隧道
Zhong Yang Ji Wei Guo Jia Jian Wei Wang Zhan·2026-01-19 00:30