Laboratory model tests on water flow rate of submarine tunnel

Through analyzing the main methods for forecasting water inflow in subsea tunnels, some disadvantages of the empirical analytical method and the numerical simulation method are obtained. Based on the theory of similarity, the method of laboratory modeling is adopted. Based on the situation of hydrology and engineering of Jiaozhouwan submarine tunnel in Tsingdao, a model is chosen from one of the sections of the right line of the tunnel. According to the infiltration coefficient, cohesion and friction angle of the wall rock, a kind of similar material is collocated. The submarine tunnel model equipment and the measuring devices for inflow water are made. In the process of tunneling, displacement, stress and osmotic pressure are measured. The measured results indicate that this laboratory model can simulate the real tunneling situation of submarine tunnels. The data of inflow from the tests is very close to the field data. Finally, from the comparison among the methods of empirical analysis, numerical simulation and laboratory modeling, it is shown that the proposed model can give a better application in the prediction of water inflow in submarine tunnels. The results are useful for guiding the design of waterproofing, drainage and construction.