ABOUT CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERWATER TUNNEL ON SAKHALIN ISLAND

Abstract

The experience and prospects of building the largest underwater transport tunnel under the Tatar Strait for the permanent connection of the mainland with the island of Sakhalin are analyzed. The historical aspect of this problem, the current state and prospects are considered. The topographic, engineering-geological, climatic and seismic conditions of the construction area are characterized. Various options for crossing the strait with the construction of a tunnel, bridge and combined tunnel and bridge crossing are given, their main advantages and disadvantages are noted. The design solutions and technological schemes for driving the coastal and underwater sections adopted during the construction of the tunnel in the 40s and 50s of the XX century are considered and the reasons for the termination of construction are noted. The necessity of resuming the construction of the transport passage through the Tatar Strait after careful study and technical and economic comparison of all the options presented is indicated. It is noted that the most effective means of overcoming the strait is an underwater tunnel, which has a number of advantages over a bridge, as evidenced by world experience in the construction and operation of a number of the largest tunnels.