UNDERWATER TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION METHOD USING TUNNEL MODULES, AND UNDERWATER TUNNEL CONSTRUCTED THEREBY

The present invention relates to: an underwater tunnel construction method for constructing an underwater tunnel by successively coupling new tunnel modules to the end of an already-constructed body part while moving a launching girder forward, wherein the new tunnel modules are sunk up to the opening of the launching girder and then introduced into the launching girder by using guide cables; and an underwater tunnel constructed by the construction method.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method for constructing an underwater tunnel that allows vehicles or pedestrians to pass and an underwater tunnel constructed by the construction method. The present disclosure corresponds to the research result of the research project (Name: Smart underwater tunnel system research center) of government sponsored research project (Project Serial Number: 2017R1A5A1014883/Administrative Agent: National Research Foundation of Korea) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

BACKGROUND ART

Technology to construct an underwater tunnel that allows vehicles or pedestrians to pass is disclosed by Korean Patent No. 10-0797795. Another underwater tunnel construction method uses a launching girder and a tunnel module. The launching girder is installed at the end of a pre-installed already-constructed body part such that it can move forward. The tunnel module is fabricated as a box type precast concrete member. According to the conventional art, the following processes are performed in a sequential order.a task of delivering a new tunnel module into an internal space of a launching girder;a task of coupling the new tunnel module to the end of the already-constructed body part in the launching girder;a task of advancing the launching girder to the front side of the coupled new tunnel module;a task of repeatedly performing the above-described tasks.

In the above-described process, one of the important tasks is the delivery of the new tunnel module into the launching girder. The new tunnel module is transported to the site while it floats on the water s face or is submerged in the water near the water surface. The task of safely submerging the new tunnel module transported to the site in the water and accurately aligning with the location of the opening of the launching girder and the subsequent task of delivering the new tunnel module into the internal space of the launching girder are very important. Additionally, it is very important to perform the task of delivering the new tunnel module into the internal space of the launching girder safely, precisely and efficiently.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is directed to providing technology to construct an underwater tunnel using a new tunnel module. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to providing technology to deliver a new tunnel module in water and deliver it into a launching girder. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to providing technology to perform a task of delivering a new tunnel module into a launching girder safely, accurately and efficiently with the minimized work by divers.

The present disclosure is further directed to providing technology to perform a task of coupling and installing a new tunnel module at an end of an already-constructed body part within a launching girder, and a task of advancing the launching girder to the front side of the coupled new tunnel module very efficiently.

Technical Solution

The present disclosure provides an underwater tunnel construction method including, while a launching girder having an opening is coupled and installed at a front end of an already-constructed body part, transporting a new tunnel module to a site using a transport device, submerging the new tunnel module in water, delivering the new tunnel module into an internal space of the launching girder through the opening, coupling and installing the new tunnel module at the end of the already-constructed body part, moving the launching girder forward, and repeatedly performing the above-described process to construct an underwater tunnel.

Additionally, the present disclosure provides an underwater tunnel constructed by the underwater tunnel construction method.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present disclosure, the underwater tunnel is constructed by integrally connecting new tunnel modules precisely fabricated as a precast concrete structure at the factory in a sequential order in the internal space of the launching girder.

In particular, the present disclosure stably lifts down the new tunnel module along the guide cable in the water and delivers the new tunnel module into the internal space of the launching girder. Accordingly, despite a lot of various obstacle factors such as tides until the new tunnel module reaches the launching girder, the new tunnel module reaches the opening stably and accurately.

Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to safely deliver the new tunnel module into the internal space of the launching girder and greatly reduce the work by divers compared to the conventional art, thereby reducing the cost and significantly improving the task efficiency.

Additionally, the present disclosure accurately installs the launching girder according to the direction and location of the path along which the underwater tunnel runs and continuously connects and couples new tunnel modules within the launching girder. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, when the underwater tunnel has the curved path, it is possible to construct the underwater tunnel according to the designed curved path with the minimized construction errors of the underwater tunnel.

Additionally, the present disclosure eliminates the task of removing and re-installing the mooring means of the already-constructed body part or any other additional task, thereby performing the successive construction task of the underwater tunnel in the longitudinal direction more rapidly, conveniently and efficiently.

BEST MODE

In the specification, a direction in which an underwater tunnel is extended is referred to as a “longitudinal direction”. A direction in which a new tunnel module is joined in the underwater tunnel is referred to as “front”, and the contrary direction is referred to as “rear”. In the specification, a “transverse direction” is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In the present disclosure, when a launching girder that can move forward is installed at an end of an already-constructed body part of the underwater tunnel, the following tasks A) to D) are performed in a sequential order to construct the underwater tunnel.A) a task of delivering a new tunnel module: a task of submerging a new tunnel module fabricated as a precast concrete member in the water and delivering the new tunnel module into an internal space of the launching girder.B) a task of coupling the new tunnel module: a task of pushing back the new tunnel module delivered into the internal space of the launching girder to couple the new tunnel module to the end of the already-constructed body part.C) a task of advancing the launching girder: a task of advancing the launching girder to the front side of the new tunnel module.D) a task of repeatedly performing the tasks A) to C).

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view showing the launching girder1installed at the front end of the already-constructed body part100.FIG.2is a schematic transverse side view showing ofFIG.1when viewed in the transverse direction. The front end of the already-constructed body part100is an end of a section at which the construction of the tunnel module is completed. The launching girder1is movably installed at the front end of the already-constructed body part100. The launching girder1is a structure having the internal space. The rear end of the launching girder1is coupled and installed at the front end of the already-constructed body part100. The front end of the already-constructed body part100is inserted into the internal space of the launching girder1through the rear end of the launching girder1. In this way, the launching girder1is installed at the end of the already-constructed body part100.

A switch coupling device is equipped at the rear end of the launching girder1. When the front end of the already-constructed body part100is installed in the internal space of the launching girder1, by the ON/OFF operation of the switch coupling device, the launching girder1is fixed in an “immovable state” or coupling is disconnected to bring the launching girder1into a “movable state” in which the launching girder1can move forward. The switch coupling device may come in various forms using the known technology.

As shown inFIG.1, the launching girder1has an opening15. The new tunnel module200is delivered into the launching girder1through the opening15. As shown inFIG.2, a cable bobbin40is coupled and installed on each of two transverse sides of the opening15. A guide cable4is wound on the cable bobbin40. The plurality of cable bobbins40is provided. A floating body41is coupled to the upper end of the guide cable4. The floating body41may be an elongated member extended in the longitudinal direction. In this case, all the upper ends of the plurality of guide cables4arranged on one transverse side of the opening15may be coupled to one floating body41. However, the respective floating body41may be coupled and provided at the upper end of each guide cable4. When the guide cable4is unwound from the cable bobbin40, the floating body41moves up and floats on the water surface directly above the opening15or in the water near the water surface.

The new tunnel module200is pre-fabricated as a precast concrete member. The new tunnel module200is fabricated on the ground or watercraft in the shape of a box having a hole that allows vehicles or people to pass. The new tunnel module200is submerged in the water while hanging on a transport device6including a pontoon. The new tunnel module200is delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1through the opening15.

FIG.3is a schematic perspective view showing the new tunnel module200hanging on the transport device6according to the present disclosure.FIG.4is a schematic longitudinal front view ofFIG.3.FIG.5is a schematic transverse side view ofFIG.3.

The transport device6includes the pontoon60and a lift fastening member61. The pontoon60is a member that floats on the water surface. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the pontoon60is a member extended to a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction. In particular, in the embodiment of the drawings, two pontoons60are arranged side by side at an interval in the transverse direction. Additionally, a working deck62extended in the transverse direction is positioned on the pontoons60. The working deck62and the two pontoons60are combined into one.

The lift fastening member61is hanging on the pontoons60by a submerged wire7. The lift fastening member61is separably fastened to the new tunnel module200. The lift fastening member61is lifted down by the relaxation of the submerged wire7.

The working deck62includes a motor M. The motor M pulls or releases the submerged wire7. The submerged wire7has one end coupled to the motor M and the other end vertically extended downward from the working deck62. The other end of the submerged wire7is coupled to the lift fastening member61. When the submerged wire7is pulled by the operation of the motor M, the lift fastening member61is lifted up. When the submerged wire7is extended downward by the operation of the motor M, the lift fastening member61is lifted down. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the working deck62has a hole. The submerged wire7coupled to the motor M passes through the hole.

The lift fastening member61is a member that is fastened to the new tunnel module200. When submerging the new tunnel module200, since the lift fastening member61and the new tunnel module200are coupled to each other, the new tunnel module200hangs down from the lift fastening member61. After the new tunnel module200is delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1, the lift fastening member61and the new tunnel module200are separated from each other. The coupling and decoupling of the lift fastening member61and the new tunnel module200may be performed by the operator's remote control.

The lift fastening member61is fastened to or separated from the guide cable4where necessary. The lift fastening member61is lifted up and down while being fastened to the guide cable4. To this end, the lift fastening member61has a cable through-hole610through which the guide cable4passes. The cable through-hole610runs up to the side of the lift fastening member61to easily insert and fasten the guide cable4to the cable through-hole610. In this configuration, the guide cable4is inserted from the side of the lift fastening member61, and is disposed in the cable through-hole610through the lift fastening member61. A blocking pin611may be provided to prevent the unwanted slip of the guide cable4from the cable through-hole610. The cable through-hole610has an opening into which the guide cable4is inserted from the side. The blocking pin611is installed at the opening of the cable through-hole610to close the opening of the cable through-hole610.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the lift fastening member61is a member extended in the transverse direction. Additionally, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, a plurality of lift fastening members61is installed at an interval in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the cable through-hole610is formed at each of two transverse ends of the lift fastening member61.

The new tunnel module200is hanging on the transport device6including the pontoons60. The new tunnel module200is fastened to the lift fastening member61and is disposed in the water below the lift fastening member61. Additionally, the lift fastening member61is hanging on the working deck62and the pontoons60by the submerged wire7.

FIG.6is a schematic perspective view showing that the transport device6on which the new tunnel module200is hanging arrived at the floating location of the floating body41of the guide cable4.FIG.7is a schematic transverse side view ofFIG.6.FIG.8is a schematic longitudinal side view ofFIG.6.

The guide cable4is extended from the two sides of the opening13of the launching girder1. The floating body41is coupled to the guide cable4. Accordingly, the floating body41floats directly above the opening13or the nearby water surface or in the water near the water surface. The new tunnel module200is fastened to and hangs on the fastening member61of the transport device6. The transport device6in this state approaches an area directly above the opening15or the water surface at the site in the area, and meets the floating body41. In this instance, the floating body41is fixed to the transport device6automatically or by the operator's manual task. As shown in the drawings, the floating body41may be brought into close contact with the pontoons60of the transport device6and fixed to the transverse side or the lower surface.

Before, after or during the task of fixing the floating body41to the transport device6, the lift fastening member61is fastened to the guide cable4. That is, the guide cable4is inserted into and passes through the cable through-hole610of the lift fastening member61.

Subsequently, the submerged wire7is vertically extended downward by the operation of the motor M installed at the transport device6. Accordingly, the lift fastening member61and the new tunnel module200coupled to the lift fastening member61are lifted down. As the guide cable4is inserted into and passes through the cable through-hole610of the lift fastening member61, the lift fastening member61is lifted down along the guide cable4while being fastened to the guide cable4.FIG.9is a schematic longitudinal side view ofFIG.8.FIG.9shows the downward movement of the lift fastening member61and the new tunnel module200subsequent toFIG.8.

As the lower end of the guide cable4is extended to the transverse side of the opening15of the launching girder1, the lift fastening member61and the new tunnel module200are lifted down along the guide cable4in the direction in which the guide cable4is extended, and reaches the opening15of the launching girder1. After the new tunnel module200reaches the opening15, the new tunnel module200is delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1through the opening15.FIG.10is a schematic longitudinal side view ofFIG.9.FIG.10shows the new tunnel module200delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1subsequent toFIG.9.

After the new tunnel module200is delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1, decoupling of the new tunnel module200and the lift fastening member61is done to separate them. Additionally, the submerged wire7is wound and pulled up by the operation of the motor M installed at the transport device6to lift up only the lift fastening member61. In this instance, the guide cable4may keep passing through the cable through-hole610of the lift fastening member61.FIG.11is a schematic longitudinal side view ofFIG.10.FIG.11shows that the new tunnel module200and the lift fastening member61are separated from each other and the lift fastening member61is lifted up close to the water surface subsequent toFIG.10.

As described above, in the present disclosure, when lifting down the new tunnel module200by the submerged wire7and delivering the new tunnel module200into the internal space of the launching girder1through the opening15of the launching girder1, the new tunnel module200is lifted down along the guide cable4. That is, while the launching girder1and the transport device6are connected with the guide cable4at the location of the opening15, the new tunnel module200is lifted down along the guide cable4.

When the submerged wire7is relaxed and extended downward, the new tunnel module200is lifted down generally vertically. However, the launching girder1is located deep in the water and there are a variety of factors that obstruct the vertical downward movement of the new tunnel module200in the water such as tides. Accordingly, it is impossible to guarantee the vertical downward movement of the new tunnel module200by simply lifting down the new tunnel module200by its own weight at the location directly above the opening15. Additionally, itis impossible to guarantee the safe delivery of the new tunnel module200into the opening15of the launching girder1.

However, in the present disclosure, the launching girder1is connected to the transport device6with the guide cable4at the location of the opening15of the launching girder1, the new tunnel module200is coupled to the lift fastening member61, and the lift fastening member61is lifted down with the guidance of the guide cable4. Accordingly, despite a lot of various obstacle factors such as tides until the new tunnel module200and the lift fastening member61reach the opening15, the new tunnel module200and the lift fastening member61reach the opening15stably and accurately. Accordingly, the new tunnel module200is safely delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1through the opening15. In this process, it is possible to remarkably reduce the work by divers compared to the conventional art.

When simply submerging only the new tunnel module in the water without the guide cable4, it is necessary to detect the location of the new tunnel module in the water and perform control to submerge the new tunnel module in the accurate direction. However, underwater location measurement and estimation is a very difficult and complicated process, it requires a large amount of labor, cost and time to measure and control the location of the new tunnel module in the water. In the present disclosure, as described above, the new tunnel module200reaches the opening15safely and accurately with the guidance of the guide cable4. In this process, there is no need for location measurement or estimation of the new tunnel module in the water, and any special manual control over location and immersion direction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce labor and cost, thereby achieving cost efficient construction. That is, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize the work by divers when submerging the new tunnel module200in the water and delivering the new tunnel module200into the launching girder1through the opening15. Additionally, it is possible to minimize the use of costly underwater location measurement equipment and underwater location control equipment. It is possible to perform the task of submerging the new tunnel module in the water and delivering the new tunnel module into the launching girder1safely, accurately and efficiently. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the underwater tunnel construction cost, reduce safety incidents or accidents and minimize construction errors, thereby achieving precise construction.

After the new tunnel module200is delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1, “the task of coupling the new tunnel module” to couple the new tunnel module200to the already-constructed body part100and the subsequent “task of advancing the launching girder” are performed in a sequential order. In this instance, concurrently with or subsequent to the above-described tasks, the transport device6including the lift fastening member61that has been lifted up is moved forward to a location where the launching girder1will move. Before moving the transport device6forward, the floating body41may be separated from the transport device6, and the guide cable4may be separated from the lift fastening member61. In this case, when the task of advancing the launching girder1is performed, the floating body41and the guide cable4also move forward together. The operator can move the transport device6carrying the new tunnel module to the accurate construction site using the floating body41as a guide.

After the task of advancing the launching girder1and the task of moving the transport device6forward are performed, another new tunnel module hangs on the transport device and is transported to the construction site. The above-described series of processes including the process of coupling the transport device to the floating body is repeatedly performed to complete the construction of the underwater tunnel.

The task of coupling the new tunnel module to couple the new tunnel module200to the already-constructed body part100in the internal space of the launching girder1and the subsequent task of advancing the launching girder may be performed by the following process. The new tunnel module200is delivered into the launching girder1. Subsequently, the new tunnel module200is pushed rearward using the launching girder1as a reaction force support point to couple the new tunnel module200to the front end of the already-constructed body part100. Subsequently, the launching girder is moved forward using the coupled new tunnel module as a new reaction force support point. The new tunnel module fabricated as a precast member is delivered into the advanced launching Order again. This process is repeatedly performed to construct the underwater tunnel.

FIGS.12to15are each schematic longitudinal side views and cross-sectional views of the launching girder1when installed.FIG.12is a schematic side view ofFIG.1when viewed from the rear side in the longitudinal direction as indicated by the arrow E.FIG.13is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view ofFIG.1, taken along the line F-F,FIG.14is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view ofFIG.1, taken along the line G-G.FIG.15is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view ofFIG.1, taken along the line H-H.

FIGS.16and17are each schematic semi-cross-sectional perspective views of the launching girder1.FIG.16is a schematic transverse semi-cross-sectional perspective view ofFIG.12taken along the line J-J, when the launching girder1is not coupled to the front end of the already-constructed body part100.FIG.17is a schematic transverse semi-cross-sectional perspective view ofFIG.12taken along the line J-J, when the launching girder1is coupled to the front end of the already-constructed body part100.FIG.18is a schematic semi-cross-sectional perspective view ofFIG.17.FIG.18shows that the new tunnel module200fabricated as a precast concrete member and transported is delivered into the launching girder1.

The launching girder1is installed at the end of the already-constructed body part100to insert the front end of the already-constructed body part100into the internal space of the launching girder1. The launching girder1is coupled to the end of the already-constructed body part100. In this instance, the launching girder1may be switched from/to an “immovable state” to/from a “movable state” by the operation of the switch coupling device. The switch coupling device enables strong coupling between the rear end of the launching girder1and the front end of the already-constructed body part100or loosens the coupling to bring the launching girder1into the movable state. InFIG.12, the reference numeral210denotes the switch coupling device. The switch coupling device210may be fabricated by the known technology and its detailed description is omitted.

A push traction device3is installed in the launching girder1. If necessary, a movement guide2may be installed to easily move the delivered new tunnel module200rearward. The movement guide2is a member that guides the rearward movement of the delivered new tunnel module200. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the movement guide2is formed in the shape of a base plate having rolling wheels on bottom. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the movement guide2is placed on the bottom surface of the launching girder1. Accordingly, in this case, the new tunnel module200is placed on the movement guide2. However, the movement guide2is not limited to the shape of the base plate having the rolling wheels. The movement guide2may be formed in the shape of a rail that is installed on the bottom surface of the launching girder1to allow the new tunnel module200to easily slide when placed thereon. The movement guide2may be formed in a variety of other shapes for easily moving the new tunnel module200rearward. The movement guide2is positioned in the launching girder1.

The push traction device3is a device used to push the new tunnel module200rearward to join the new tunnel module200to the already-constructed body part100. The new tunnel module200delivered into the internal space of the launching girder1is aligned in front of the already-constructed body part100. Subsequently, the push traction device3pushes the new tunnel module200rearward to join the new tunnel module200to the already-constructed body part100. The push traction device3also performs a function to advance the launching girder1. After the new tunnel module200and the already-constructed body part100are combined into one, the push traction device3advances the launching girder1. The push traction device3includes a rack member31, a pinion member32and a fastening arm33. The rack member31is fixed and installed at the launching girder1and is extended to a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction. The pinion member32is engaged with the rack member31in a “rack and pinion” structure and moves forward and backward in the longitudinal direction. The fastening arm33is extended rearward. The fastening arm33is separably fastened to the delivered new tunnel module200. The push traction device3will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS.19and20are each schematic semi-cross-sectional perspective views ofFIG.18. Each ofFIGS.19and20sequentially shows a process of delivering the new tunnel module200into the launching girder1and pushing the new tunnel module200rearward to couple the new tunnel module200to the already-constructed body part100in the present disclosure.FIG.21is a schematic transverse side view ofFIG.20. For convenience,FIG.21shows an enlarged view of an area at Which the launching girder1is installed. InFIG.21, the already-constructed body part100and the new tunnel module200are shown in exterior view, not in cross section, whereas the launching girder1is shown in cross section to display the internal space.

When the launching girder1is coupled and installed at the front end of the already-constructed body part100, the new tunnel module200is delivered into the launching girder1through the opening15. Additionally, as shown inFIG.19, the new tunnel module200is positioned in alignment in front of the already-constructed body part100. In case that the movement guide2is provided to assist the movement of the new tunnel module200, the new tunnel module200is placed on the movement guide2.

The fastening arm33is separably fastened to the new tunnel module200, To this end, an arm fastening jig34may be provided at the front end of the new tunnel module200. The arm fastening jig34is pre-installed before delivering the new tunnel module200into the water. To deliver the new tunnel module200into the launching girder1, a lifting wire may be connected to the new tunnel module200and wound and pulled up in the launching girder1. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described method.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG.20, the pinion member32coupled to the rack member31is moved back toward the front end of the new tunnel module200. Additionally, the fastening arm33is fastened to the arm fastening jig34. The fastening arm33and the pinion member32move in the longitudinal direction together as one. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the pinion member32is provided in the shape of a wheel of a vehicle. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the fastening arm33is formed in the shape of a rotating arm that can rotate. The fastening arm33is coupled to the vehicle. The arm fastening jig34may be fabricated as a ring-shaped member. The arm fastening jig34may be fixed and installed at the front end of the new tunnel module200. The end of the fastening arm33may be engaged with the ring shape of the arm fastening jig34. Through this configuration, it is possible to easily couple and decouple the fastening arm33and the arm fastening jig34.

FIGS.22to24are each schematic transverse side views ofFIG.21,FIGS.22to24sequentially show a series of processes subsequent toFIG.21. After the fastening arm33and the arm fastening jig34are fastened, the new tunnel module200is pushed and moved toward the end of the already-constructed body part100to join the new tunnel module200to the already-constructed body part100. As shown inFIG.22, when the pinion member32is driven to rotate in a first direction indicated by the arrow B with the fastening arm33fastened to the arm fastening jig34, the pinion member32moves rearward on the rack member31. InFIG.22, the dotted line indicates the pinion member32before the movement. When the pinion member32moves rearward, the launching girder1is already firmly coupled to the front end of the already-constructed body part100not to move, and the rack member31is integrally fixed to the launching girder1. Accordingly, when the pinion member32is driven to rotate in the first direction with the fastening arm33fastened to the arm fastening jig34, the launching girder1itself acts as a reaction force support point. Accordingly, the pinion member32pushes the new tunnel module200toward the front end of the already-constructed body part100while moving rearward along the rack member31. When the new tunnel module200is placed on the movement guide2, the new tunnel module200may be pushed rearward very easily.

When the new tunnel module200is pushed rearward by the rearward movement of the pinion member32, the rear end of the new tunnel module200and the front end of the already-constructed body part100are brought into contact with each other at the accurate location. Subsequently, the new tunnel module200is air-tightly connected and joined to the already-constructed body part100. Accordingly, the already-constructed body part100and the new tunnel module200are combined into one.

After the already-constructed body part100and the new tunnel module200are combined into one, decoupling of the launching girder1and the already-constructed body part100is done to bring the launching girder1into the movable state. Additionally, the task of advancing the launching girder1is performed to move the launching girder1forward. Specifically, when the fastening arm33is still fastened to the arm fastening jig34of the new tunnel module200after the launching girder1is brought into the moveable state, the pinion member32is driven to rotate in the first direction again. That is, in the same way as pushing the new tunnel module200rearward, the pinion member32is continuously driven to rotate in the first direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG.

The already-constructed body part100and the new tunnel module200are combined into one, and the fastening arm33is still fastened to the arm fastening jig34of the new tunnel module200. Accordingly, the pinion member32cannot move rearward any longer even if the pinion member32rotates in the first direction. In contrast, a reaction force generated by the rotation of the pinion member32in the first direction is transmitted to the new tunnel module200and the already-constructed body part100through the fastening arm33. That is, the already-constructed body part100and the new tunnel module200combined into one become a new reaction force support point for the reaction force generated by the forward movement of the launching girder1. Accordingly, when the pinion member32in the immovable state in which the pinion member32cannot move rearward is continuously driven to rotate in the first direction, a reaction force is generated, and the rack member31coupled to the pinion member32is moved forward. Accordingly, the launching girder1in which the rack member31is fixed also moves forward as shown inFIG.23. InFIG.23, the dotted line indicates the launching girder1before the movement.

After the launching girder1is moved forward to a necessary distance by the pinion member32continuously driven to rotate in the first direction, decoupling of the fastening arm33and the arm fastening jig34is done to separate them. Additionally, the pinion member32is driven to rotate in a second direction (indicated by the arrow D in the drawing) opposite the first direction to move the pinion member32and the fastening arm33forward as shown inFIG.24. That is, the pinion member32and the fastening arm33are moved to a location for accommodation of a new tunnel module fabricated as a precast member.

When these tasks are completed, the above-described tasks are repeated to construct the underwater tunnel. That is, the following tasks are repeatedly performed in a sequential order.A new tunnel module including an arm fastening jig is transported to the site using the transport device.The new tunnel module is safely lifted down to the accurate location using the guide cable and is delivered through the opening of the launching girder.The fastening arm is fastened to the arm fastening jig, and the new tunnel module is pushed rearward by the rotation of the pinion member in the first direction and is integrally coupled in an air-tight manner.The launching girder is brought into the movable state, and is moved forward by the rotation of the pinion member.The fastening arm and the pinion member are returned to the original location (a location for accommodation of another new tunnel module).

FIGS.25and26are each schematic perspective views sequentially showing that the push traction device3is coupled to the new tunnel module200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.27is a schematic perspective view of the push traction device3. The push traction device3includes the rack member31, the pinion member32and the fastening arm33, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the rack member31has a toothed gear on the upper surface, and two rack members31extended in the longitudinal direction are arranged side by side. The pinion member32is formed in the shape of a wheel having a toothed gear. The rack member31is engaged with the pinion member32in a “rack and pinion” structure. In particular, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the pinion member32is mounted on the vehicle in the shape of a wheel. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the fastening arm33is formed in the shape of a “rotating arm” that is separably fastened to the arm fastening jig34by rotation. In the drawings, the reference numeral320is a female rotating shaft320provided in the vehicle for the rotation of the fastening arm33. The reference numeral340is a rotation driving device340for rotating the fastening arm33. In this configuration, as described with reference toFIGS.19and20, when the new tunnel module200is delivered into the launching girder1through the opening15of the launching girder1, the pinion member32is moved toward the front end of the new tunnel module200. Additionally, the fastening arm33is fastened to the arm fastening jig34by rotation. The foregoing description is an example embodiment of the push traction device3of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The launching girder1is installed at the end of the already-constructed body part100, the new tunnel module fabricated as a precast member is delivered into the launching girder1and coupled to the already-constructed body part100, and the delivery and connection of the new tunnel module is repeatedly performed with the sequential forward movement of the launching girder1, to construct the underwater tunnel. The present disclosure can be applied and used very effectively even when the path along which the underwater tunnel runs is a curve shape. In particular, the present disclosure accurately installs the launching girder1according to the direction and location of the path along which the underwater tunnel runs. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize construction errors and connect and couple new tunnel modules fabricated at the factory rapidly within the launching girder1. Accordingly, it is possible to significantly improve the tunnel construction efficiency, thereby reducing the total construction period and cost of the underwater tunnel.

Additionally, the conventional art involving extruding new tunnel modules in a sequential order needs to install a loading apparatus and retaining walls to extrude the new tunnel modules. Additionally, in the conventional art, extrusion is performed with the increased load capacity. As opposed to the conventional art, the present disclosure connects new tunnel modules fabricated at the factory within the launching girder1. Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to omit to install the loading apparatus and the retaining walls or at least reduce the scale, thereby reducing the cost incurred for the installation and maintenance of the equipment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure can be used to construct underwater tunnels very usefully.