Disaster Prevention and Control of Subsea Structures

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid advancement of global economic and regional integration, the demand for cross-sea transportation continues to grow. Owing to its high-efficient connectivity, subsea tunnels have become a critical component of modern transportation system. Throughout the entire life cycle of a subsea tunnel, ensuring the long-term stability and preventing potential disasters are therefore of paramount importance. The life cycle of subsea tunnels encompasses both the construction and operational phases. During the construction phase, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) method and the drill-and-blast method are commonly employed. TBM method should confront challenges, such as excavation face stability for large-diameter tunnels, cutterhead attitude control, as well as segment waterproofing and joint sealing under complex geological conditions. The drill-and-blast method should overcome problems including water inrush, face instability, and failure of composite support structures under high water pressure and high geological stress.

After entering the operational phase, subsea tunnels are subjected to long-term high pressure and corrosive environments. Tunnel support structures should resist erosion from chloride ions, carbon dioxide, and other corrosive agents, while continuously withstanding external pressures such as wave breaking load and hydraulic load. The synergistic effect of long-term high pressure and corrosion significantly degrades the mechanical performance of tunnel support structures, decreasing their durability and safety. Therefore, during the entire life cycle of a subsea tunnel, the reasonable and optimum design of excavation method, support structure, grouting technique, and waterproofing and drainage system is crucial for ensuring engineering safety. This Special Issue focuses on the theories and key technologies for disaster prevention and control in subsea tunnels during the life cycle, aiming to provide an exchange platform for cutting-edge research in the field and to support the safe construction and intelligent maintenance of subsea tunnels in complex environments.

Dr. Lan Cui
Dr. Fei Sha
Dr. Zhenyu Sun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• design analysis of composite support in subsea tunnels using the drill-and-blast method
• disaster evolution behaviour and intelligent control for large-diameter subsea shield tunnels
• development of high-performance materials for subsea tunnels in high pressure environments
• support deterioration under seawater erosion environments and protection methods
• model test for stability in subsea tunnel under high water and ground pressures
• numerical simulation and control technology for water inrush in subsea tunnels
• analytical solution of stress and strain fields for tunnels under hydraulic-mechanical coupling condition