The Lake Lugano Crossing - Technical Solutions

摘要

Sometimes the desire to reach the other side is obstructed by water, possibly deep and wide. The traditional bridge may not be a feasible solution, likewise a subsea tunnel or a submerged tunnel. And there may be constraints of a "softer" type than the pure mechanical that may count, such as noise, esthetics and energy consumption. The Submerged Floating Tunnel (SFT) has through several concepts proved to be a competitive solution for crossings of straits and lakes. Yet the prototype is still to be built. A further step in direction of promoting the SFT as an attractive crossing solution is the development of a novel SFT concept performed by a Swiss-Norwegian project team (Grignoli Muttoni Partner/Selmer/Dr.techn.Olav Olsen). The crossing solution is unique in that existing and established technology characterizes all aspects of the concept. Design, construction and installation methods are, as well as foundation principle, based on well proven technology that adapt well to the specific site. Emphasis is put on concept development as well as on the construction and installation techniques, which are widely gained from the offshore industry. A brief outlining of the potentials for application to other crossing sites due to the robustness and flexibility of the concept is given. The SFT is so valuable that Aadnesen and Dr.techn.Olav Olsen formed a company (the Norwegian Submerged Floating Tunnel Co., www.nsft.no) to further develop and promote the concept.