Trelleborg supplying to “world’s widest” immersed tunnel

Trelleborg, Sweden – Trelleborg AB has been selected to supply tunnel sealing systems to a major immersed tunnel project in China.

The company’s marine and infrastructure operation will be providing sealing solutions to contractor CCCC Fourth Harbor Engineering Co. Ltd for the construction of China’s ShenZhong Link, Trelleborg announced 23 May.

Billed as the world’s ‘largest and widest immersed tunnel’, the 24km link connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan in south eastern China.

Set for completion in 2024, the project consists of two artificial islands, two bridges and a two-way, eight-lane 46m-wide tunnel.

Trelleborg will supply its Gina gaskets and Omega seals, to prevent water ingress for sectional elements of the tunnel.

The rubber company’s Gina gasket is used in combination with Omega seals, which act as the secondary, safety seal that can withstand extreme movements.

The combination, said Trelleborg, helps transfer hydrostatic loads and movements between tunnel ends, due to soil settlement, creep of concrete, temperature effects and earthquakes.

TrelleboRg and CCCC have previously worked on the construction of the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macau Bridge.

The two companies also signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out joint studies on marine infrastructure design in late 2017.