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As the segments float when they are filled with air (this is how they're floated out for installation), the only reason they won't float back up when installed
by mhandley 5y ago
As the segments float when they are filled with air (this is how they're floated out for installation), the only reason they won't float back up when installed is that they're covered with a layer of rocks afterwards. Thus I don't think the load on the seabed will be as great as perhaps you fear - it could be very low if that's what they need to make it work.
- margalabargala 5y agoThis isn't correct. The rocks on top are not to prevent the tunnel segments from resurfacing. The tunnel segments have ballast tanks which are empty during towing, then are filled with water to increase the density of the segment and sink it to the ocean floor.
- mhandley 5y agoYou are probably correct - I assumed the ballast tanks were part of the end doors, which were later removed, but re-watching, I think I read too much into that part of the video.