How did they build the underwater train to France?
French and British tunneling teams employed specially designed tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to complete the task. A TBM's rotating cutting head loosens material from an earth or rock face and deposits it onto an outgoing conveyor belt.
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Engineers used two systems of tunnel linings – cast iron segments bolted together and precast concrete rings. The TBMs excavated a huge amount of chalk. On the French side, the chalk was crushed, mixed with water, and pumped inland behind a specially built dam 37m high.
Water is drained from the tunnels by large submersible pumps, and reliable operation is critical - there are more than 200 train movements in each direction every day. Eurotunnel engineers sought a high-quality solution to control all pumping processes during excavation.
Because we dig while reinforcing them. Once a tunnel is dug, the walls are sprayed with concrete and immediately hardened. Also, steel frames called steel support and steel rods called rock bolts are used to reinforce the tunnel so that it can be dug without collapsing.
The main channel measures 3,700 feet between the 6-fathom lines, with at least 58 feet of water required over the tunnel backfill for a distance of 3, 170 feet. The maximum natural depth of the channel reaches close to 70 feet.
The Eurostar travels through the Channel Tunnel at a speed of 100 miles per hour (160kph) although when the train is outside the tunnel it reaches speed of 186 miles per hour (300 kph).
Channel Tunnel: HistoryTo prevent water from leaking into the tunnel, a waterproof concrete lining was installed along the entire length of the tunnel. Additionally, pumps were installed to remove any water that did manage to leak into the tunnel.
The cheapest fare to travel by Eurostar train between London and Paris is $68. The fare varies according to demand on the dates of travel so booking early is the best way to get the lowest price.
Japan's 53.85km Seikan railway tunnel passes beneath the Tsugaru Strait and connects the Aomori Prefecture on Honshu Island and the Hokkaido Island. With its track located 140m below the seabed, the Seikan tunnel is the world's deepest and longest railway tunnel.
In terms of underwater tunnels in general, though, the top honor goes to the Channel Tunnel, which connects England and France by rail. Its submerged portion runs for 37.9 kilometers, the longest of any underwater tunnel in the world.
If you are travelling on LeShuttle, which uses the Channel Tunnel, you stay in your car during the 35 minute journey from Folkestone to Calais. Once your car is loaded onto the deck of its shuttle and your crossing starts, you can leave your car to stretch your legs or use the on board toilets.