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  Immersion Operations of the Coatzacoalcos Tunnel

  The Coatzacoalcos tunnel in the Mexican state of Veracruz is the first concrete immersed tunnel constructed in Mexico and reaches a depth of more than 30 meters below the water surface. The tunnel links the city of Coatzacoalcos on the westside of the river with the city of Allende and the petrochemical industry on the east side. The roadway tunnel has a total length of 1,200 m and accommodates 2 x 2 roadway lanes separated by an escape tunnel. The immersed section is constructed out of five concrete tunnel elements of 138 m each, resulting in a total length for the immersed section of 690 m. Every tunnel element consists of six segments, except the last tunnel element which has seven. This paper illustrates that the successful installation of the first concrete immersed tunnel in Mexico is the result of good preparation and cooperation between all parties involved: the main contractor Constructora Tunel de Coatzacoalcos (CTC); the designer Tunnel engineering Consultants (TEC); and the specialized subcontractor Marine Joint Venture (MJV), a partnership between Volker Construction International (VolkerCI) and Dragamex. The paper is written from the perspective of the MJV that was responsible for all dredging, immersion and rock works. The contents of this report are as follows: The immersion operation is described to give a general idea of the scope. The early design changes and the associated consequences are illustrated. Key aspects of the immersion operation are explained, together with the design and construction changes that occurred during the immersion preparation. A description of the innovative immersion catamaran system is given.

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