The dynamic response of seabed anchored floating tunnels under seismic excitation

In this paper a procedure for analysing the seismic response of seabed anch ored floating tunnels is presented. The first step of the research was the development of an 'ad hoc' finite element for modelling the behaviour of an chor elements, with particular reference to the problem of transverse oscil lations under time varying axial loads. The element was subsequently insert ed in a step-by-step procedure for the numerical analysis of non-linear res ponse to multiple-support seismic input; the procedure encompasses simplifi ed modelling of fluid-structure and soil-structure interaction effects. An example of an application is given concerning two 4680 m long floating tunn els with different seabed profiles. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, L td.