Istanbul Strait Road Tube Crossing Project: Independent Design Verification Engineer’s Perspective

The iconic Istanbul Strait Road Tube Crossing Project (Eurasia Tunnel) will ease traffic congestion over the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe from Asia. Part 2 of the project is approximately 3.36 miles (5.40 km) long and includes, among other structures, 2.1 miles (3.4 km) of a bored tunnel under the Bosphorus Strait and 0.62 mile (1 km) of twin NATM tunnels on the Asian side. The region’s variable geology, hydrology and propensity for seismic activity, combined with high water pressure and large-diameter/double- deck tunnel configuration, make the Eurasia Tunnel one of today’s most challenging and complex projects under construction.
The paper focuses on the main features of the project’s Part 2 and its significant challenges from the perspective of independent design verification (IDV) engineer. It also outlines the IDV review process and its benefits to the project.