DL E&C has emerged as the winner of a significant contract for the construction of the Namhae-Yeosu Undersea Tunnel.
The announcement was made on May 22, following DL E&C's selection as the qualified party for the detailed design of the project by the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. This ambitious endeavor aims to construct a 4-lane national road spanning 8.09 kilometers, connecting Yeosu in Jeollanam-do and Namhae in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.
The total cost of the project, inclusive of the subsea branch tunnel section spanning 5.76 kilometers, amounts to KRW 697.4 billion. Anticipated to be completed by 2031, the Namhae-Yeosu Undersea Tunnel promises to significantly reduce travel time between the two locations from an hour and a half to a mere 10 minutes.
DL E&C is no stranger to large-scale construction projects, having previously achieved success with notable structures such as Korea's longest suspension bridge, the Yi Sun-sin Bridge, and the world's longest suspension bridge, the Turkiye Canakkale Bridge.
In their proposal for the Namhae-Yeosu project, DL E&C presented a design plan that integrated an undersea branch tunnel, connecting Namsang-ri in the northwest of the South Sea. This proposal sought to address the dual objectives of promoting local economic revitalization and achieving balanced development.
Drawing on their wealth of experience and expertise, DL E&C utilized their accumulated knowledge in branching tunnel technology, as demonstrated in projects like Singapore's Marina Coastal Expressway and Sinwol-Yeoui Underpass. By incorporating this technology, DL E&C aimed to connect both the southern and northern sides of the South Sea to Yeosu, enabling a harmonious blend of tourism and local economic revitalization.
The Namhae-Yeosu Undersea Tunnel, designed by DL E&C, features an array of cutting-edge smart construction technologies. Notably, the company employed its proprietary "Building Information Modeling (BIM) Tunnel Design Package" to develop a distinctive design plan. This involved utilizing artificial intelligence-based generative design to meticulously analyze subsea ground conditions, thereby identifying the optimal alignment for the tunnel. Furthermore, the tunnel blast design was automated using BIM and geographic information system data.
DL E&C prioritized safety and durability in the construction of the undersea tunnel. To enhance fire resistance and prevent condensation, the company implemented Korea's first self-developed insulation and fire-resistant concrete. Additionally, high-performance concrete was employed, reducing thermal conductivity by 40% compared to conventional concrete, thereby maximizing the structural safety of the tunnel.
In their pursuit of safety excellence, DL E&C introduced various digital technologies. These included a 24-hour integrated control safety platform, a state-of-the-art technology convergence smart measurement system, and the utilization of smart construction equipment.
The industry anticipates significant growth in the underwater tunnel market, both domestically and internationally, given recent advancements in tunnel construction technology, enabling enhanced cost competitiveness compared to bridges.
DL E&C, with its formidable expertise and track record, is poised to capitalize on the expanding overseas undersea tunnel market, further bolstering its prospects for increased orders in the future.
