Immersed tunnels are generally connected by tube elements through the joints, which are the weakest parts and sensitive to deformation. However, it is inevitable that there will be vertical differential settlement between the joints of the tube element, resulting from uneven loads caused by back silting, differential settlement of foundations in soft soil, the heavy deposit of ground soil, and increasing tube length. Differential settlement at joints is very harmful to the safety of tunnel construction and operation, but the elastic foundation ...
