Abstract: During the construction of immersed tunnels, differential foundation settlement can easily induce uneven tunnel deformations, which seriously affects the safety and stability of immersed tunnels. Therefore, how to analyze and control the adverse effects of differential foundation settlement on the safety and operation of immersed tunnels is a difficult problem and a great challenge. First, the authors summarize the development of immersed tunnel construction and joint characteristics. Then，it followed by the research progress achieved through modelscale experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analyses is discussed. The results reflect the current level of development in controlling the deformation of immersed tunnels to some extent, but there are still deficiencies in the study of joint refinement modeling and analysis of immersed tunnels under complex geological conditions during the service life. Finally, it is suggested to carry out multifield and multiscale coupling analysis based on the finite element, and propose a forcedeformation analysis method for immersed tunnels considering the timevarying behavior of the foundation under cyclic loads.

Key words: immersed tunnel, foundation, differential settlement, joint type, deformation mechanism