Tunnel safety

Railway tunnels in urban areas are part of complex public transportation networks that may provide routes for metro, light rail or main railway lines. Rail and road tunnels help relieve congestion in city centres. Tunnels also convey water and wastewater, keeping the urban society running. Tunnels for pressurised water mains are key elements in the production of sustainable energy from hydropower plants.

Ventilation & Safety

Concept and design of the ventilation system is of fundamental importance to every tunnel. The system selected can have a considerable influence on the tunnel's cross section, its alignment, the number and size of its ventilation shafts, the effect the tunnel will have on the environment and the amount of land it will require.

A number of severe tunnel fires have revealed how important fire safety is in tunnels. The ventilation system serves as one of the main safety installations in such events. Modern ventilation systems can keep tunnels free of smoke in emergency situations and, in this way, help to protect people.

Road tunnels have to be ventilated during normal operation in order to reduce the intensity of vehicle emissions. Even long rail tunnels and underground rail systems require a ventilation system for operation. Here, they control not only the quality of the air but also operating temperature and air humidity.

Our many years of experience in projects that span the globe allows our experts to support clients in all aspects of ventilation and tunnel safety engineering, from simulation modelling up to detailed design, as well as management and supervision of the installation works.

Range of services:

• Conceptual design of tunnel ventilation and safety systems
• Detailed design of tunnel ventilation and safety systems
• Tunnel ventilation and cooling systems
• System refurbishment
• Safety and risk analysis