Tunnel Tactics

Besides tunnel engineering, there are myriad kinds of systems created only for these marvels. Ventilation systems are just one.

- Bindu Gopal Rao

Tunnel ventilation is critical across various verticals. Infrastructure players who build tunnels are required to ensure an adequate air quality, control the spread of smoke in case of fire, or reduce temperatures to acceptable limits. The function of the ventilation relates to the type of tunnel in question. Vehicular tunnels (road, rail and metro) generally require high air quality during normal operation and smoke control in case of fire, while cable tunnels require cooling, smoke control and a certain amount of air exchange. Mine tunnels and station tunnels also require adequate ventilation for physiological, cooling and smoke control requirements.

Tunnels are constructed to ease the transportation of people and materials rapidly, smoothly and in a shorter time than going around via a longer and usually steeper land route. Tunnels have been in existence for centuries. It is however only in more recent times that comfort, safety and enhanced traveler experience have become aspects of tunnel design, construction and operation.

THE SPECIFICS