Overview
Scientific contribution of the project is analysis of traffic, ventilation, fire and evacuation models that can be used for fast simulation of accidents in road tunnels. We have identified shortcomings of curently used models and proposed new approach for simulation of the emergency events such as tunnel fires among others.
Our research can serve as basis for development of tunnel equipment testing methodology and operator response testing methodology. This way tunnel safety studies could be carried out more efficiently. A comparison of safety level in different tunnels could be done by applying same methodology on different tunnels.
Main objective of the project, integration of above mentioned models, has been achieved. It provides possibility for simultaneous simulation of events inside the tunnel by taking into account tunnel geometry, equipment and traffic distribution. It will be used as a basis for optimisation of the intervention during the emergency events and for minimisation of energy consumption by the ventilation and lighting during normal operation. To sum up, the integated models will serve as a basis for the tunnel operator training tool.
Ventilation systems in semi-enclosed spaces, such as tunnels, are of crucial importance for maintenance of sufficient air quality during normal and emergency conditions. During fire accidents smoke exhaustion is crucial for evacuation and rescue. The monograph assesses different types of tunnel ventilation systems and control of ventilation during emergency conditions. Effectiveness and reliability are crucial during tunnel fires and other emergency situations. Interactions between ventilation and fire fighting systems and other tunnel equipment are analysed.
The project uses risk analysis of road tunnels using state of the art PIARC - OECD methodology and points out its limitations. It has been shown how to upgrade the methodology by combining it with modelling and simulationg critical accident scenarios in road tunnels. This way specific risk reduction measures, which are not included in the methodology can be assessed and used to additionally minimise risk of accidents involving large number of fatalities.