Road tunnels: complex underground road networks

Underground complex road networks are under development in the world due to the growing concentration of the population in large urban areas. The high occupation on the surface, the extension of the perimeter of the metropolises, the growing demand in travel and mobility, lead naturally and inevitably in the development of underground facilities. These developments raise many questions and PIARC wished to participate in this reflection. A first step is crossed with the publication of part A [...]

Lay bys and protection against lateral obstacles - Current practices in Europe

Accidents which have occurred in tunnels have brought to light the danger that the perpendicular end-wall of lay-bys can present to road users in tunnels. Various European representatives of the PIARC Road Tunnel Operations Committee engaged in discussions on the topic of lay-bys and lateral obstacles in tunnels. A workshop was organized on this issue in 2013. This document is a follow-up to the discussions of the workshop. Chapters 1 to 7 present the individual position of each participating [...]

Fixed fire fighting systems in road tunnels: Current practices and recommendations

Fixed Fire Fighting Systems (FFFS) have been routinely used in road tunnels in countries such as Japan and Australia for decades, and there is increased interest in the use of FFFS in parts of Europe, North America and Asia. Large fire events in road tunnels continue to show the consequences of such an event. These consequences can be to the users, the tunnel infrastructure, and the impact to the wider road network on society. This has maintained the pressure for further improvements to techniques [...]

Improving safety in road tunnels through real-time communication with users

This report is a continuation of the one published by PIARC in 2008 on "Human Factors and road tunnel safety regarding users". It addresses two specific points raised in the conclusion of the 2008 report: "It is most important that motorists understand how to behave in tunnels, in critical situation" "In case of fire, tunnel users should be alerted by at least two different channels of communication". This report describes human behavioural aspects when driving, and how to communicate [...]

Best practice for life cycle analysis for tunnel equipment

Life Cycle or Life Cycle Cost (LCC) aspects are becoming more important. From an economic point of view, it is important to consider these aspects both in the design and in the operation of tunnel equipment. This best practice report is a natural follow-up to the former report on life cycle aspects of electrical road tunnel equipment [1]. An international survey was conducted in order to gain an insight to how tunnel owners behave today regarding life cycle analysis of technical equipment. 20 [...]