Risk evaluation, current practice for risk evaluation for road tunnels

This report is intended to provide discussion on the various established strategies for the evaluation of the results of a risk analysis for the risk assessment of road tunnels. After a presentation of background information on risk evaluation, the principles of the different approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, are explained and discussed. Evaluation of quantitative approaches for societal risk forms the main focus of this report which considers evaluations against absolute or relative [...]

Best practice for road tunnel emergency exercises

Emergency exercises are an integral part of the planning process of road tunnel safety. Drawing on international experience in this area, this report is in the form of a detailed guide for defining objectives, prepare, implement and evaluate an exercise in the most efficient and productive as possible. It also contains practical information on the resources and personnel required for the organization of an emergency exercise, on the costs and outcomes. For non-yet experienced emergency exercise [...]

Assessing and improving safety in existing road tunnels

This report provides guidelines for a step-by-step process for the development of a safety upgrade programme for existing road tunnels, ensuring that the required safety levels are achieved. The report represents the work of PIARC Technical Committee C.4, Working group 2. A five step methodology is proposed for the development of safety upgrade works: Step 1: "establish a safety framework" to confirm or to prescribe the regulatory framework applicable to the existing tunnel in terms of safety. [...]

Recommendations on management of maintenance and technical inspection of road tunnels

This report aims at presenting best practice for technical inspections as well as for the maintenance of equipment in road tunnels ranging from electromechanical systems to communication systems and operational devices. The scope, goal and types of maintenance are defined in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 presents advantages and drawbacks of a maintenance strategy based on preventive actions versus one based on a corrective approach. After deciding on the strategy of maintenance, the tunnel operator has [...]

Life cycle aspects of electrical road tunnel equipment

Electrical equipment costs have risen dramatically in the past years: more and more complex systems are being used in tunnels. Knowing life cycles of equipment helps to reduce maintenance costs and to improve safety. This report presents the results of an international survey (twenty-seven answers from ten countries) on how tunnel owners behave regarding system maintenance and component replacement. It provide information on average lifetime of the main systems and equipment. The report reviews [...]