DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR TVS TO LIMIT THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL RELEASES IN ENCLOSED TRANSIT STATIONS

The transit stations described in this paper are facilities where numerous passengers may be waiting for their trains, particularly during rush hours in the early morning and in the late afternoon, early evening. The presence of a large population of civilians in an enclosed facility represents a potential risk for terrorists, as the events of the last several years have demonstrated. It is, therefore, important to consider the threats of terrorism when designing or upgrading the transit stations and their ventilation systems. Currently the design criteria do not include any special provisions in dealing with events like releasing chemical or biological substances in stations, although there have been a couple incidents of this nature in subways, with serious consequences. The stations are normally designed to maintain acceptable, if not pleasant environmental conditions along the boarding platforms, concourses and entrances. This is generally achieved by circulating a mix of fresh and tunnel air at reasonable velocities, by taking advantage of the piston effect of the moving trains. This natural ventilation has been considered for many years the most efficient way to control the subsurface environment. Moving air may represent the vehicle of spreading harmful substances released practically at any location inside the tunnel or station network, since currently there are no barriers or filters to limit such a spread. This presentation reviews the implications and consequences of harmful substances being carried over by the ventilation system and suggests ideas to limit the consequences for further consideration in the design.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/1931594112
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available on CD-ROM.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1666 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Miclea, P C
• Conference:
  • Rail Transit Conference
  • Location: Miami Florida
  • Date: 2001-6-10 to 2001-6-14
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 10p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cleaners; Biological control; Chemical agents; Design; Environmental impacts; Light rail transit; Public transit; Rail transit; Rail transit stations; Tunnels; Ventilation systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Environment; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00977285
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 1931594112
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 3 2004 12:00AM