VENTILATION UPGRADE FOR GOTTHARD TUNNEL

This article describes the upgrading of the ventilation system for the Gotthard Tunnel, a key element in the road connection system through the Alps. Built between 1968 and 1980, the year it opened, the tunnel had an excellent safety record until a fire in October 2001 that killed 11 people. A ventilation upgrade was already underway; efforts were stepped up after the fire. Also of concern is the rapidly rising traffic volume, approaching 7 million trips each year, which increases risks in case of a fire and puts extra strain on the ventilation system. The main characteristics are 6 ventilation sections, 6 ventilation stations, 4 shafts, 22 fans, fresh air and exhaust, and installed power. The upgrade is meant to provide concentrated smoke extraction by means of 178 dampers, with the dampers closest to a fire opening completely and the others closing. The upgrade had to be done while the tunnel was in operation because of its importance to Alps traffic. Fine-tuning is still taking place. Additional improvements are to include upgraded lighting and fire-detection systems. New control systems and improved air-tightness of the ducts will also be carried out.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0041414X
• Corporate Authors:

  Polygon Media Limited

  Tubs Hill House, London Road
  Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BY,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Gagliardi, M
  • Bettelini, M
• Publication Date: 2004-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 20-22
• Serial:
  • Tunnels & Tunnelling International
  • Volume: 36
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Progressive Media Markets, Ltd
  • ISSN: 0041-414X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fire fighting equipment; Smoke; Vehicular tunnels; Ventilation systems
• Identifier Terms: Gotthard Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Construction; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00974348
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 2 2004 12:00AM