Ventilation of road tunnels, recommendations 1991

These new recommendations are of interest because they are based on four important subjects, namely: "emission", "vehicle distribution and density", "fire" and "calculation method". All the other subjects reported have been adjusted as far as possible to the most recent data but are not so very directive. The reason why the subject of "emission" is a new one is that other substances have been added besides carbon monoxide. In addition a method to determine vehicle distribution is outlined in the first chapter of these recommendations and in the subsequent one on vehicle density. The determination of vehicle distribution does not only imply that information is required about emission for each vehicle but also information about the type and number of vehicles on the road. The most recent research information obtained from research in this field is reported for both these subjects. The subject "fire" in a road tunnel is completely new in these recommendations and provides important information concerning the safety of the public and the tunnel systems in the event of a fire in the tunnel. The reason for giving extensive attention to this subject this time is prompted by the current development in the Netherlands of opening tunnels to the transport of dangerous substances. Until recently this type of transport was not permitted through road tunnels in the Netherlands.TCN0