Tunnel Ventilation Systems

Effective ventilation systems in tunnels play a critical role in ensuring safety and providing a comfortable environment for passengers and tunnel maintenance workers. As tunnels are an integral part of transportation networks, increasing their life span is a challenge that infrastructure owners need to address.

Our engineers at WSP have the expertise required to quantify the ventilation requirements of various types of tunnel networks. They have developed and adapted a range of analysis and design tools and methods to assess and optimise aerodynamic and thermodynamic performance. With extensive experience in developing fire safety solutions, our specialists work as an integral part of the design, engineering, management, and operation of buildings and infrastructure.

All stages of design, through to operation and management of a facility are covered, from the development of bespoke fire strategies to the design and assessment of fire safety systems. By combining our experience in analysis, design, and asset appraisals, we reduce whole life costs and risks, and improve sustainability.

Design Analysis and Optimisation for Sustainable, Workable Solutions

WSP offers a complete range of tools and techniques according to the needs of each project. We provide deep experience in using models to quickly understand and gather inputs, and we appreciate key sensitivities and uncertainties in the environment.

We know all project stages and understand what is practical, cost effective, and likely to be successful. We work closely with equipment suppliers to deliver working designs. Our designers are experienced in the retrofitting and refurbishment of existing structures to optimise ventilation capacity, create safe environments, and increase their life span.

Analysis Tools and Skills

In developing software tools and techniques, WSP provides innovative methods to study thermal comfort, risk of change, and evaluate the consequences of factors such as climate change.

Design Tools and Skills

WSP designers offer specialised experience in tunnel ventilation structure, optimising equipment selection and layout, and managing wider integration with infrastructure.

Fire Safety Engineering

We develop fire strategies using prescriptive, risk-based, and fire engineering approaches to gain approval from the authority having jurisdiction and acceptance by other key stakeholders.

Energy and Sustainability

Tunnel ventilation models and analyses allow WSP to account for predominant energy sources. Our team has a thorough understanding of tunnel energy flows and balances.

Supporting Operators

Working closely with tunnel operators, our tunnel ventilation engineers have developed a deep understanding and appreciation of operational constraints. We develop operational strategies and responses that use existing assets to best effect under changing operating conditions, such as service level enhancements and infrastructure upgrades.