• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.779-793
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• 2019

The ventilation rate (Qreq) requirement in road tunnels is not just a basic information for determining the tunnel cross-sectional area, but also a major factor for the ventilation system selection. The Qreq is predominantly dependent on the vehicle traffic volume, while among others, the vehicle exhaust emissions and permissible standards are critical. This paper analyzes the changes in the Qreq designing criteria and/or recommendations suggested by World Road Association and local authorities over the last 20 years, since the first local designing criteria was established in 1997 by Korea Expressway Corporation. Additionally, based on the updated vehicle emission standards of Ministry of Environment and recent recommendations of the World Road Association (WRA), changes in the Qreq and its effects are studied in terms of the length and grade of the tunnel.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.323-335
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• 2020

In this study, a series of site measurement of particulate and gases pollutants at five tunnels were carried out along with case studies to review the suitability of the current road tunnel ventilation design standards. Previous studies by other researchers have shown that the ratios of the level of measurement to the standard were 27.9%, 1.6% and 3.4% for TSP, CO and NOx, respectively. Those measured in this site study shows even lower ratios; the ratios were 2.6%, 0.8% and 0.3%, for TSP, CO and NOx, respectively. The particle size analysis of TSP for the five tunnels shows that PM10 including tire wear and re-suspended road dust exceeded 20.4%. This implies that non-exhaust particulate matter must be taken into account, since the current design standards for the particulate matter (visibility) include only the engine emission. Based on the recent research results, for vehicle emission rate and slope-speed correction factors, revision of ventilation design standards for pollutants is required. WRA (PIARC) also emphasizes the necessity of the ventilation design standards for pollutants. In addition, enactment of a new road tunnel ventilation system operation standard or guideline is strongly recommended when considering the low operating rate of the ventilation system with jet-fans.