RAMS-analysis (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety/Security) is a concept that can be used to assess what we can expect in the operation phase for any given system.
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Tunnels represents the most challenging part of an road infrastructure when it comes to the complexity of construction, technical infrastructure and technical facilities. But how should the road owner design, build, operate and manage the infrastructure to make sure that vulnerable parts of the road network remain reliable, available at all time, maintenance friendly for the operators and safe for the road users.
Several innovative businesses are working with new better materials to provide tunnel owners with construction elements that uses materials well suited for other more demanding industries. But are we ready to challenge the traditional materials?
In some cases there is a need to fire-proof narrow tunnels or tunnels with an inner structure that can not withstand high weight. This can be solved by using fire resistant concrete that is light, do not take much space and can withstand high temperatures.
An important part of upgrades and rehabilitation of tunnels is to protect side area that represent a risk for collisions. The new SMA crash cushions from Automation Manufacturing Services ltd. prove that it is possible to produce space-saving solutions that are easy to install, reliable over time, maintenance friendly and provide a high degree of safety.
Increased quality in order to extend the constructions lifetime to 100 years and thereby avoid renovations or new construction. This is one of the the arguments for using full cast vault in road tunnels.
Cavidrain® is a preformed geocomposite drainage system designed to relieve water penetration and reduce hydrostatic pressure within tunnel constructions. A satisfactory tunnel design anticipates drainage needs by managing the build up of hydrostatic pressure on the waterproofing layer and by transporting water away in the tunnel invert.
Directive 2004/54/EC on minimum safety requirements for tunnels says the drainage of flammable and toxic liquids shall be provided for through well-designed slot gutters or other measures. In many cases the tunnel operator needs to find space saving solutions in a cross-section with a minimal space for drainage.
Water-based ceiling coating improves tunnel visibility, safety and aesthetics in the Changwon Tunnel. In this case it was important for the tunnel operator to choose tunnel finish materials that had the right reflectivity, adaptability, cleanability, durability and safety effects for the road user.
The RockDrain water-proofing concept is a special designed system for waterproofing, fireproofing, insulating and frost proofing of underground facilities and tunnels.
To make portal area more traffic safe, there has been a desire to look into systems to prevent icing and snow conditions. This study shows that a snow melting heated pavement system can have promising prospect for application in curtain tunnels.
The road owner seek solutions that can give a light and maintenance-friendly tunnel, that also feel safe for the motorists. White coating can contribute to make the tunnel lighter. The right amount of tunnel lighting can also be used, often in a combination with lining and coating.
The overall aim of passive systems is to contain the fire by use of protection to prevent the fire and smoke from moving from one compartment to another, delaying the collapse of the building structure or/and delaying the growth of the fire.