Determination of railway tunnel cross-sectional areas on the basis of aerodynamic considerations

Summary

This UIC leaflet sets out minimum cross-sectional areas for new single and double-track railway tunnels based on the criterion of aerodynamic comfort in respect of pressure variations in sealed and unsealed trains. Guidance values for aerodynamic comfort are given in Appendix F.

The former ERRI Specialists' Committee C 218 has put together a range of programmes to facilitate aerodynamic tunnel calculations (SEALTUN, AIRSHAFT). These calculation tools can be used to size a tunnel on the basis of aerodynamic criteria or to determine aerodynamic effects in tunnels under the prescribed conditions.

The C 218 findings and the basic design principles have been laid down in new Appendix F "Pressure change guidance values and tunnel cross-section design tools". This same appendix describes the basic calculation principles and programs and sets out the medical basis for defining passenger comfort when a train passes through a tunnel. These findings have also been incorporated into the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI).

This leaflet is a key document in the design of tunnels based on aerodynamic criteria.