Ventilation and aerodynamics

For underground railways

Visualisation of smoke control following an incident in a running tunnel.

Mott MacDonald has a world class reputation for tunnel ventilation and rail aerodynamics, applying our expertise to new schemes as well as the refurbishment and upgrading of existing underground rail systems. Our reputation is based upon the design and delivery of many projects worldwide. Tunnel ventilation The environment of an underground railway is dynamic and complex and must be managed carefully for the comfort of passengers during normal operations, and for their safety in the event of an incident. During normal operations it is necessary to limit the aerodynamic disturbances caused by the movement of trains and to control the temperatures for passenger comfort. In the event of an incident, either at an underground station or in a running tunnel, it is vital to control and capture the smoke for the safe evacuation of passengers. The mechanisms by which these controls are exerted have substantial and far reaching interfaces with the infrastructure, architecture and many systems of the railway, and with its operation. Mott MacDonalds design leadership in large tunnel ventilation projects, gives us a unique understanding of those interfaces and how they should be managed. Rail aerodynamics The understanding of rail aerodynamics is fundamental to the design of underground railways and is of increasing importance in the design and operation of rolling stock. This is particularly important with line upgrades and increased train speeds. Examples of our work include: Detail design of surface features, such as pantographs, to bring substantial reductions in aerodynamic drag and corresponding savings in traction power The entry of trains into tunnels and the control of abrupt changes of pressure for passenger comfort The assurance of train stability in crosswinds Mott MacDonald is experienced in these and other aspects of rail aerodynamics and has both the experience and the techniques to deliver high quality solutions.

Mott MacDonald has provided tunnel ventilation and rail aerodynamics services for metros and railways worldwide, including: Ankara Amsterdam Athens Bangkok Budapest Channel Tunnel Copenhagen Delhi Dublin Kaohsiung London Heathrow Express Heathrow Terminal 5 rail links London Underground Docklands Light Railway London Overground Crossrail Lyon-Turin Rotterdam Singapore Tel Aviv Thessaloniki Vancouver

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Our capabilities Mott MacDonald has developed, over several decades, class leading capabilities in tunnel ventilation and rail aerodynamics. The team is built upon a broad base of disciplines with a balance of highly qualified and experienced engineers, designers, and simulation specialists. Many are acknowledged experts within the industry and Mott MacDonalds learning and development policies ensure that our younger engineers benefit from their experience. The suite of simulation software that we use to analyse and design tunnel ventilation systems has been developed over the last three decades, having being created for the Channel Tunnel and its very specific demands. The software has been enhanced to meet the particular requirements of successive projects and is now the most proficient of its type. Our expertise Complete underground ventilation system design, covering: Concept design Detail design Procurement Site supervision, monitoring and testing Commissioning

Design studies for an undersea tunnel to operate heavy freight trains design, sizing and layout of tunnel ventilation equipment.

Simulation of underground systems for normal, congested and emergency operating conditions to investigate: Transient pressures Air exchange Air velocities Temperatures Humidity Smoke management

Thermodynamic studies of multiple close-coupled diesel locomotives in an undersea tunnel.

Specialist design services: Transient pressure loads Localised thermal problems Train/ventilation system interaction Contact us
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Our expertise also covers system upgrades, including retrofitting platform screen doors and the installation of additional cooling plant, and evaluation of existing systems for operational and infrastructure changes. Our track record Numerous metros throughout the world where we have advised on ventilation strategies, undertaken simulation studies for the sizing of fans and civil works, and assisted in the development of operating procedures High speed rail schemes such as the Channel Tunnel where our responsibilities have included analysis and design for the aerodynamics and thermodynamics of normal operations and the management of incidents Tunnels for which the operation of diesel locomotives raises special considerations for the control of air quality both inside and outside the tunnel issues that we solve using advanced simulation techniques and informed engineering Safety in slipstreams investigations on the safety of train generated slipstreams at the trackside and on platforms

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To find out more see our dedicated microsite www.railways.mottmac.com