Technical Scope

Papers are invited in three areas:

1. Physical and theoretical models and design tools

Focussing on (i) physical, analytical or numerical methods of simulating tunnel aerodynamics and ventilation including validation and standardisation, (ii) risk, sustainability or cost benefit analysis or (iii) tools tailored for use in the design and operation of ventilation systems.

Preference will be given to papers that, in the opinion of the Technical Committee, satisfy a clear need and include convincing validation of method and accuracy. Papers should demonstrate the decision making or other factors employed in their development or application.

Example topics include:
• Fire Heat Release and Smoke Generation Rates
• Physical and numerical models of airflows, pressures, temperatures and pollution
• Influence of tunnels on the environment - exhaust, dilution, dispersal
• Simulators of fire, smoke and visibility
• Methods of analysing pressure wave propagation and attenuation
• Analysis of risk aspects including cost benefit of alternative design solutions
• Full-scale and model-scale testing
• Algorithms for effective monitoring and control
• Validation of design tools and methodologies - actual system performance
• Basic design parameters - heat release rates, vehicle drag and emission, etc

2. Innovations in application and practice

Another group of papers will focus on technical aspects of the design and operation of tunnels and underground stations.  Some may be targeted at feasibility studies and conceptual design - for either real or hypothetical applications - and in this case they should demonstrate the reasoning behind the chosen route and the desired objective.  Others will address the design, commissioning and operation of actual tunnel projects - deviations from standards, and justification for them, are relevant aspects to be covered here. 

Preference will be given to papers that, in the opinion of the Technical Committee, show special novelty or are outstanding examples of best practice and present clearly reasoned paths to the conclusions drawn.

Topics may include, for example:
• Design standards, comfort criteria
• Routine and non-routine operation - maintenance, incidents, etc
• Equipment and its environment - fans, dampers, switchgear, etc
• Monitoring and control - sensors, data acquisition, operator interfaces, etc
• Responding to continuing reductions in vehicle emissions
• Upgrading existing ventilation systems - hardware and software
• Ensuring safety and reliability - availability levels, integrity levels, etc

3. Operational and professional issues

Other papers will address non-technical aspects of tunnel design and operation, including issues that influence the effectiveness with which ventilation systems can be used in practice and factors limiting the scope for innovation in design and operation. 

Preference will be given to papers of special relevance to engineers and infrastructure owners with direct responsibility for aerodynamics and ventilation in tunnel systems.  Papers that relate only indirectly to the main theme of the Symposium are not encouraged. 

Topics may include:
• Training - staff, users, emergency services
• Stakeholder Management
• Societal issues - liability, responsibility, sustainability
• Risk, insurance, cost, comfort
• Dissemination of best practice
• Human factors and their influence on automatic vs manual control
• Keeping up to date with research and innovation
• Learning from near misses and from constructive "what if.." scenarios

Selection Criteria and Objectives:

The selection of papers will strictly take account of originality, relevance and likely interest to delegates, with priority being given to papers that present new material.  Predominantly theoretical papers are normally expected to include experimental or other practical validation.  Papers must be of a technical nature and must seek to advance the state of the art by improving knowledge or by demonstrating innovative applications of best practice.  Symposia in this series are always oversubscribed with papers and feedback from past Symposia indicates that delegates prefer a reduced number of high quality presentations and increased discussion time.

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