Management of Air Quality in and Near Highway Tunnels

Book excerpt: A comprehensive study was made of air quality management (AQM) practices applicable to highway tunnels for the purpose of improving the design and operation of tunnel ventilation systems. The study consisted of a review and analysis of current AQM practices, a field program in which air flow and air quality measurements were made in operating tunnels, theoretical analysis of the factors affecting tunnel air quality, the development of computer models of AQM systems, and use of the computer models to investigate alternate ventilation methods and to formulate AQM guidelines. This executive summary gives an overall view of the program and summarizes the principal findings and suggested AQM guidelines.