Tunnel ventilation systems for renovation and new construction

A significant portion of the hundreds of bridges, locks, tunnels and viaducts in the Netherlands will be replaced or renovated in the coming years. A daring feat that requires not only an innovative approach and intensive cooperation between government and market parties. To achieve an optimal end result in terms of both cost and functionality, it is also important that suppliers and installers are involved in a project at an early stage. So says Stan Veldpaus on behalf of Kingspan Light + Air, a specialist in daylighting solutions, natural ventilation and smoke control. "By involving us at the early stages, the necessary gains can be made."

With over 45 years of experience in its backpack, Kingspan Light + Air provides comfortable and safe living and working environments. One of the disciplines is tunnel ventilation, an activity in which the company is extremely adept in terms of design, delivery and installation. For Rijkswaterstaat, plenty of reason to engage Kingspan Light + Air's specialists during the execution of the extensive renovation job. "This is indeed a large number of projects," says Stan, who works as a project consultant for smoke control systems within Kingspan Light + Air. "Specifically, several dozen structures, including several tunnels, need to be refurbished in the coming years. A solid task to which we are happy to contribute and for which we have everything we need in-house. In terms of expertise, but also in terms of flexibility and the ability to work intensively with the partners involved. That's how we make a difference."

Wide range of activities

Kingspan Light + Air's expertise is cleverly united with a comprehensive approach. The company offers full-service support, during every phase of the project. "We serve our clients with design and advice around the choice of components, but also during their assembly," says Stan. "Up to and including the final delivery of the intended tunnel ventilation system. In addition, we provide inspection, management and maintenance of the complete installation. Regardless of whether it is renovation or new construction." It is a range of activities that Kingspan Light + Air likes to combine with close cooperation with its own suppliers. Thereby, the wishes and needs from the market are the starting point for continuous improvement and further development of the products offered. "Thanks to the cooperation between our experts and partner companies, we are able to continuously improve our complete range of tunnel fans," Stan continues. "That also applies to their installation and the way they are hung. Because there is also a lot to be gained in that area. It is one of the reasons why we work with CFS simulations, a tool that allows you to predict in a fictitious situation with almost 100% certainty what will happen in practice." 

Early involvement

Naturally, Kingspan Light + Air also enjoys working with its clients and the often permanent consultancies that are called in by the Department of Public Works. It is precisely within these relationships that a lot can be gained towards an optimal end result, Stan believes. "When a client dares to select not only the consultant but also the supplier/installer of the ventilation and overpressure system before a tunnel renovation project is put out to tender, you gain the necessary advantages. Especially in existing tunnels, places where often the power supply and geometry can hardly be changed, if at all, and the room for maneuver is therefore limited. We can then assess at an early stage which fan solution is suitable or modify a fan to suit the existing geometry. At the same time, it is possible to use CFD simulation to further improve the ventilation system and make it suitable for both emergency situations and daily use. And there are many other things to which we, as tunnel ventilation specialists, can make a positive contribution. Preferably from the very beginning. Then we are at our strongest and can offer the customer the most suitable solution...".