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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Engineering Feasibility Study of the Future Extension of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (UTI-UTC 12)
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      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543321</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project conducts a comprehensive engineering feasibility study to assess potential future extensions of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT), a critical component of Colorado’s transportation network. The study integrates geological modeling, transportation planning, and structural engineering to evaluate the viability of new tunnel bores aimed at alleviating congestion and improving long-term capacity. Utilizing updated 3D geologic data and traffic projections, the research identifies and analyzes various tunnel alignment options, considering technical constraints, environmental impact, and economic factors. The project employs advanced geotechnical simulations and scenario analyses to support decision-making for design alternatives. Collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) ensures alignment with real-world planning needs. The outcome provides a foundation for strategic infrastructure investment and future tunnel development in high-altitude mountainous regions.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:53:43 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Fast Running Application for Evaluating Fire Resilience of Tunnel Systems (UTI-UTC 17)
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543412</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project develops a fast-running computational application to assess the fire resilience of tunnel systems, with a focus on precast tunnel linings used in highway and rail infrastructure. The tool integrates simplified thermal and structural modeling techniques, allowing for rapid evaluation of tunnel responses under various fire scenarios. It incorporates key variables such as ventilation effects, thermal conductivity, material degradation, and fire-induced spalling. The application is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable, supporting engineers and tunnel operators in emergency preparedness, design optimization, and post-incident evaluation. Calibrated using results from experimental fire testing and validated through finite element analysis, the tool offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to time-consuming detailed simulations. This research significantly contributes to enhancing the safety, resilience, and performance-based design of underground transportation systems.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 18:24:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2543412</guid>
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      <title>Developing Guidelines for Daytime Lighting in Short Tunnels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508909</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project is to formulate pragmatic directives for daytime lighting implementation within short tunnels. 
The objective of daytime tunnel lighting is to minimize the visual contrast between the tunnel interior and exterior, enabling drivers to navigate through the tunnel safely at the designated or recommended speed. In the case of short tunnels (< 410 feet), it is commonly assumed that natural sunlight can sufficiently illuminate them, obviating the need for artificial daytime lighting. However, this assumption is not always valid and depends on various factors such as tunnel design (e.g., culvert or span), portal dimensions, tunnel width, orientation, and the presence of medians (walls or piers), among other considerations. Previous research on driving safety in tunnels has shown that crash rates are considerably higher in shorter tunnels compared to longer ones [1]. Particularly, the crash rates were found to be higher in the entrance zones of tunnels (especially, threshold and transition zones) and become lower as drivers continue driving inside the tunnel. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:10:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2508909</guid>
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      <title>Integrated FFFS-EVS Design Guidelines for Highway Tunnels</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100884</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study will develop criteria, guidelines, and recommendations for the integrated design of emergency ventilation system and fixed firefighting systems using synthesis, computer simulation, model scale testing, and full-scale testing.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:17:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2100884</guid>
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      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 53-16. Critical Findings for Tunnel Functional Systems</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1853023</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Tunnel functional systems refer to a variety of equipment critical to the operation of road tunnels, such as lighting, ventilation, power supply, and fire-fighting systems. These systems are inspected, at a minimum, every 2 years. Tunnel owners are required to notify the Federal Highway Administration within 24 hours of a critical finding for a tunnel functional system in a tunnel and actions to address the finding in a timely manner.

The objective of this synthesis is to document methods and practices employed by departments of transportation (DOTs) to identify critical findings for tunnel functional systems. The synthesis looked at how DOTs define critical findings, the specific criteria they employ in identifying critical findings, and the processes they follow to address these systems-related issues.

Information for this study was gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs. Case examples of five DOTs provide additional information on critical findings for tunnel functional systems.

Martha Averso, Ben Margerum, and Brian Seip, Gannett Fleming, Inc., collected and synthesized the information and wrote the report, along with Gary English, Underground Command and Safety, LLC. The members of the topic panel are acknowledged on page iv. This synthesis is an immediately useful document that records practices that were acceptable within the limitations of the knowledge available at the time of its preparation. As progress in research and practice continues, new knowledge will be added to that now at hand.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 May 2021 19:54:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1853023</guid>
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