Grandes túneis urbanos: uma proposta de gestão ambiental.

Abstract

Aiming to establish an initial proposal for an environmental and operational management protocol for large urban tunnels, one that could be applied nationwide, this study also intends to systematize, through a multidisciplinary approach, the state of the art on the subject. In this survey it will be given particular attention to vehicular urban tunnels. Due to its physical and spatial characteristics they are especially dangerous and toxic to both their users and employees involved in maintenance. Given the lack of systematic and specific bibliographic material in Brazil it was necessary to inquire about references, studies and investigations developed in other countries. A critical compilation of such data, standards and benchmarks, while in its initial level, considering the Brazilian context and the actual legal instruments, may reflect the original feature of this essay. It is hoped that the results can be used as a starting point for other extensive studies. Considering the main focus of this research, the following topics are discussed: a) physical and spatial characteristics; b) usage and operation; c) ventilation and exhaust system; d) lighting system; e) accidents prevention, security and fire protection system; f) management, traffic supervision, communication and signaling system; g) drainage system; h) solid waste management system. The two tunnels, Rebouças (1962-1965) and Engenheiro Raymundo de Paula Soares (Linha Amarela) (1997), both located in Rio de Janeiro and more than three decades apart, were selected as case studies, not only Because of their size, intensity of flows etc., but also because of the changing normative contexts in which they operate.