THE APPLICATION OF MICROELECTRONICS TO THE CONTROL OF HIGHWAY TUNNELS

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of microelectronic technology to control systems for road tunnel services, particularly unmanned tunnels. It does not consider road traffic control. Microelectronics technology has not yet been applied to any significant extent in road tunnel control systems in the UK, but the feasibility of the applications has already been demonstrated by installations in other parts of Europe, notably Switzerland and Holland. Although the traditional technology used in the UK is well understood, rugged and reliable, the energy and resource savings from the introduction of microelectronics technology in other industrial control systems suggested that there could be advantages in adopting these methods for tunnel control. After studying UK and other European tunnels, particular aspects of suitable mcroelectronics technology were researched further. Two main problem areas have been identified. Firstly, the procedures for introducing modern technology are not readily compatible with the traditional procedures for procuring road tunnel services control systems in the UK and secondly, the reliability of computer software has proved difficult to achieve in the European tunnel installations. However, the study showed that microelectronics technology has distinct advantages if applied correctly, and the report includes discussions and suggestions on methods of overcoming the main problems. (Author/TRRL)