ABSTRACT
The Ceneri Base Tunnel (CBT) is part of the new Swiss Trans-Alpine Railway Link. Together with the Gotthard Base Tunnel and after 2020, the CBT will connect northern and southern Switzerland and Europe for high-speed passenger and freight trains. The twin-tube CBT is 15 km long. The single-track tubes are 40 m apart and connected every 325 m by cross-passages.
The tunnel has a state-of-the-art tunnel ventilation system (TVS) and an independent mechanical cross-passage ventilation system (CPVS). The TVS and CPVS shall provide acceptable conditions during maintenance works as well as safe areas during the self-rescue phase and smoke control for support of rescue and fire-fighting forces during an emergency.
Taking the CBT as reference, other contemporary TVS and CPVS concepts of twin-tube, high-speed rail tunnels are presented. The particular features are highlighted and the implications on civil design are described (need for shafts, space for fan plants, etc.).
