ABSTRACT
The main drawback of diesel-operated vehicles usage in unventilated dead-end crosscut is that they generate diesel particulate matter (DPM), a known carcinogenic agent. Since DPM particles are nanometer in size, they do not settle easily under their own weight and will require longer duration to dilute. This paper presents detailed study of DPM dispersion in unventilated dead-ends and control strategy with curtain using field experiments and CFD modelling investigations. Studies conducted with different dead-end crosscut lengths (10 m,15 m, 20 m, 25 m and 50 m). Results show that longer time durations are required to dilute DPM for greater dead-end crosscut lengths. Studies also show that installing curtains will help to a certain extent at the dead-end crosscuts, and a curtain at 45° is better than a curtain at 90°.
