Access way to underground space: Present status of access ways to underground space with examples of spatial requirements ITA Working Group 4 “subsurface planning”

This report presents the results and output from a questionnaire undertaken by the ITA Working Group No. 4 regarding “Design Criteria for Access ways” to different types of underground structures. This theme was considered an important issue as the design and layout of access ways and installed mechanical equipment have great influence on construct ability and construction costs, maintenance and operation of the underground structures.

The questions raised were basically dealing with the theme of access ways, but as well with the wider scope of design criteria for underground structures, such as: road (transport) tunnels; underground (metro) railway stations; underground parking areas and underground shopping malls and other facilities.

Foreword

The theme of this report, design criteria for access ways to underground structures, was proposed by the representatives of Japan and Spain during the ITA Working Group No. 4 meeting, held in Sao Paulo in 1998. Around the globe an increased application of underground space has been experienced and the design of access ways is an important aspect of underground structures. The participants in the meeting in Sao Paolo, representing their member nations, supported the theme. Following the Working Group meetings in Oslo (1999) and Durban (2000) a questionnaire was prepared by Japan and Spain and distributed amongst the ITA member nations. The questions raised were basically dealing with the theme of access ways, but dealt as well with the wider scope of design criteria for underground structures, such as: road (transport) tunnels; underground (metro) railway stations; underground parking areas and underground shopping malls and other facilities.

The main intention of the Working Group No. 4 Subsurface Planning was that the findings of the questions raised could be of great help in the field of assisting, developing and harmonizing subsurface planning.

Not surprisingly, the member nations who replied to the questionnaires addressed the various aspects of this topic in different ways. Nevertheless, the diverse views clearly show differences in opinions and details by which various countries approach these issues. The report is intended to aid subsurface planners who wish to gain a broad view on how matters are dealt with in other countries or seek guidance in comparable situations – and also for the benefit and understanding of owners and operators of such facilities.

The fire and life safety issues in road and railway tunnels are of course of great importance for public confidence in such structures. These issues have been specifically dealt with in a previous report by Working Group No. 4; “Fire and Life Safety for Underground Facilities” published in the journal “Tunneling and Underground Space Technology” (TUST), volume 13/3 July/September 1998.

The ITA expresses the appreciation to the member nations who made contributions and especially to Japan who assembled and presented the material. The ITA also wish to thank Norway and the Netherlands for assisting in finalizing the report, which was completed under remaining Working Group 4 responsibilities.