Tunnel construction activities have increased in Europe as part of the implementation of the Trans European Transport Network. Three major European projects aimed at the construction and maintenance of safe and reliable tunnels are described. The first was DARTS (Durable and Reliable Tunnel Structures). The aim of DARTS was to develop a decision framework transforming the traditional fragmented design approach into an integrated total economic life cycle evaluation. Planning of a tunnel project was divided into four phases: feasibility study, conceptual design, outline design and detailed design phase. Durability, environmental impact and hazards were taken into account. The second project was the Thematic Network FIT (Fire in Tunnels), which focused on the exchange of knowledge, integration and creation of know-how. Life safety issues and structural integrity were addressed and guidelines were developed for fire safe design. Six FIT databases were developed. The third project was UPTUN (cost-effective sustainable and innovative upgrading methods for fire safety in existing tunnels). The main output was a risk-based evaluation and upgrading model taking into account fire development and mitigation measures, human response, structural response and the evaluation of safety levels.
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