| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 313138 | Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology | 2012 | 5 Pages |
The installation of semi-transparent tension structures in the entrance portal of road tunnels leads to significant energy savings. These savings can be maximized when the tensions structures are designed in such a way that their material and shape contribute to their optimal photometric and mechanical performance. In this research, a graphic design software in the field of light simulation has been used and combined with the ESTS equation, developed in a previous study, to simulate tension structures with three different shapes and three different materials. Nine possible combinations were thus tested. The results obtained show that this new method is a quick, inexpensive, and safe way to optimize the material and shape of the tension structure installed at the entrance portal of a road tunnel, regardless of its orientation and location.
► The installation of tension structures in the portal of tunnels leads to energy savings. ► These savings can be optimized. ► A light simulation software combined with the new ESTS equation has been used for this optimization. ► This new method is a quick and inexpensive way to optimize the material and shape of the structure.
