Tunnels
- Publication no: AP-T371-23
- ISBN: 978-1-922700-71-1
- Published: 13 January 2023
- PDF (free) Download
This report outlines a detailed and contemporary review of in-tunnel aesthetic features applied and tested, and how such features can be considered throughout the project lifecycle: planning, design, procurement, operation, maintenance, testing and benefit realisation.
The inclusion of aesthetic features within a tunnel may cause distraction or overstimulation to drivers, impacting safety and operational flow. Designers, practitioners, asset owners and operators must be cautious of cognitive load and the placement of aesthetic features. The planning, design and installation phase of projects must also consider the challenges, implications and limitations faced by operators and maintainers.
The methodology outlines a best practice procedure through which the purpose and objectives of in-tunnel aesthetic features are determined, the design approach which should be undertaken, and the identification of procurement considerations. The types of testing practices which can be undertaken at each stage of the project lifecycle are identified, including the factors which should guide maintenance and operations activities to ensure that aesthetic features contribute to an enhanced driver experience and safer tunnel environment while avoiding the creation of challenges for maintenance and operations teams.
Further investigations are required to identify additional types of aesthetic features. Testing at each stage of the project lifecycle, as a means of capturing stakeholder feedback and qualitative and quantitative data, should be undertaken so asset owners or operators can measure the benefits and impacts of aesthetic features.
Watch a webinar with Warwick Keating and John Birch for a detailed overview of the project and its findings.
- Summary
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Purpose
- 1.2 Scope
- 1.3 Methodology
- 1.3.1 Literature and Project Review
- 1.3.2 Project Working Group Review
- 1.3.3 Updating the Austroads Guide to Road Tunnels
- 1.3.4 Compilation of a Technical Report
- 1.4 Abbreviations
- 2. About the Guide to Road Tunnels
- 2.1 Overview of the Guide to Road Tunnels
- 2.1.1 Part 1: Introduction to Road Tunnels
- 2.1.2 Part 2: Planning, Design and Commissioning
- 2.1.3 Part 3: Operations and Maintenance
- 2.1.4 Part 4: Retrofitting Tunnels
- 2.2 Application of In-Tunnel Aesthetics Content
- 2.1 Overview of the Guide to Road Tunnels
- 3. In-Tunnel Aesthetics
- 3.1 Why Austroads required an update to include it in the AGRT
- 3.2 Intent and Type of Aesthetics
- 4. Literature Review
- 4.1 Summary
- 4.2 Strengths
- 4.2.1 Theming
- 4.2.2 Systems Integration
- 4.2.3 Considerations of Human Factors
- 4.2.4 Types of Aesthetic Features
- 4.3 Weaknesses
- 4.4 Challenges
- 4.4.1 Maintenance Activities
- 4.4.2 Transition to Maintenance Teams
- 4.5 Gaps
- 4.5.1 Type of Aesthetics
- 4.5.2 Location Validation
- 4.5.3 Testing
- 5. Methodology
- 5.1 Identifying Purpose and Objectives
- 5.2 Design Approach
- 5.2.1 General
- 5.2.2 Road Safety
- 5.2.3 Human Factors
- 5.2.4 Lighting
- 5.2.5 Portal Design
- 5.2.6 Signage and Information Displays
- 5.2.7 Location Validation
- 5.3 Procurement
- 5.3.1 Expertise
- 5.3.2 Contractors
- 5.3.3 Stakeholder Engagement
- 5.4 Testing
- 5.4.1 Planning Stage
- 5.4.2 Design Stage
- 5.4.3 Installation
- 5.4.4 Operation
- 5.5 Maintenance and Operations
- 5.5.1 Maintenance Activities
- 5.5.2 Lifespan
- 5.5.3 Transition to Maintenance Teams
- 6. Updating the Guide to Road Tunnels
- 6.1 Updates to the Austroads Guide to Road Tunnels
- 7. Conclusions and Recommendations
- 7.1 Conclusions
- 7.2 Suggestions for Further Research
- References