Safety in the III Valico Tunnel Complex

The III Valico Tunnel Complex is composed by the tunnels of the Genoa-Milan High-Speed Railway Line, the Voltri Linking Section and the interconnections between these lines. The rail line from Genoa to Novi Ligure plain develops entirely in tunnel, with the exception of a short stretch at Libarna Area. The III Valico line is about 53 km of which more than 47 km in tunnels, including the interconnections. A special risk analysis of the III Valico Tunnel Complex was performed. In order to verify the functionality of the design for smoke control and exodus, numerous three-dimensional simulations for representative scenarios were carried out to reduce the uncertainties associated with the transportation system efficiency, in the occurrence of chaotic nature hazardous events such as fires. The analysis made it possible to calibrate the statistical models adopted for the risk calculation, review the emergency management timelines, supporting the choices made with regard to safety systems.