Airflow Cooling in Rock Lined Tunnels

Abstract

The insulating properties of rock surrounding underground openings have been used to advantage in creating environments in which temperature is stable and characterized by the mean annual climatic condition at a particular geographic location. Change in temperature and air energy level along an airway is affected by factors such as airway length, air velocity, and relative humidity. In order to establish design principles for air tempering tunnels capable of passively conditioning air to subsurface openings such as underground homes, a study was undertaken at the University of Missouri-Rolla Experimental Mine to observe changes in air characteristics and rock temperatures. Results from these tests undertaken over a 54 hour period are discussed and some interpretations made as to their usefulness to underground construction planning.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Insulating Properties; Rock; Tunnels

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1981 Missouri Academy of Science, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1981

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