Vertical illuminance as a criterion for energy-effective tunnel lighting design

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Illum. Eng. Soc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00994480.1983.10748868· OSTI ID:6682051

McCullough, V A; Ketvirtis, A

From the analysis of published scientific data relevant to visibility requirements at vehicular tunnel approaches, threshold zones and interiors, it is evident that the degree of effectiveness of detection of foreign objects on the pavement can be used as a measure of safety in the flow of traffic through such structures. Since detection of objects depends largely upon the difference in luminance between objects and their backgrounds, lighting systems for vehicular tunnels should be designed to favor creating highest possible luminance contrast values. It should be noted that the contrast sensitivity depends considerably upon the geometric relationship between the object, the direction and control of incident light and the observer's eye location. From experiments conducted at the Ministry of Transportation and Communication's laboratory, and measurements taken at the Thorold and East Main Tunnels (Ontario), it was concluded that lighting geometrics which favor vertical illuminance will result in enhancement of the effective visibility conditions for detection of foreign objects with considerably lower energy requirements when compared to the presently recommended design practice.

• Research Organization: Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6682051
• Journal Information: J. Illum. Eng. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Illum. Eng. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 13:1; ISSN JIESB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320603* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Public Utilities-- (1980-)
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SYSTEMS
GEOMETRY
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
MATHEMATICS
TUNNELS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
VISIBILITY