Nitrogen oxides gas levels in NATM tunnel construction during the Directive 2017/164/EU transitional period
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/ic.82778Keywords:
gases, NATM, NO, NO2Abstract
The Directive 2017/164/EU will drastically reduce the NO and NO2 TLVs in underground mining and tunneling activities. There are concerns regarding the feasibility of the proposed levels and the Directive established a transitional period, ending on 21 August 2023 for the underground mining and tunnel construction sectors which provides for a reassessment of its applicability to these sectors before the end of this period. The study was carried out in a 2 km double highway tunnel, excavation cross-section 102 m2, excavation method NATM, the selected tunnel is representative of the tunnel construction system in Spain. This paper aims to analyses NO and NO2 gas levels during NATM tunnel construction and compare results with the actual levels and the levels proposed in the Directive 2017/164/EU. The report concludes that great efforts need to be made to reach the Directive levels in 2023. Recommendations are given to reach the proposed levels.
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