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Title:

COUNTERBEAM LIGHTING, A PROVEN ALTERNATIVE FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE ENTRANCE ZONES OF ROAD TUNNELS

Accession Number:

00605659

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

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Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309050626

Abstract:

The required lighting level in the entrance zone of road tunnels is determined by two main factors: (a) the perception of objects in the tunnel from outside and within a safe stopping distance, and (b) the prevention of the black-hole effect, which can lead to unexpected changes in driver behavior. Detailed analysis of the visual task of object perception shows that counterbeam lighting produces significantly enhanced object visibility because of the high contrast generated. This effect allows a much lower luminance level compared to symmetric lighting. In addition, the luminance yield on the road is much higher for R3-type road surfaces. Compared with conventional symmetric lighting, a substantial saving of energy can be achieved. The requirements for the luminaires and lighting design, the photometric values of counterbeam lighting attainable in practice, and the critical points associated with it are discussed in detail. The conclusions stemming from this discussion and the present experience with counterbeam lighting in Switzerland demonstrate that with this lighting system a high-quality alternative for tunnel entrance zone lighting is available.

Supplemental Notes:

This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1287, Traffic Flow, Capacity, Roadway Lighting, and Urban Traffic Systems 1990. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

Monograph Accession #:

01411069

Authors:

Blaser, Peter

Pagination:

p. 244-251

Publication Date:

1990

Serial:

Transportation Research Record

Issue Number: 1287
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

ISBN:

0309050626

Features:

Figures (7) ; Photos (2) ; References (12) ; Tables (3)

Old TRIS Terms:

Subject Areas:

Bridges and other structures; Design; Energy; Environment; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I25: Design of Tunnels

Files:

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Created Date:

Mar 31 1991 12:00AM

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