HELLO
I'm Dr. Alexander Rudolf
Expert in Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics
Specialization in Tunnel Ventilation and Tunnel Aerodynamics- Address: Bahnhofstrasse 31, 8280 Kreuzlingen, CH
- Email: buero@alexander-rudolf.ch
- Phone: +41 (71) 5445353
- Memberships: Association of German Engineers (VDI)
- Languages: German, English, French
Underground spaces are the veins of modern societies and air is the lifeblood for those who have to be present in these spaces - temporarily or continuously. Tunnel ventilation is an indispensable asset and hence integral part of such projects. It does therefore constitute a crucial discipline for the concept, the design, the construction and operation of underground spaces.
To add to this, the tunnel ventilation system represents a high value asset with significant value by itself but even more so as it defines the safety level of the overall project. Modern societies become increasingly aware of and critical about of the safety in underground spaces and the failure to reach the highest standards (within reason) in this field is no longer tolerated and represents significant project and operational risks.
I am specialized in design and professional assessment of tunnel ventilation systems, from the ventilation of an emergency exit over a road or rail tunnel to a full blown mega project like the Riyadh Metro project in Saudi-Arabia. I am particularly trained in developing effective ventilation concepts, i.e. in the first phase of a project. As the experience shows this is the phase which may decide over the success of the entire project as errors made early on are hard to correct.
With many years of broad-based experience and my professional network in this specialist area, I will advise on how to implement the tunnel ventilation system intended by the contract and required to meet international standards. As the experience from many such projects shows, small but targeted modifications in the project basis or technical details can result in substantial improvements in terms of safety, investment costs, operational costs, performance and maintenance. I am addressing primarily principals, authorities and engineering offices who are looking for independent, honest and competent support when they are exposed to the complex technical issues associated with tunnel ventilation.
Download File (EN) 180604_CV_Rudolf_CH_D
Download File (DE)
Dr. Alexander Rudolf was first exposed to tunnel ventilation and train aerodynamics in 1994 as a scientific assistant at the EPFL. He developed the simulation tool NUMSTA(R) as his PhD topic for Swissmetro (a predecessor of today's Hyperloop), which allows to calculate the aerodynamics of trains in a partial vacuum.
Since then he has remained loyal to the topic of ventilation and aerodynamics of railway, metro and road tunnels and has been able to contribute to first-class projects worldwide.
Professional Skills
Energy Technology
Tunnelventilation
Climate
Technical-scientific calculations
Change-Management
Project management
Services
TUNNEL VENTILATION
The ventilation of rail and subway tunnels has become one of the focal points in any tunnel project. Several accidents have rendered regulations stricter.
In road tunnel projects, beginning in the year 2000 the focus has shifted from fresh air supply to control of smoke propagation in an emergency.
While ensuring a high safety level and system availability, there is always substantial pressure to reduce costs during all phases of the project, i.e. the planning, the realization and the operation.
With the introduction of electric vehicles, the requirements for tunnel ventilation, especially when dealing with fires, will once again change significantly.
TUNNEL AERODYNAMICS
It all started with the computer programm NUMSTA (R) developed for the Swissmetro project (similar to what is now Hyperloop). It allows to simulate the wave propagation in road and rail tunnels and thus to obtain the time dependent flow values in such systems.
The simulation programm has been developed continously.
Now, it can be used to answer very specific questions about the flow propagation in complex tunnel systems including compressible effects, thermal effects, vehicles and fans.
EXPERT SERVICES
Expert Services can be delivered for public and private clients, such as construction companies.
We can deliver officially appointed appraisals in tunnel ventilation and tunnel aerodynamic projects.
We can also deliver appraisals for projects involving similar subjects, such as HVAC and energy.
Appointed by:
IHK Hochrhein-Bodensee
Reichenaustr. 21
78467 Konstanz
Work Experience
Since 2007
SELF-EMPLOYED
Expert in tunnel ventilation and aerodynamics
2017 - 2021
RMTC/SYSTRA, RIYADH, SAUDI-ARABIA
Lead reviewer and expert tunnel ventilation, lines 1 and 2
2015-2016
GRUNER AG, BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Department manager and expert tunnel ventilation and aerodynamics
2003-2007
ILF CONSULTING ENGINEERS AG, ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Department manager tunnel ventilation and aerodynamics
Education
2011
EUR ING
FEANI
1998
Dr. sc. techn.
EPFL
1996
diplome d'etudes de 3ieme cycle
EPFL AND ECOLE CENTRALE DE LYON (ECL)
1994
Dipl.-Ing. mechanical engineering
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF KARLSRUHE
Awards
2013, 2018 publicly appointed and sworn appraiser for tunnel ventilation and tunnel aerodynamics chamber of commerce Hochrhein-Bodensee (Konstanz, Germany)
2001 Member of the Scientific Exchange Group of DaimlerChrysler
1989, 1994 Scholarshipholder of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Germany
Contact
Emailbuero@alexander-rudolf.ch
Phone+41 (71) 5445353
Mobile+41 (76) 4468493
AddressBahnhofstrasse 31, 8280 Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
