HELLO

I'm Dr. Alexander Rudolf

Expert in Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics

Specialization in Tunnel Ventilation and Tunnel Aerodynamics
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.
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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

75% Complete

Tunnelventilation

98% Complete

Climate

50% Complete

Technical-scientific calculations

60% Complete

Change-Management

60% Complete

Project management

96% Complete

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 2017

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

Since 2007

SELF-EMPLOYED WITH COMPANIES IN SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY

Expert in tunnel ventilation and aerodynamics

2003-2007

ILF CONSULTING ENGINEERS AG, ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND

Department manager tunnel ventilation and aerodynamics

SEE FULL PROFESSIONAL STATUS

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


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    Emailbuero@alexander-rudolf.ch

    Phone+41 (71) 5445353

    Mobile+41 (76) 4468493

    AddressBahnhofstrasse 31, 8280 Kreuzlingen, Switzerland