Tunnel Systems

Protecting life below ground starts with systems that work — every time

iStock-483291409

Tunnel systems do more than support infrastructure — they protect people. Ventilation, fire and life safety, drainage, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) controls and mechanical electrical plumbing (MEP) systems work together to manage risk and keep tunnels operating safely in both everyday conditions and emergencies.

When these systems perform, communities move confidently. When they don’t, the consequences are serious. That’s why performance isn’t optional — and must be engineered from the start. 

At Jacobs, we design and validate tunnel systems that perform when it matters most — across the entire asset lifecycle. From safety analysis and fire and smoke modeling to code-compliant design, testing and commissioning, we assist teams overseeing new and existing tunnels — including complex high-speed rail systems — meet regulatory requirements and operate with confidence. 

Tunnel Engineering Solutions

Safe, buildable tunnels start with understanding uncertainty — and designing for it. 

iStock-604373276

Ventilation and life safety systems

Designing integrated ventilation, fire detection, suppression, drainage and (MEP systems that keep tunnels safe in everyday operation and resilient in emergencies.

iStock-478343722

Safety analysis, modeling and compliance

Demonstrating performance before it matters most, through code compliance reviews, risk analysis and advanced 2D and 3D modelling of fire, smoke, emissions and evacuation, we verify life-safety outcomes and system performance.

iStock-182060009

Testing, commissioning and operational readiness

Verifying performance through inspection, fire testing and commissioning — ensuring new and existing tunnels are ready, reliable and safe from day one.

iStock-1502938892

Specialist tunnel system assessments

Assessing complex tunnel assets — including high-speed rail, road and rail tunnels, culverts and specialist structures — to support safety assurance, system upgrades and long-term performance.

Understanding tunnel systems and safety

Explore how tunnel systems support safe operations, from ventilation and fire life safety to evacuation modeling, risk assessment and system performance.

Contact us

Tunnel systems include ventilation, fire and life safety, drainage, SCADA controls and MEP systems that support safe tunnel operation during normal and emergency conditions.

Tunnel ventilation systems control air quality, manage smoke during fires and support safe evacuation and emergency response.

Tunnel fire and life safety engineering designs systems that detect, control and respond to fire, protecting people, assets, first responders and tunnel operations.

Tunnel safety performance is assessed using hazard and risk analysis, code compliance checks and fire, smoke and evacuation modeling.

Fire and smoke modeling simulates how fire, heat and smoke behave in tunnels to test ventilation and fire suppression systems effectiveness and evacuation safety.

Evacuation and egress modeling evaluates how people move to safety during emergencies, contributing to design systems that support safe escape times.

Existing tunnel systems are assessed through inspection, testing and performance evaluation to identify safety risks, compliance gaps and upgrade needs.

Related services

Meet the team