Silicon Valley Rapid Transit (SVRT) BART Extension – Environmental Planning, Preliminary & Final Engineering (Tunnel, Ventilation Structures, Portals, Cross Passages, & Ancillary Equipment Structure), San Jose, CA

AVA’s Role:  

Preliminary Engineering: Anil Verma Associates, Inc. (AVA) was responsible for the design of two mid-tunnel ventilation structures, cross passages, portals, tunnel ventilation fans, a crossover, and ancillary equipment structures. As a subconsultant to the Hatch Mott MacDonald/Bechtel Joint Venture team, AVA also provided project management services.

Final Engineering: AVA provided architectural, mechanical, and electrical engineering design for two mid-tunnel ventilation structures. One structure included three ventilation fans, while the second included two fans. Both structures housed electrical switchgear equipment and substations. AVA coordinated with the City of San Jose, community representatives, and other stakeholders to resolve architectural design challenges associated with locating the facilities in downtown San Jose. AVA was also responsible for the design of portals and other ancillary facilities.

Description: The mid-tunnel ventilation structure houses two ventilation fans, each powered by a 300-horsepower motor, to ventilate the tunnels during an emergency and prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases. The structure also houses 1,000-volt DC switchgear that interrupts third-rail power at the gap-breaker locations in both tunnels, allowing the tunnels to be electrically isolated during an emergency. Communications equipment and an uninterruptible power supply provide power for communications systems and tunnel lighting and are located at the basement level.

Size: Five-mile tunnel