Authors: N. Rhodes, J. Castro & K. Nassiri w/ client M. Savchak, Metro North Railroad
American Public Transit Association’s 2003 Rail Transit Conference, San Jose, U.S.A., June 2003
Abstract
New York’s Grand Central Terminal trainshed is one of the largest underground structures in Manhattan occupying approximately 2.5 million square feet. Built in 1913, it has 30 platforms on two levels and provides commuter rail service for over 70 million passengers a year. The trainshed currently experiences high air temperatures during the summer months, creating an uncomfortable environment for passengers and employees and increasing the probability of equipment failure or reduced service life. This situation also imposes a complex situation for smoke control. A study has been carried out during which global lumped-parameter and three-dimensional CFD models of the trainshed have been developed and applied to achieve an understanding of the very complex coupled fluid and thermodynamic processes which control the environmental conditions. This study led to the identification of conceptual designs in order to alleviate the extreme temperatures occurring within the trainshed. Fire simulations, using the CFD model, also enabled an understanding of smoke behavior in the trainshed. The CFD models are currently being extended and used to support the ongoing design activities and to study fire hazards and ventilation possibilities for the Park Avenue tunnel. The paper discusses the background and technical difficulties in applying modeling to such a comprehensive structure. Technical approach, validation and the optimization of design using the model are described.
