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yagelski yagelski
 
M$2 May 28, 2009 04:23 AM

Why are the wall surfaces of roadway tunnels often lined with white ceramic tiles?

Is there a functional purpose? Light reflective? Aesthetics? It would seem so much less expensive (installation and maintenance costs) to just leave the surface as rock or concrete.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/09janfeb/images/crum4.jpg
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arjo arjo
 
 May 28, 2009 07:52 AM
According to HowStuffWorks.com there are a number of reasons
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question674.htm
  1. Ceramic tiles are fairly easy to clean because particles of dirt and grime generally don't get imbedded in the material
  2. You can easily arrange them to cover pretty much any shape.
  3. Ceramic Tiles are also easy and inexpensive to replace.
  4. Tile is also a good reflective surface. So you need less artificial lighting
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/tunnel-5.jpg
Source(s):
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question674.htm

Asker's Rating:
• Good job on the research and for providing an adequate-length answer.


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braille braille
 
May 28, 2009 07:12 AM
The tiles are sound dampeners, By decreasing sound waves and their effects they help stabilize the interior of the tunnels. Without this protection the constant vibration of trucks and cars would over time weaken the stone's integrity. They also are a form of weatherproofing protecting also against carbon imissions and buildup from the motor vehichles, moisture and humidity.

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yagelski yagelski
 
May 28, 2009 02:04 PM
Can you cite any sources for the sound dampening comment? It would seem that the very hard and flat surface of the ceramic tile would reflect sound waves rather than absorb them.

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ricochetx ricochetx
 
May 28, 2009 08:13 AM
Everyone brought up some interesting points I hadn't thought of. The only thing I'm bringing to the table is that the tile is reflective. Tunnels are surprisingly bright as day.
Source(s):
Driving thought tunnels


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elizabetho... elizabetho...
 
May 28, 2009 02:29 PM
They're cheap, easy to clean, easy to replace in sections, and reflect light in an otherwise extremely dark space. They're used to line subways stations too, likely for the same reasons.

Too bad they're not good in the Sound Absorption department!

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