Analysis of Grounding Systems Interference between Smart Tunnel and Electrical Distribution Grids
A. Fioravanti, A. Prudenzi, F. Ciancetta, E. Fiorucci and S. Mari Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics University of L’Aquila (Italy) 2026-02-15

Abstract

The growing demand for services in urban areas,hidden from view, has spurred the development of innovative solutions such as the Smart Tunnel. This advanced infrastructure enables centralized and secure management of major city sub-services, including electricity, water and telecommunications networks, which are continuously subject to evolutions and upgrades. In addition, thanks to the Smart Tunnel configuration, maintenance interventions, modifications or the implementation of new connections are significantly simplified and more efficient. The issue of electrical safety, particularly with regard to grounding systems, plays a critical role in complex and widespread infrastructures such as these. In particular, the grounding systems of these tunnels have the potential to conflict with the grounding networks of the electrical distribution system. This study was undertaken to better understand the dynamics of interaction between the tunnel grounding system and nearby electrical distribution networks, with the ultimate goal of ensuring increasingly high safety standards.

Key words: Electrical distribution systems, electrical safety, FEM simulations, grounding systems, smart tunnel.

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