The Dolphin Light Tunnel project in Chabahar, as a modern urban landmark, has been designed and implemented by Erfan Sanat Company on the city’s coastline. This structure, with the aim of creating a safe, attractive, and sustainable space for citizens and tourists, acts not only as environmental lighting but also as a cohesive geometric structure in the coastal space. Erfan Sanat’s experience in implementing similar projects shows that choosing the right material and observing engineering principles is the key to the durability of such structures against various weather conditions. The main goal in executing the Chabahar Dolphin Tunnel was to provide a structure resistant to high humidity and strong winds, which, while ensuring complete electrical safety, would add a special visual beauty to the area at night. The use of fairy lights and neon ropes with standard LED chips has ensured lighting stability in the long term and prevented quality degradation. Below, the technical details of the metal structure, lighting system, and smart control mechanism of this project will be explained to define the exact dimensions of this lighting project.
Technical Specifications and Structural Structure
The stability and strength of the Chabahar Dolphin Tunnel are rooted in the precise calculations of its foundation and steel skeleton. The execution process began with standard excavations; such that 24 holes with dimensions of 50×50 cm and a depth of 60 cm were dug to establish the bases. At the bottom of each hole, base plates with dimensions of 30×30 cm and a sheet thickness of 8 mm have been installed. To increase tensile strength and prevent displacement, a 16 mm rebar mesh in the shape of a 15×50 cm rectangle has been welded under the base plate.
The main skeleton of the structure includes 12 independent metal paths, each implemented with 4×6 cm box sections and a thickness of 2 mm. The connection of these paths to each other has been done through bracing with 4×4 box sections, which ensures the integrity of the entire tunnel. The central part of each path forms the map of the dolphin sculpture, which has been built using 2×1 box sections. To maintain the fairy lights and simultaneously increase the strength of the dolphin body, welded mesh has been used in the middle part of the skeleton.
At the peak of each arch, luminous spheres with a diameter of 60 cm are installed, which are produced from size 6 copper coils and give a prominent view to the tunnel ceiling. Lighting equipment includes two types of strings:
- Fairy Lights: A total of 1368 meters of fairy lights with DC voltage (converting 220V to low voltage), which benefit from high-longevity Epistar chips. These strings have an IP67 protection rating and cover the bodies of the dolphins with blue and white colors.
- Neon Rope: 600 meters of 220V neon rope, which have been executed in a double-sided and single-color manner.
The use of 1×0.5 flexible wire with PVC coating resistant to sunlight and waterproof connectors ensures the safety of connections in the humid coastal environment.
Smart Control System and Energy Management
Managing electricity consumption and the stability of lighting performance in the Dolphin Light Tunnel is done through a centralized control system. The beating heart of this system is the Erfan Sanat central electrical box, which is designed in compliance with waterproofing standards and using high-quality parts. This box includes key equipment such as contactors, residual current circuit breakers, 24-volt switching for feeding fairy light strings, and a safe earthing system.
To optimize energy consumption and eliminate the need for human intervention in turning the structure on and off, an advanced astronomical clock has been used. This device automatically turns the flow on and off based on the sunset and sunrise times in the Chabahar region. In addition, the possibility of remote control and changing lighting patterns is provided through a mobile application, which allows project managers to quickly adjust lighting parameters in emergency situations or special events.
In this project, an attempt has been made to create an intelligent system by combining electrical engineering and modern technologies, which, in addition to high stability, allows the user to control and adjust all tunnel lighting parameters through a mobile application with easy access.
Structural Strength and Resistance to Weather Conditions
The resistance of the Chabahar Dolphin Tunnel against the special coastal weather conditions of Chabahar has been one of the main priorities in design and execution. Due to high humidity and the presence of salt salts in the air, all electrical connections and lighting parts have an IP67 protection rating, which prevents the penetration of water and dust. The metal skeleton of the structure ensures the necessary stability against the strong winds of the region using standard box sections and precise welding.
Deep foundation and sturdy base plates have minimized the risk of subsidence or overturning of the structure. Also, easy access to fuses and electrical equipment inside the control box has made the maintenance and repair process easy and reduced the need for long-term shutdown of the project. These features show the engineering precision of Erfan Sanat in adapting the structure to the surrounding environment.
Dolphin Light Tunnel; Symbol of Beauty on Chabahar Coast
The “Dolphin Light Tunnel”, by creating a unique space, has become one of the focal points for photography and tourism in the region. The luminous contrast between the blue and white bodies of the dolphins and the pink spheres in the ceiling has given a dreamy and modern look to this structure. This constant and harmonious color combination creates a unified and eye-catching image at night, which is always highly visually appealing to visitors.
Stability in lighting design ensures that the face of the “Chabahar Dolphin Tunnel” always remains unified and attractive. This light tunnel, in addition to increasing environmental appeal, has also added to the visual identity of Chabahar city and is recognized as a lasting urban element, which always creates an incentive to return to the coastal space.
Project Execution; Guarantee of Quality and Durability
Success in urban lighting projects is not limited to aesthetic beauty; it is the direct result of precision in technical calculations, selection of standard materials, and principled execution. At Erfan Sanat Company, the design and execution process of lighting elements is carried out under the close supervision of the engineering team. Relying on our experience in projects such as the “Chabahar Dolphin Light Tunnel”, we are committed to ensuring that every structure is not only visually pleasing, but also has structural stability and long-term electrical safety. If your goal is to create a distinct, sustainable, and professional space in your urban or commercial environment, the Erfan Sanat technical team is ready to provide the best result for you by providing expert advice and precise execution.
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