IMPROVEMENT OF MATERIALS USED IN ROLLING STOCK TO REDUCE FIRE RISK

With the interconnection of the SNCF and RATP systems for providing fast services in the Ile de France (suburban services around Paris), it has become necessary for both undertakings to compare their technologies and pool their experience. This article describes the studies carries out on the behaviour of materials under fire conditions so that the smoke aspect (denseness and toxicity) can be integrated with the combustion aspect. These studies have led, for each type of material, to a dual fire-smoke classification being made which enables proper consideration to be given to the type of the rolling stock and its allocation to specific services. Apart from the laboratory tests, it is necessary for other far-reaching tests to be carried out in order to improve the behaviour of materials under fire conditions. The authors give details of the experiments furthered both in France and elsewhere (Japan, USA, Sweden,...) as well as of the halfscale tests made in the 27 cubic metre tank owned by the RATP. It seems that the steps now being taken internationally to define accurately the choice of the fire model and the general conditions for this type of test must be continued so that the results obtained can be used easily in practice. Technical collaiboration between the SNCF and the RATP has produced good results and enabled both undertakings to strengthen their position in the field of fire prevention.

• Corporate Authors:

  Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais

  92 rue Bonaparte
  75 Paris 6e,   France 
• Authors:
  • Bousquet, G
  • Muraire, R
• Publication Date: 1983-12

Language

• French

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 723-734
• Serial:
  • REVUE GENERALE DES CHEMINS DE FER
  • Volume: 102

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fire prevention; Fires; Flammability; Passenger cars; Polymers; Rapid transit cars; Safety; Smoke; Subways; Test facilities; Toxicity; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: Paris Metro
• Geographic Terms: Paris (France)
• Old TRIS Terms: Passenger car design
• Subject Areas: Design; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00382636
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Railways
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1984 12:00AM