Tunnel Fires: Assessment of Tunnel Users´ Escape Possibilities Using Numerical Simulations of Smoke Propagation

The recent European road tunnel fires have shown that the main danger for tunnel users in case of fire is suffocation by smoke prior to reaching an emergency exit. This is due to large tunnel areas filling fast with smoke. The aim of this thesis was, therefore, the development of a method to assess the tunnel users´ escape possibilities in case of fire. For this purpose, numerical calculations of the smoke propagation of a tunnel fire according to the conditions of the RABT 2003 standard fire test were carried out. The analysis of the results considered the possibility of a tunnel user saving himself prior to or after alarm sounded and rescue instructions are released. This possibility is mainly related to the visibility, the orientation in smoke-filled areas and the speed of escape resulting from those. Hence, a calculation of the present visibilities at each point of the tunnel, based on the respective smoke concentration, was implemented in the numerical model. This allowed the time-dependent identification of areas within the tunnel that offer only restricted escape conditions and so, the derivation of maximum escape route lengths for successful escape. Following the calculations, a maximum distance of emergency exits of 150 m is desirable when detection times are 60 s, as currently required by the RABT 2003. Each further reduction of the detection times, which can e.g. be realized by implementation of video detection systems, increases the safety level.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Mayer, Georg
  • Steinauer, Bernhard
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 86th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2007-1-21 to 2007-1-25
• Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 16p
• Monograph Title: TRB 86th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Emergencies; Evacuation; Fire; Fire detection systems; Mathematical models; Safety; Simulation; Smoke; Tunnels; Vehicular tunnels
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01044910
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 07-1075
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 30 2007 6:59AM