Tunnel Fire Safety
SINTEF NBL has been working with tunnel fire safety for a long period of time by exploring:
- use of ventilation systems for smoke control
- use of electrostatic filter to separate smoke particles
- protection against spalling of concrete
- products to be used as water- and frost protection
- risk under tunnel construction
- fire development in tunnels
- use of water mist to control tunnel fire
A number of tunnel fires during the last years have influenced the work with tunnel fire safety and risks in Norway as well as for the rest of Europe. EU was running a research program UPTUN where the objective was to find cost-effective methods to upgrade fire safety in existing tunnels.
SINTEF NBL was responsible for the part of the project concerning the research on fire development and extinguishing systems in tunnels. Newly developed fixed fire fighting systems were tested. Full-scale tests were carried out in a test tunnel at Hobøl in Norway. Different extinguishing systems were tested, based on water mist alone and also in combination with foam.
The tests demonstrated that it is possible to reduce heat radiation, smoke density and toxicity from the fire smoke so much and so quickly that lives can be saved.
Norway has access to a tunnel fire test site, the Runehamar test site, 5 km from Åndalsnes. The site consist of three closed down road tunnels owned by Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Two of the tunnels may be used for full scale fire testing.
Key projects:
Please mail or call SINTEF NBL for more info.