Fire Protection in Tunnels
In a society in which mobility is increasing and the volume of traffic is growing rapidly, modern, high-performance tunnels with reliable fire protection are crucial. Increasingly long and complex tunnel systems are being planned and built, and existing tunnels modernized, in order to meet the growing requirements.
ECO Tunneling and Aestuver® provide a fire protection solution for road and rail tunnels in North America that can meet the structural and fire performance requirements of the modern age.
The Impact and Damage of Fire in Tunnels
Because of the spatial limitations of road and railway tunnels, tunnel fires render all escape, rescue and repair measures rather difficult, and are hence regarded to be the greatest risk to people, vehicles and the tunnel structure itself.
Engineered, high-performing fire protection systems are therefore required to satisfy the demanding structural fire protection requirements in tunnels. These measures reduce the risk of injury, and avoid severe fire damage to the tunnel structure and, consequently, long closures (leading to a loss of income for tunnel operators and neighboring regions).
Requirements for Structural Fire-Protection in Tunnels
Requirements for structural fire protection systems are assessed on a project-specific basis using internationally recognized time-temperature curves.
The structural fire protection system ensures that, in the event of a fire:
- No damage occurs that threatens the stability of the tunnel
- No permanent deformation of the structure occurs that restricts the usability of the tunnel
- The leak tightness of the structure is guaranteed on a continuous basis
Cladding with Aestuver® Fire Protection Boards for Tunnels
Aestuver® fire protection boards are used as independently fixed or directly concreted (Permanent Formwork) cladding in underground transport systems and protects the entire concrete structure and reinforcement from harmful temperatures. The clear benefits of Aestuver® fire protection boards for tunnel operators and transport agencies include the following:
- Use of well-established concrete types without PP fibers
- Can be cleaned using conventional cleaning processes
- Freeze-thaw-resistant and water-resistant
Why Structural Fire Protection?
The structural fire protection system ensures that if a fire occurs:
- there will be no damage that could endanger the stability of the tunnel
- no permanent deformations occur in the structure which limit the serviceability of the tunnel
- the tightness of the structure is further guaranteed.
And above all, simple renovation measures can make the property available for traffic again in a very short time after a fire.
See the advantages of the Aestuver® Tx fire protection board for yourself:
Aestuver® Fire Protection in Tunnels
Cement-bonded tunnel fire protection panels Aestuver® T and Aestuver® Tx meet the highest safety requirements in underground traffic facilities. An important advantage is that the overall economic damage in the event of a fire is considerably lower than with uncovered concrete.
This is documented in the STUVA study about a profitability and follow-up cost analysis for the use of fire protection panels in tunnels from 2019.
ECO Tunneling
(855) 794-2636 | info@ecotunneling.com
Winchester, VA | 22603