Fire protection options for concrete tunnel linings

Published: 14 April, 2010

The modern, reliability-based service life design for tunnels is implemented in most new designs and in redesign of existing structures and has been adopted by national authorities and individual clients in countries all over the world. Currently there are no real standards on how to design concrete for a specific design life. The current concrete codes are recommending various mix designs and reinforcement cover for design life of approx. 50 years.

Tunnels are now usually designed for a service life of 100, 120 or even 200 years. This by far surpasses the assumed design life according to most codes and standards. All uncertainties regarding, the designer has to take into account environmental exposure, material properties and deterioration modeling in order to meet the required design life.

Thus service life design, based on functional requirements, can be carried out by sticking to the same mechanical concept as the one that is used for structural design. Other issues that need to be considered in relation to the required design life are water tightness of the lining and its behavior under a fire. Both will influence the design life of a permanent concrete tunnel lining. By design concrete with high durability the designer should also consider the behavior of the concrete during a tunnel fire and in some cases this behavior is negatively influenced by the concrete mix properties and the used materials.

File: 224-235_Fire protection options.pdf (3054k)

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