An experimental study of the impact of tunnel suppression on tunnel ventilation

Published: 14 April, 2010

Water-based fixed fire fighting systems (WFFFS) are now considered to be an option for mitigating the effects of tunnel fires as these systems can control the fire and prevent fire spread. The mitigation effects can be enhanced when WFFFS is used with ventilation systems. There is a great need to study the interaction between WFFFS and ventilation systems; and to identify design elements for both systems to make them efficient. This paper presents results from a preliminary test conducted in a full-scale laboratory tunnel furnished with a sprinkler system. The absolute cooling effect and radiation attenuation were examined by activating the sprinkler system over a propane fire which generated a constant HRR. The test examined the effectiveness of the longitudinal ventilation system with the sprinkler system active. The paper also discusses the impact of the water vapour on the measurement of HRR, which uses oxygen consumption calorimetry.

File: 342-350_An experimental study.pdf (1539k)

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