Some Questions about the Safe Operation of Short Road Tunnels

Omar Lanchava

doi:10.52340/ggj.2024.04.01.02

Some Questions about the Safe Operation of Short Road Tunnels

Authors

Omar Lanchava Georgian Technical University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4249-9404

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52340/ggj.2024.04.01.02

Keywords:

tunnel fire, critical velocity, fire safety standards, numerical modelling

Abstract

The article looks at the statistical data on fires in short tunnels. It notes that about a quarter of road tunnel fires are classified as strong ones. The analysis is made according to the standards of the USA, the leading industrial country in the world. Underground fire scenarios are analysed and it is shown that for descending ventilation flows, there occurs a strong back-layering on the fresh air jet. The reason for this is an algebraic summation of mechanically and thermally induced underground ventilation flows and the insufficiency of the generally accepted numerical value of critical velocity of 3.0 m/s in the case of a great tunnel slope and strong fires. Noteworthy among the fire-fighting measures are equipping the tunnel with measuring devices; training the tunnel service personnel and rescuers; imposing transportation regimes for heavy hazardous cargoes; information support and promotion of the issue.

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Author Biography

Omar Lanchava, Georgian Technical University

Labor Safety and Emergency Management Department, Mining-Geology Faculty

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