Analysis of Fire Development in a Road Tunnel Equipped with Transformable Elements by Using Numerical Modeling Method

Abstract

As it is known, in case of strong fires initiated and developed in road tunnels with properly functioning longitudinal ventilation systems, at some moment, the air flows induced by mechanical ventilation can no longer affect the traction forces and flows formed as a result of combustion. Consequently, the smoke formation in the air on both sides of the tunnel is so intense that the environment becomes practically unsuitable for human life. In case of such a fire scenario, the only way to save people from the emergency is well-organized and timely self-evacuation from the dangerous environment [1]. The success depends on the duration of self-evacuation. Naturally, the longer the evacuation time is, the more the chances of saving the people are. In this case, the efficient use of flexible elements of transformable systems (flexible ventilation fire-proof barriers) allows significantly prolonging the evacuation time.