Tunnel Fire Protection
Comprehensive fire protection is crucial to any enclosed space, but particularly so in tunnel systems. A poorly outfitted tunnel can rapidly channel flames and smoke, carrying for hundreds of metres or even kilometres in a short space of time. A fire can quickly consume systems such as lighting, while dense smoke can inhibit evacuations and the emergency response.
Invicta Durasteel can be used in a wide range of tunnel fire protection solutions. Perhaps the most common is the creation of compartmentation barriers within cross passages, which often connect parallel tunnels to each other. The use of fire-rated Durasteel barriers and doors confines the fire to a single tunnel, and secures routes for access and escape.
In many road and rail tunnels, a central service or utility tunnel often runs parallel between the two main tunnels, providing data and electrical services which power the tunnels’ lighting, electrified rails or extraction fans. In the event of a fire in one of the main tunnels, it’s vital that the service tunnel is protected, so that key systems remain operational for as long as possible.
These service tunnels may also be used as escape routes in the event of an emergency, connected by cross-passages with signage and doors at regular intervals. The installation of Durasteel doors and barriers at each side of the cross passage ensures that the people and routes are protected without inhibiting movement. In addition, Durasteel is also commonly employed within the service tunnels themselves in order to protect key equipment.
Durasteel casing can be used to protect the primary and backup cables in a service tunnel, either by encasing both or encasing one, ensuring that one cable remains operational during a fire. In some cases where service tunnels are not intended as escape routes, there may also be barriers along the length of the tunnel, containing any fires to a single compartment.
While Durasteel is highly effective at protecting the integrity of the tunnels from a fire or blast, it is also adept at protecting other fire protection measures. Durasteel can be used to create a plenum ceiling and Over Track Exhaust (OTE) ducts within a tunnel, ensuring maximum smoke extraction during a tunnel fire.
Invicta are proud to have worked on a number of major tunnel fire protection projects, including the Riyadh and Doha metro systems. Visit our Case Studies page for more examples of our work, or get in touch today to find out what we can do for your business or enterprise.
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