Not only is there a risk to human life but also severe damage to the tunnel structure can occur, requiring extensive repairs or even causing collapse of the tunnel. The resulting disruption of transport links can cause serious economic or social problems such as increased traffic congestion, reduction in tourism or damage to local businesses.

Many studies have shown that the fires generated in road tunnels burn at a very high temperatures. The EU “UPTUN” Project has demonstrated that a HGV carrying an 'ordinary' load can generate a fire comparable to that from an oil tanker with temperatures over 1300 ºC recorded.

The need for fire protection in tunnels

High-strength concrete used in tunnel linings is vulnerable at high
temperatures due to either explosive spalling or over-heating of
steel reinforcement bars within the lining. Collapse of the tunnel
can occur or at least extensive damage, requiring lengthy repairs.
Spalling can take place at temperatures as low as 200 ºC.

Fire performance requirements

The safety of people in a tunnel during a fire is important and there is a need for fire proof refuges or escape routes. Cable trays, structural steel or fuel drainage systems all may need to be protected against fires. All these elements of the tunnel structure need an insulating fire resistant layer to provide thermal protection against temperatures above 1300ºC.

>> Firebarrier 135 offers high performance fire protection in tunnels - click here to read more