Tunnel fire protection standards
Rigorous assessments are necessary to gauge requirements for passive fire protection in road tunnels. These consider the tunnel’s own asset value, as well as the potential value of goods carried and the fire safety risks to those travelling within this environment.
While there are no specific British standards for fire protection in tunnels, considerable research has been carried out into fire development and temperatures in tunnel fires. For example, hydrocarbon fires develop particularly quickly and reach much higher temperatures than less flammable materials. In Europe, however, the Directive 2004/54/EC on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the Trans-European road network became effective in 2004 and initiated a harmonisation of regulations across member states.
Our approach to fire protection for tunnels
Sharpfibre offer fire boarding and cementitious fireproofing solutions to address the unique challenges of tunnel environments. These systems are specially designed to act as effective fire barriers in high-temperature environments, combining insulation, durability and ease of installation. This makes them well-suited for protecting the structural integrity of tunnels and supporting the establishment of safe evacuation routes.
Fire board panel systems
Fire boarding is both a technically and commercially feasible option for tunnel refurbishment projects. They are developed to create a protective membrane either directly fixed to the structure or to a steel framing system. This framing can be suspended from the load-bearing structure or, depending on ceiling span, from tunnel walls only. From below, the fire board panels will be screwed or bolted to the suspended frame, which allows them to be removed for inspection at a later date.
Depending on tunnel design requirements, fire board panels can be coated to withstand severe sulphur-laden atmospheres encountered in road tunnels, while enabling ease of cleaning, increased light reflectance and protection of concrete from exhaust deposits and de-icing salts.
Fire spray systems
Fire spray systems have been developed as a proven method of fire protection for the tunnels industry. They include a range of integrated coating systems that restrict the effects of hydrocarbon fires on tunnel structures, and improve the sound absorption performance on the tunnel linings.
Fire spray systems are an applied, single package factory controlled premix, based on vermiculite and Portland cement, producing a monolithic coating able to withstand the thermal shocks experienced in a high intensity hydrocarbon fire. Concrete structures in particular, will be protected from explosive spalling when coated with fire spray products. Minimum practical thicknesses of 8mm unreinforced and 15mm reinforced, can be achieved offering the designer advantages should the traffic clearance envelope be critical within the road tunnel.
Dependent upon the road tunnels design requirements, fire spray systems can be trowelled smooth and coated to withstand the severe sulphur laden atmospheres encountered in road tunnels, whilst enabling ease of cleaning, increased light reflectance, and protection of the concrete from exhaust deposits, de-icing salts etc.
Work with a team of fire protection specialists
We have successfully delivered passive fire protection solutions for a wide range of unique tunnel environments across the UK, collaborating closely with clients to ensure the utmost levels of compliance. Our teams are agile and flexible, able to work during non-standard hours and in complex operational settings where maintaining traffic flow or access is critical.
