P 145.2 - Fires in transport tunnels, report on tests on a scale of 1 -1

During the preparatory phase of the planned fire tests in the Fahmau Tunnel (Lörrach area), despite extensive public relations work, there was increasing resistance from the public. As a result, the research project was internationalised and expanded as part of project 13 RG 9004. Later, eight Western European countries joined this extended research project to investigate tunnel fires as part of a EUREKA project. Laboratory tests (project number RGB 8817) and fire tests with realistic fire loads in existing tunnels (project number 13 RG 9004) were used to investigate the possibilities of optimising the protection of people and property in the event of a fire in underground transport facilities. The test programme under 13 RG 9004 was mainly carried out in an abandoned transport tunnel in northern Norway. Thanks to the open-mindedness of the government responsible for the Finmark district and the generous support of our Norwegian colleagues, we were able to prepare the test site and carry out the tests between 1990 and 1992. Thanks to the participation of a total of 9 European countries, the test tunnel with a length of approx. 2300 metres could be properly equipped with measuring equipment, video cameras, smoke collectors and everything else required for such an extensive scientific undertaking. In particular, the commitment and tireless efforts of Dr Ekkehard Richter and a number of iBMB employees under the direction of Prof Karl Kordina were essential for the success of the work. All members of the international EUREKA delegations who did their best to ensure the success of the project, either directly on site or at home at their desks, deserve our sincere recognition and thanks. This applies equally to the scientists who analysed the enormous amounts of data and compiled the final report. Prof Alfred Haack, head of the STUVA, joined the research project at an early stage and contributed a number of important additional questions and tasks. He was involved in the project throughout the research phase, particularly in connection with the organisation and logistics in Germany as well as in Norway. The fact that the overall programme was successfully carried out and completed is largely due to his efforts. In conclusion, it can be said that the projects have brought us a big step closer to a better understanding of fire incidents in transport tunnels, both in rail and road traffic. The interdependence of fire source, fire load and the conditions in the tunnel, including the prevailing ventilation situation on the one hand and the development of smoke and temperature in the course of the tunnel and in certain tunnel sections on the other, could be clarified far better than ever before. Another part of project 13 RG 9004 consisted of the chemical-analytical determination of polyhalogenated dibenzodioxins/furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a toxicological and biochemical point of view. In addition, the behaviour of typical tunnel linings under fire conditions was investigated in extensive laboratory tests (RGB 8817). In this way, extremely important steps were taken that can serve as a basis for future safety concepts in modern transport tunnels within a functioning European infrastructure. In addition, RGB 8817 recorded, analysed and evaluated the current rescue concepts for fire accidents in road and rail transport tunnels.