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The use of multi-zone modelling for tunnel fires

Johansson, Nils LU orcid ; Ronchi, Enrico LU orcid ; Scozzari, Rugiada and Fronterrè, Michele (2023) In Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 134.
Abstract

This paper introduces the use of a multi-zone modelling approach for analysing smoke spread in tunnels. The approach suggested in this paper is based on an existing model, i.e., the Multi-Zone Fire model developed for large spaces. The Multi-Zone Fire model has been adapted and modified for tunnel fire scenarios by including features that consider longitudinal ventilation flow, tunnel gradient and tunnel section representations. An evaluation of the model has been conducted through benchmarking against experimental data from the BeNeLux tunnel experiments and the Runehamar tunnel fire experiments. The results from the Multi-Zone Fire model results were also compared against results from the Fire Dynamics Simulator. The results of the... (More)

This paper introduces the use of a multi-zone modelling approach for analysing smoke spread in tunnels. The approach suggested in this paper is based on an existing model, i.e., the Multi-Zone Fire model developed for large spaces. The Multi-Zone Fire model has been adapted and modified for tunnel fire scenarios by including features that consider longitudinal ventilation flow, tunnel gradient and tunnel section representations. An evaluation of the model has been conducted through benchmarking against experimental data from the BeNeLux tunnel experiments and the Runehamar tunnel fire experiments. The results from the Multi-Zone Fire model results were also compared against results from the Fire Dynamics Simulator. The results of the benchmarking exercise indicate that the multi-zone approach can be a time-efficient and useful tool for studying tunnel fire dynamics. The Multi-Zone Fire model performs well 50–200 m from the fire for heat release rates of 5–20 MW and moderate longitudinal ventilation flows. The model results are more conservative for the studied scenario with a higher heat release rate.

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author
; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Fire, Fire dynamics simulator, Multi-zone modelling, Risk analysis, Tunnel safety
in
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
volume
134
article number
104996
publisher
Elsevier
external identifiers
  • scopus:85146584660
ISSN
0886-7798
DOI
10.1016/j.tust.2023.104996
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
02e07d97-f548-4dae-bc6c-18c33af16a76
date added to LUP
2023-02-10 14:18:52
date last changed
2023-02-10 14:18:52
@article{02e07d97-f548-4dae-bc6c-18c33af16a76,
  abstract     = {{<p>This paper introduces the use of a multi-zone modelling approach for analysing smoke spread in tunnels. The approach suggested in this paper is based on an existing model, i.e., the Multi-Zone Fire model developed for large spaces. The Multi-Zone Fire model has been adapted and modified for tunnel fire scenarios by including features that consider longitudinal ventilation flow, tunnel gradient and tunnel section representations. An evaluation of the model has been conducted through benchmarking against experimental data from the BeNeLux tunnel experiments and the Runehamar tunnel fire experiments. The results from the Multi-Zone Fire model results were also compared against results from the Fire Dynamics Simulator. The results of the benchmarking exercise indicate that the multi-zone approach can be a time-efficient and useful tool for studying tunnel fire dynamics. The Multi-Zone Fire model performs well 50–200 m from the fire for heat release rates of 5–20 MW and moderate longitudinal ventilation flows. The model results are more conservative for the studied scenario with a higher heat release rate.</p>}},
  author       = {{Johansson, Nils and Ronchi, Enrico and Scozzari, Rugiada and Fronterrè, Michele}},
  issn         = {{0886-7798}},
  keywords     = {{Fire; Fire dynamics simulator; Multi-zone modelling; Risk analysis; Tunnel safety}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Elsevier}},
  series       = {{Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology}},
  title        = {{The use of multi-zone modelling for tunnel fires}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2023.104996}},
  doi          = {{10.1016/j.tust.2023.104996}},
  volume       = {{134}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}