An experimental study on the effects of blockage ratio and ventilation velocity on the heat release rate of tunnel fires

Abstract

It is very important to accurately predict the fire-induced air velocity, temperature, and smoke concentrations in tunnel fires to design efficient fire protection systems. In this study a scaled model of a tunnel was constructed based on Froude number scaling and wood sticks with different configurations which were burned in a controlled environment. Model vehicles having a square base were built according to the wood crib theory. The impact of varying longitudinal ventilation velocity and the cross-sectional area of the burning substances on the heat release rate and temperature distribution in the tunnel were measured.