Simulation of Tunnel Fires Using a Zone Model

The use of a fire zone model for simulating tunnel fires is reported in this paper. The zone model CFAST version 2.0 was selected as the fire simulator. Numerical experiments were performed in an arbitrary tunnel by considering it as a single compartment, a two-room structure and a three-room structure. Five fires that would have a high likelihood of occurring in a tunnel were considered. They were caused by burning wood cribs, a passenger train, a subway coach, a truck, and a school bus. Results are also compared with another zone model, CCFM.VENTS, and those predicted from a self-developed fire field model for studying the aerodynamic and smoke movement in a tunnel. Further, experimental data collected in a smaller tunnel from an abandoned copper mine in Norway was used to justify the prediction.