Large-scale fire tests were conducted to develop data on a fire protection strategy for road tunnel fire safety. The full-scale tunnel fire test series was conducted at the Applus+TST facilities in San Pedro de Anes in July of 2024. A total of five (5) tests were conducted: three (3) Class A 150 MW tests, one (1) Class B 60 MW test, and one (1) test with four (4) vehicles: three (3) electric vehicles (EVs) and one (1) internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV). Testing was performed with an open nozzle (deluge) system using nozzles specifically designed for tunnel fixed firefighting systems. The nozzles were K400 (K28) pendent nonautomatic open spray-type spaced 5.5 m (18 ft) apart. Nozzle end head pressure for each test was approximately 0.5 bar (7 psi). Tests were conducted under ventilation rates ranging from 2 to 4.7 m/s (6.6 to 15.4 ft/s). Detection/system activation temperatures up to 100°C (212°F) were evaluated. Upstream and downstream data collected during each test included heat release rate, temperature, heat flux, and toxicity.
The presentation will provide a detailed overview of the testing and will include details of the test setup and results.
