Fast Running Application for Evaluating Fire Resilience of Tunnel Systems (UTI-UTC 17)

This project develops a fast-running computational application to assess the fire resilience of tunnel systems, with a focus on precast tunnel linings used in highway and rail infrastructure. The tool integrates simplified thermal and structural modeling techniques, allowing for rapid evaluation of tunnel responses under various fire scenarios. It incorporates key variables such as ventilation effects, thermal conductivity, material degradation, and fire-induced spalling. The application is designed to be user-friendly and adaptable, supporting engineers and tunnel operators in emergency preparedness, design optimization, and post-incident evaluation. Calibrated using results from experimental fire testing and validated through finite element analysis, the tool offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to time-consuming detailed simulations. This research significantly contributes to enhancing the safety, resilience, and performance-based design of underground transportation systems.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $575,071.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747118

• Sponsor Organizations:

  University Transportation Center for Underground Transportation Infrastructure

  Colorado School of Mines
  Golden, CO  United States  80401

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Colorado School of Mines

  1500 Illinois St
  Golden, CO  United States  80401

  Lehigh University

  ATLSS Engineering Research Center
  IMBT Laboratory
  Bethlehem, PA  United States  18015-4729
• Performing Organizations:

  Lehigh University

  ATLSS Engineering Research Center
  IMBT Laboratory
  Bethlehem, PA  United States  18015-4729
• Principal Investigators:

  Naito , Clay

  Quiel , Spencer

• Start Date: 20200101
• Expected Completion Date: 20230501
• Actual Completion Date: 20230501
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fire resistance; Mobile applications; Precast concrete; Railroad tunnels; Tunnel lining; Vehicular tunnels
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01954491
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center for Underground Transportation Infrastructure
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747118
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 7 2025 6:24PM