Fire Resistance of Tunnel Surfaces (UTI-UTC 19)

This project explores the thermal and structural performance of tunnel surface materials when exposed to high-temperature fire conditions. With a focus on improving fire resilience, the study investigates various coating systems—such as intumescent paints, fiber-reinforced concrete, spray-applied fire-resistive materials (SFRM), and ceramic tiles—applied to tunnel liners. Through experimental testing, including full-scale fire simulations and material degradation analysis, the research assesses spalling behavior, temperature resistance, and residual mechanical strength of these materials. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are also developed and calibrated with empirical data to predict fire propagation and structural response. The goal is to provide guidance for selecting protective surface treatments in new and existing tunnels, ultimately enhancing safety, minimizing structural damage, and supporting recovery efforts following fire incidents.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $169,138.00
• 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; Fire resistant coatings; Fire resistant materials; Fluid dynamics; Spalling; Temperature; Tunnels
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01954489
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center for Underground Transportation Infrastructure
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747118
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 7 2025 6:13PM