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

KAYILI S., YOZGATLIGİL A., ERALP O. C.

JOURNAL OF FIRE SCIENCES, vol.29, no.6, pp.555-575, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0734904111416336
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF FIRE SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.555-575
  • Keywords: tunnel fire, froude number, blockage ratio, heat release rate, emergency ventilation
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

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.