The outbreak of a fire inside a tunnel can have disastrous consequences. The flames, if not controlled immediately, can cause the total or partial collapse of the structures supporting the tunnel, thereby causing evacuation difficulties and significant loss of life.
In order to effectively respond to this problem, Tema Sistemi, in collaboration with the University of Salento, has developed an innovative solution that guarantees the protection of structures through the implementation of ‘SANDWICH’ panels installed as a concrete coating. In fact, although concrete is an incombustible material, if subjected to very high temperatures continuously, it loses its resistance properties, generating the phenomenon of ‘spalling’, i.e. the detachment of layers or pieces from the surface.
Modular light metal panels
They developed a tunnel vault cladding with an active-passive hybrid system containing modular light metal panels
In order to avoid such scenarios, the company developed a tunnel vault cladding with an active-passive hybrid system containing modular light metal panels. The tunnel vault system consists of an outermost layer of passive panels, made with insulating and refractory materials, and an active inner layer that uses a water mist protection system.
In particular, the active layer consists of a metal box, inside which there are two volumes separated by a flexible septum containing a low boiling liquid, which acts as a propellant, and a water-wetting agent mixture.
Intelligent fire response
The system develops an ‘intelligent’ response, as the heat produced by the fire causes an increase in volume due to the evaporation of the propellant and therefore leads to an increase in pressure which further determines the expulsion of the extinguishing mixture and consequent nebulization.
By employing this intelligent response system, it will be possible to cool the structures preventing the possible collapse of the vault and subsequently the tunnel.