Experimental simulations of fire-induced smoke control in tunnels using an “air–helium reduced scale model”: Principle, limitations, results and future

When a fire occurs in a long tunnel, smoke control is crucial for obvious reasons of safety. Ventilation and extraction systems have to be designed with accuracy in order to control the longitudinal motion of the fire-induced smoke and to extract it efficiently in a zone close to the fire source. This paper presents experimental investigations carried out on a small scale tunnel model (scale reduction is 1:20) to study the fire-induced smoke control by longitudinal and transverse ventilation systems. The experimental model is non-thermal and a buoyant release (a mixing of air and helium) is used to represent the fire smoke plume. The main objective of this model is to represent, as well as make possible, the duality between inertial forces (due to ventilation) and buoyant forces. Radiation and heat losses at the walls are not taken into account in this model. At first, the principle of the simulation is widely described. Then, some results are presented for both longitudinal and transverse smoke control by a mechanical ventilation. Finally, perspectives for future investigations are proposed.