ABSTRACT
Concrete has been the primary material for construction for many years and the effect of fire on concrete has long been studied. This has been particularly the case in tunnels, where the impact both on human life and the structural integrity of the construction has always been a major factor in the designer’s mind. However, after the Great Belt Tunnel fire in Denmark (1994), the Channel Tunnel fire (1996) (Figure 1) and the Kaprun Tunnel fire in Austria (2000) designers became even more focused on the structural fire protection of concrete tunnel linings. Apart from the tragic loss of human life, the damage sustained to tunnel structures can cause major disruption and enormous financial loss through the suspension of tunnel use and high repair costs. Reports suggest that the financial cost from direct damage and lost revenue of the Channel Tunnel fire was in itself in the order of £200 m.
