ABSTRACT
The resistance and resilience of tunnels to fire exposure are crucial for ensuring the safety of transportation network users and preventing critical events that may endanger human life and neighboring structures. Recent tunnel fires in Europe have tragically resulted in loss of life and structural damage, posing serious risks to users. Fires in road tunnels, fueled by combustible loads like Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV), present unique challenges, including high fire loads and rapidly increasing temperatures. In Italy, which has a high density of tunnels, Tecne S.p.A. is tackling the challenge of an extraordinary assessment plan for 365 km of existing tunnels, focusing on fire safety and structural damage risks in accordance with European Directive 2004/54/EC. This article describes a risk-based approach to assess the structural vulnerability of tunnels to fire exposure, along with thermo-mechanical analysis results and intervention measures designed to enhance fire resistance and mitigate risks.
