National Academies Press: OpenBook

Design Fires in Road Tunnels (2011)

Chapter: Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix C - Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2011. Design Fires in Road Tunnels. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/14562.
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138 Appendix C has two parts, which are taken from the survey results. The first part contains the national data and the second part is the international data. Some of the tunnels may make multiple choices for the “please check all that apply” ques- tions. The survey data below are shown based on the number of tunnels, instead of number of agencies (which may cover multiple tunnels). PART 1: NATIONAL DATA Section 1 Background Information The first 15 questions were used so that the researchers could contact the respondent for additional information, if neces- sary. All this information is shown below. Section 2 General Information Questions 16 and 17 were used to obtain the agency name and the name of the tunnels, respectively. All this informa- tion is shown below. APPENDIX C Summary of Survey Questionnaire Responses Tunnel agency name Number of surveys submitted Number of tunnels Year tunnel was built Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) 7 1) Downtown Tunnel (First)—EBL 2) Downtown Tunnel (First)—WBL 3) Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel— EBL 4) Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel— WBL 5) Midtown tunnel 6) Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel 7) NAS Runway #29 Underpass 1) 1986 2) 1952 3) 1974 4) 1958 5) 1962 6) 1992 7) 1977 California Department of Transportation 6 1) Webster Tube 2) Posey Tube 3) Sunrise On Ramp 4) Caldecott Tunnel Complex #1 5) Caldecott Tunnel Complex #2 6) Caldecott Tunnel Complex #3 1) 1963 2) 1927 3) 2006 4) 1937 5) 1937 6) 1963 PennDOT 2 1) Liberty Tunnel 2) Stowe Tunnel 1) 1924 2) 1909 CDOT—Region 1, Maintenance Section 9 1 Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel (2 bores, 1 tunnel unit) 1973/1979 Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel 2 1) Thimble Shoals 2) Chesapeake Channel 1) 1964 2) 1964 Maryland Transportation Authority 1 1) The Fort McHenry Tunnel 2) The Baltimore Harbor Tunnel 1) 1985 2) 1957 18. What year was the tunnel built or expected date of completion? See below chart 19. Is the tunnel under supervision? Yes, 24 hr—19 Yes, except at night—0 No—11 20. What is the normal traffic operation? Uni-directional—26 Bi-directional—4 21. When does the tunnel operate in bi-directional mode? (Please check all that apply.) Normally—4 At night time—2 Off-peak hours—2 Occasionally—0 During construction/maintenance in other tube—9 Never—16 Other (Please explain)—1 (emergency evacuation) (continued on next page)

139 22. What type of vehicles use the tunnel? (Please check all that apply.) Cars—24 Buses—24 Trucks—24 HGV—19 Special trucks (military)—12 Gasoline tankers: freely—6 Gasoline tankers: supervised when tunnel is closed for normal traffic—4 Other vehicles—10 Section 3 Fire Incidents Information 23. How many annual vehicle fire incidents happen in this tunnel (average)? No occurrence (skip questions 9–18)—11 Happened once in lifetime—0 Less than one every year—2 From 1 to 2 every year—14 From 2 to 5 every year—1 Happens at least once a month—0 24. What were the most severe vehicle fire incidents in this tunnel? (Please check all that apply.) Motorcycle fire—0 Passenger car fire—13 Multiple passenger cars (2–4 vehicles)—7 Vans—6 Bus—1 Heavy goods truck fire—10 Multiple trucks fire—0 Tanker fire—0 Alternative fuel vehicle—0 Other—1 (Recreational vehicle, motor home) 25. Was there any damage made to this tunnel as a result of the fire incident? No damages. No impact on tunnel operation—2 No damages. Tunnel was closed for operation for 30 min or more—0 Minor damages (no structural damage)—15 Structural damage which required tunnel closure for an extended period of time—1 Oregon DOT 1 1) Oneonta 2) Cape Creek 3) Elk Creek 4) Toothrock 5) Arch Cape 6) Salt Creek 7) Sunset 8) Knowles Creek 9) Vista Ridge Twin Tunnels 1) 1914 2) 1921 3) 1932 4) 1932 5) 1937 6) 1938 7) 1940 8) 1958 9) 1969 The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 1 The Holland Tunnel 1927 WS DOT 1 1) I-90 Mt. Baker Ridge Tunnel 2) I-90 Mercer Island Tunnel 1) 1990 2) 1990 26. Were there any casualties from the fire? None—16 Minor—2 Major—0 27. Has the fire department ever been involved in fire fighting in this tunnel? Never—1 Occasionally—1 Every time—14 28. Was there an investigation performed after the fire? Every time—6 Occasionally, depending on fire size—6 Never—1 Once (Please explain when)—5 29. What was the estimated maximum fire size? MD (2 tunnels)—Single tractor trailer truck CO—15 to 20 MW CA (5 tunnels)—small car fire 30. What was the longest duration of the fire? MD (2 tunnels)—about 20 min CO—25 min WA (2 tunnels)—15 min 31. Have you videotaped any car fire incidence? VA DOT (6 tunnels)—Yes VA DOT (1 tunnel)—No PA DOT—No MD (2 tunnels)—No NY/NJ Port Authority—Yes CO—No WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Yes 32. Can you share the video information? 33. Has your agency been successful in managing the fire event? (Please provide an explanation.) No—0 Yes—13 Partially—6

140 34. Do you have an emergency response plan in place? Yes—22 35. Please explain what are the strengths of your agency’s fire management program? PA DOT—local response time under 10 min PA DOT—EMS/FIRE response under 10 min MD (2 tunnels)—Exhaust fan fire pattern moved smoke away from motorists caught behind the fire and the fire department responded quickly to extinguish the fire. The quick response was the result of quarterly meetings between the fire depart- ment and the Authority to discuss response plans. NY/NJ Port Authority—Coordination of multiple entities VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—3,000 gallon tanker truck, wrecker fire trucks, wall fire extinguishers, fire pumps, fire department within 7 miles WA DOT—Routine testing 36. What barriers or difficulties have you or your organization encountered in implementing fire management? (Please check all that apply.) Technical (please explain)—2 Political (please explain)—1 Legal (please explain)—0 Organizational/institutional (please explain)—9 Staffing/resources (please explain)—9 Other (please explain)—0 None—15 37. What are your suggestions on how these barriers can be overcome? NY/NJ Port Authority—Continuous training and revision of policy WA DOT—More specific training for operations and maintenance staff. Section 4 Fire Detection, Fire Protection, Communication 38. What kind of fire detection system does the tun- nel have? (Please check all that apply.) Heat Detection (linear)—4 Heat Detection (other than linear)—0 Smoke Detection—0 Pull Station—14 CCTV—18 Video surveillance technology—4 Phones—16 Other (Please explain)—0 39. What kind of fire protection system does the tun- nel have? (Please check all that apply.) Fire hydrants along the tunnel—11 Standpipe system with fire hose connections (dry or wet)—17 Fire extinguishers in the tunnel—20 Fire sprinkler system—2 Foam system—4 Fire apparatus in the tunnel—1 40. What kind of fire life safety system does this tunnel have? (Please check all that apply.) Tunnel ventilation—20 Emergency egress—9 Egress pressurization—2 Other (Please explain)—0 41. What communication systems are used by rescue personnel and others for fire emergency? VA DOT (6 tunnels)—STARS PA DOT—800mhz radio MD (2 tunnels)—Portable radio and cellular phone OR DOT (9 tunnels)—Radio, cell phone NY/NJ Port Authority—Radio VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—District radio, cell phone statewide radio system CA DOT (5 tunnels)—call boxes and responding agency comms CA DOT (1 tunnel)—responding agency comms WA DOT—Portable radio 42. Please explain how quickly your agency is able to detect and clear routine traffic crashes inside this tunnel? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—1/2 h to 1 h for routine vehicu- lar incidents; 4 h for incidents involving fatalities PA DOT—less than 15 min tow trucks on site MD (2 tunnels)—Detection less than 1 minute Clearing approx. 20 minutes; or more depending on nature of crash and involvement of injuries OR DOT (9 tunnels)—Could take 1 h up to 8 h NY/NJ Port Authority—Detection is continuous and almost instantaneous VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Normally less than 20 min 43. Do you have tow trucks in your agency or do you contract out for theses services? Have tow trucks—14 Contract out for tow trucks—10 Other (Please explain)—6 44. Are you concerned that your tunnel may not have an adequate fire/life safety system to manage a significant fire event? Please explain. No—12 Yes—19 Section 5 Design 45. Does your agency have their own standard for tunnel design and for fire rating? Yes—3 No—28 Other (Please explain)—0

141 46. What guidance and standards are provided to designers to address the fire design issues for new and for retrofitted tunnels? (Please check all that apply.) NFPA 502—23 ASHRAE—0 FHWA—22 Other (Please explain)—6 47. Do you specify the design fire size and fire curve to the designers? (Please check all that apply.) Fire Size—9 Fire Curve—0 Require to follow the NFPA 502—17 Leave it up to the Consultant—11 Leave it up to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—7 Other (Please explain)—1 48. Is security blast design included in the requirements? (Please check all that apply.) Security—9 Blast design—0 Security and blast design—1 49. Who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)? Our Agency—25 Fire Department—6 Don’t know—0 Other (Please explain)—0 50. Do you apply a risk assessment approach for fire engineering? Yes—10 No—20 Other (Please explain)—0 51. How do you handle specific risk that cannot be mitigated? MD (2 tunnels)—Response and recovery plans NY/NJ Port Authority—Conduct series of “table top” drills with agency staff, OEM, and local authorities CA DOT (6 tunnels)—Engineering judgment with AHJ approval 52. What traffic management and safety innovations are deployed or planned to minimize or eliminate problems such as congestion and traffic manage- ment during a fire? PA DOT (2 tunnels)—Detours are in place MD (2 tunnels)—Traffic is held prior to entering the impacted tunnels as soon as a fire is reported. Detour routes are pre-planned and signed. All entry points to the tunnel throughway have dynamic message signs and traffic is warned prior to entering when major incidents impact the tunnel. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—None NY/NJ Port Authority—Coordinate with agency staff, other agency facilities, police at all levels, other agencies, OEM, and local authorities. VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—All traffic is held at the toll plazas and emergency crewmen stop traffic at the mouth of the tunnel. CA DOT (6 tunnel)—Standard traffic operations, including traffic control and law enforcement 53. Do you have an emergency response plan in place? Yes—31 No—0 Other (Please explain)—0 54. Which agency has the role of incident commander? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—State police or local responders PA DOT (2 tunnels)—local EMS/state police MD (2 tunnels)—We are the incident commanders. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—Oregon DOT NY/NJ Port Authority—Depends on emergency and location VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Operations CA DOT (6 tunnels)—State and fire responders WA DOT—Local fire department 55. What best practices can you share in the areas of prevention, mitigation, and recovery from fire incidence? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Perform “after-incident” reviews MD (2 tunnels)—Mitigation/recovery—Work closely with local fire departments; our staff that does towing, and contract towers to quickly extinguish the fire and get the burned vehicle, and maintenance staff to clean up debris. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—None NY/NJ Port Authority—All if permission and non-disclosure agreements are granted 56. Would you consider protection of the tunnel with the fixed fire suppression system (sprinkler system) to meet the new NFPA 502 Max Fire Heat Release Rate Requirements, if proven effective? Yes—16 No—6 Other (Please explain)—9 57. Have you identified gaps in research and design for tunnel fire safety, or fire detection and protection? No—29 Yes (Please explain)—2 58. Can you suggest strategies to eliminate the gaps and improve tunnel fire safety? MD (2 tunnels)—Consider co-development of specifications (industry standards) for the devices along with the fire-code requirements such that

142 reliable and maintainable devices are commercially available that are designed for the tunnel environ- ment. Consider the typical tunnel cleaning/ washing operation, chemicals and pollutants present, and dirt/debris build up (e.g., locating a commercially available pull station system for the roadway tunnel application that is reliable over a long time period has proven difficult). 59. Would you consider a fire event to be similar to a seismic event for design purposes? (Example design for the fire event which has a high probability to happen once in 500 years or 2,500 years?) Yes—22 No—12 Other (Please explain)—1 60. What is this tunnel life’s expectancy? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Design life is 50 years; however, life expectancy typically exceeds 100 years. PA DOT (2 tunnels)—150 years MD (2 tunnels)—100 years is the accepted life expectancy OR DOT (9 tunnels)—100 years VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Depends on the amount of maintenance performed 61. Do you have any additional suggestions and thoughts on the design for fire emergency? PA DOT (2 tunnels)—see T-20’s work NY/NJ Port Authority—Not at this time 62. Please identify any research that you would like to see performed to help in the implementation of fire safety systems. PA DOT (2 tunnels)—see T-20’s work MD (2 tunnels)—Dirt build up in the fresh air supply ducts. When fans moved to high for testing or during fires the dirt/dust gets blown up. This resembles smoke on CCTV images and it reduces visibility. It is unknown if this causes other concerns for either the public or emergency responders. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—We need a national design fire size, duration, and heat rating. NY/NJ Port Authority—Implementation of a Foam Delivery System Section 6 Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Rehabilitation 63. What types of exercises and other training are provided to staff and first responders to ensure proficiency in response to an incident and how is the training evaluated? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Emergency response manuals are posted in each tunnel’s control room and staff are expected to be familiar with the manuals. PA DOT (2 tunnels)—Yearly review with first responders MD (2 tunnels)—Quarterly meetings with local fire department, Authority Police and Authority Maintenance Operations staff. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—ODOT has an emergency drill every two years for first responders. NY/NJ Port Authority—Bi-annual fire response simulation in the tunnel VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Monthly safety meetings CA DOT (6 tunnels)—No formal tunnel fire training; department staff are required to adhere to require- ments of department safety manual and procedures. WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Very little 64. Would you need additional training tools for operators to manage a fire? Tunnel fire/systems simulator—19 No—11 Other (please explain)—0 65. What equipment and materials are pre-positioned for response and recovery to a fire, such as for the quick removal of disabled vehicles? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Wreckers equipped with materials to contain spills. PA DOT (1 tunnel)—Tow trucks on site PA DOT (1 tunnel)—None MD (2 tunnels)—Tow vehicles are present on site. Fire extinguishers. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—None NY/NJ Port Authority—Equipped emergency response vehicle and towing vehicles VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Wreckers and fire trucks are at the end of each tunnel CA DOT (5 tunnels)—1. fire extinguishers; 2. operations center monitors CCTV CA DOT (1 tunnel)—None WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Incident response trucks for removal of debris and disabled vehicles. 66. What is considered an acceptable response time? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—10–15 minutes PA DOT (1 tunnel)—<3 min tow truck, <10 min EMS PA DOT (1 tunnel)—less than 5 min, EMS less than 10 min MD (2 tunnels)—3–5 minutes OR DOT (9 tunnels)—20 minutes VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—5 minutes WA DOT (2 tunnels)—3–5 minutes 67. How often are tunnels and emergency response equipment inspected and tested? PA DOT (1 tunnel)—Daily MD (2 tunnels)—Quarterly

143 VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Once every 8 hours CA DOT (6 tunnels)—CO monitors—yearly; fire standpipes—5 years WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Varies depending on the equipment. Could be weekly or yearly or 5 years for structural items. 68. What methods are used to inspect the structural integrity of the tunnel structure both routinely and after a fire? What materials are used to repair concrete after a fire? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Visual inspection and sound- ing. Concrete is typically repaired with higher strength concrete. PA DOT (2 tunnel)—a) bridge inspectors are called to use techniques used during a bridge inspection. b) concrete; shotcrete MD (2 tunnels)—Tunnels are inspected annually as part of our facility inspection program and are inspected by our structural engineers immediately following a fire. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—Sounding VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Consultant engineers inspect the tunnels every year. We have not had to repair any fire damage. CA DOT (6 tunnels)—Structural inspection 2 years with visual inspection 69. If you were to start a new tunnel project, what key elements would you incorporate in the design and construction to aid you in tunnel fire inci- dent management? VA DOT (6 tunnels)—Sprinkler system and automatic fire detection system. PA DOT (1 tunnel)—Nothing: fire department EMS response time under 10 minutes PA DOT (1 tunnel)—Nothing: we have fire depts. very close to our tunnels that can respond in 5 to 10 min. MD (2 tunnels)—All required elements from NFPA 502. Control systems to automate fire pattern implementation. CCTV or other fire spread detec- tion in fresh air duct, sump pits, and exhaust air ducts. Public communications system (FM broad- cast, PA system, electronic signs, or other means) to instruct the public caught behind the incident. OR DOT (9 tunnels)—Detection equipment and video surveillance CA DOT (6 tunnels)—in accordance with NFPA 502 and AHJ WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Mandatory fire system sim- ulator and monthly training for operations staff. 70. Are the lighting and emergency communication system designed to survive major fire events? Yes—11 No (please explain how to ensure safe evacuation during an incident that involves major fires)—17 Other (Please explain)—2 71. What are the operational protocols for the use of the ventilation system during a fire event? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Control room personnel identify location of fire (using touch screen) and emergency ventilation modes are activated accordingly. PA DOT (1 tunnel)—All fans are to be run on high speed until directed otherwise by fire & rescue. MD (2 tunnels)—The current control systems have been programmed with fire-response plans that automate the implementation of fire patterns. Operators can focus on coordinating the man- power using the CCTV to provide situational awareness and immediately develop scope and scale needs for the emergency response. Opera- tors also can access the regional ITS to imple- ment appropriate traffic controls and warnings. VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—Operations at the incident give requirements at the ventilation building for each incident CA DOT (6 tunnel)—automatic operation based on CO exposure limits with emergency override by responding AHJ WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Fans will ramp up to draw smoke and heat away from roadway. 72. How are the maintenance considerations worked into the design elements of tunnel fire detection and fire suppression systems? PA DOT (1 tunnel)—Controls are put in an accessible area. MD (2 tunnels)—Detections systems focus on traffic flow. Fires in the roadway always impact traffic and video based analytics detect abnormal traffic conditions within seconds. We have found smoke detection analytics to false alarm too much. Keep- ing false alarm rates low (below 30–40%) of total alarms is a must to maintain operator trust and involvement. Fire suppression systems are acces- sible for maintenance inspection and utilize heat systems to address freezing issues. CA DOT (6 tunnels)—There must be access for maintenance WA DOT (2 tunnels)—Through a collaborative process between Maintenance and Design offices 73. Do you actively screen or otherwise monitor truck cargoes entering the tunnel without disrupting the traffic flow? Yes—15 No—15 Other (Please explain)—0 74. What dangerous cargo is acceptable and how is this enforced? VA DOT (7 tunnels)—Voluntary inspections based on truck placard information

144 MD (2 tunnels)—Propane tanks 20 lb or larger are not allowed. Gasoline tankers are not allowed. Police monitor and enforce with tickets. OR DOT (8 tunnels)—Unrestricted. Signs are in place and restrictions are posted on the ODOT web page. Law enforcement monitors occasionally. OR DOT (1 tunnel)—Flammable cargo is not allowed in the Vista Ridge Tunnels. VA CBBT (2 tunnels)—No dangerous cargo is permitted. CA DOT (6 tunnels)—Traffic laws are required to enforce vehicle restrictions WA DOT (2 tunnels)—All cargo 75. What systems do you have plans for repair or replacement of fire or life safety equipment? (Please check all that apply.) Tunnel ventilation—8 Fire suppression—0 Standpipes—8 Fire detection—0 Communication—8 Emergency lighting—6 Other (Please explain)—0 Section 7 Follow-up 76. Please provide any additional information or sug- gestions you may have. PA DOT (2 tunnels)—Please see info from AASHTO T-20 including the 2005 European Tunnel Scan and the 2009 Domestic Tunnel Scan CA DOT (3 tunnels)—Gasoline Tankers—freely only from (3 a.m.–5 a.m.) The last 2 questions were used so that the researchers could contact the respondent for additional information, if necessary. PART 2: INTERNATIONAL DATA Section 1 Background Information The first 15 questions were used so that the researchers could contact the respondent for additional information, if neces- sary. All this information is shown below. Section 2 General Information Questions 16 and 17 were used to obtain the agency name and the name of the tunnels, respectively. All this informa- tion is shown below. 18. What year was the tunnel built or expected date of completion? See chart below 19. Is the tunnel under supervision? Yes, 24 hr—7 Yes, except at night—0 No—0 20. What is the normal traffic operation? Uni-directional—6 Bi-directional—1 21. When does the tunnel operate in bi-directional mode? (Please check all that apply.) Normally—2 At night time—0 Off peak hours—0 Occasionally—0 During Construction/Maintenance in Other tube—0 Never—4 Other (Please explain)—0 Tunnel agency name No. of surveys submitted No. of tunnels Year tunnel was built Korea Expressway Corporation (Korea) 2 1) Jookryung 2) Average data for 280 (555 tubes) tunnels 1) 2001 2) From 1970 till present Mak Hungary (Hungary) 1 0102hcraMnidetelpmoChtuoS6M Ministère des transports du Québec (Canada) 1 Ville-Marie & Lafontaine 1976 and 1967 Swedish Road Administration 1 6002lennuTatoG Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company (Australia) 1 Sydney Harbour Tunnel 1992 Vägverket (Sweden) 1 Södra Länken 2004

145 22. What type of vehicles use the tunnel? (Please check all that apply.) Cars—7 Buses—7 Trucks—7 HGV—5 Special Trucks (military)—3 Gasoline Tankers: freely—4 Gasoline Tankers: supervised when tunnel is closed for normal traffic—0 Other Vehicles—1 Section 3 Fire Incidents Information 23. How many annual vehicle fire incidents happen in this tunnel (average)? No occurrence (Skip questions 9–18)—1 Happened once in lifetime—0 Less than one every year—2 From 1 to 2 every year—2 From 2 to 5 every year—0 Happens at least once a month—0 24. What were the most severe vehicle fire incidents in this tunnel? (Please check all that apply.) Motorcycles fire—0 Passenger car fire—2 Multiple passenger cars (2–4 vehicles)—0 Vans—0 Bus—0 Heavy goods truck fire—3 Multiple trucks fire—0 Tanker fire—0 Alternative fuel vehicle—0 Other—0 25. Was there any damage made to this tunnel as a result of the fire incident? No damages. No impact on tunnel operation—0 No damages. Tunnel was closed for operation for 30 min or more—1 Minor damages (no structural damage)—3 Structural damage which required tunnel closure for an extended period of time—1 26. Were there any casualties from the fire? None—4 Minor—0 Major—1 27. Has the fire department ever been involved in fire fighting in this tunnel? Never—0 Occasionally—1 Every time—4 28. Was there an investigation performed after the fire? Every time—3 Occasionally, depending on fire size—1 Never—0 Once (Please explain when)—1 29. What was the estimated maximum fire size? Swedish Road Administration: Sweden—8 MW Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—1 to 57 MW Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—20 MW Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia—3 MW 30. What was the longest duration of the fire? Vägverket: Sweden—20 min Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—120 min Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—25 min Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—30 min Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— 10 min 31. Have you videotaped any car fire incidence? Vägverket: Sweden—No Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—Yes Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Yes Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Yes Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia—Yes 32. Can you share the video information? 33. Has your agency been successful in managing the fire event? (Please provide an explanation.) No—0 Yes—5 Partially—0 34. Do you have an emergency response plan in place? Yes—6 35. Please explain what are the strengths of your agency’s fire management program? Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea 1. Manualized procedure 2. Skilled with fire drill 3. Feedback from design and construction

146 Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea— 1. Manualized procedure 2. Skilled with fire drill 3. Feedback from design and construction Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Frequent fire simulation and proximity of firefighters Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Immediate use of a deluge system if required 36. What barriers or difficulties have you or your organization encountered in implementing fire management? (Please check all that apply.) Technical (please explain)—0 Political (please explain)—1 Legal (please explain)—0 Organizational/institutional (please explain)—1 Staffing/resources (please explain)—1 Other (please explain)—0 None—2 37. What are your suggestions on how these barriers can be overcome? Mak Hungary: Hungary—We installed fire detec- tion in the new tunnels with direct lines to the Fire Brigade and installed fire hydrants every 100 m. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea— Monitoring HGVs Vehicle maintenance Installing smoke extraction Escape route Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Frequent training and debriefing. Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Blunt meetings Section 4 Fire Detection, Fire Protection, Communication 38. What kind of fire detection system does the tunnel have? (Please check all that applies.) Heat Detection (linear)—5 Heat Detection (other than linear)—2 Smoke Detection—3 Pull Station—0 CCTV—6 Video surveillance technology—3 Phones—7 Other (Please explain)—4 39. What kind of fire protection system does the tunnel have? (Please check all that apply.) Fire Hydrants along the tunnel—5 Standpipe system with fire hose connections (dry or wet)—2 Fire extinguishers in the tunnel—6 Fire sprinkler system—3 Foam system—1 Fire apparatus in the tunnel—1 40. What kind of fire life safety system does this tunnel have? (Please check all that apply.) Tunnel ventilation—7 Emergency egress—6 Egress pressurization—3 Other (Please explain)—2 41. What communication systems are used by rescue personnel and others for fire emergency? Swedish Road Administration: Sweden— Emergency phones and loudspeakers Vägverket: Sweden—Radio and cell phones Mak Hungary: Hungary—Wall telephones every 100 m Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—Radio repeater Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Radio repeater Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Radio Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Radio and fire phones 42. Please explain how quickly your agency is able to detect and clear routine traffic crashes inside this tunnel? Swedish Road Administration: Sweden—Our CCTV detects stopped vehicle in 30 seconds and our assistance car or fire department are on place in 10 minutes Vägverket: Sweden—Detect in minutes. Cleared in 30 min or 60 if there are injuries Mak Hungary: Hungary—2 min Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—Detect in 2.2 min and clear in 54 min Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Average detection time: 2.2 min Average time to arrive at site: 8.7 min Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—15 min Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— within 10 min 43. Do you have tow trucks in your agency or do you contract out for theses services? Have tow trucks—0 Contract out for tow trucks—6 Other (Please explain)—0

147 44. Are you concerned that your tunnel may not have an adequate fire/life safety system to manage a significant fire event? Please explain. Vägverket: Sweden—The problem is with congested traffic. The fire safety design is based on a fire flow traffic, which travels faster than the smoke. When there’s risk of congestion, the tunnel entry will shut down. Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—Little concern with hardware. Software and skilled staff in charge is more important. Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia—No Section 5 Design 45. Does your agency have their own standard for tunnel design and for Fire Rating? Yes—4 No—3 Other (Please explain)—0 46. What guidance and standards are provided to designers to address the fire design issues for new and for retrofitted tunnels? (Please check all that apply.) NFPA 502—1 ASHRAE—0 FHWA—0 Other (Please explain)—5 (Tunnel04, European Union, domestic regulation, PIARC) 47. Do you specify the design fire size and fire curve to the designers? (Please check all that apply.) Fire Size—4 Fire Curve—3 Required to follow the NFPA 502—1 Leave it up to the Consultant—2 Leave it up to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)—2 Other (Please explain)—1 (Risk Analysis) 48. Is security blast design included in the require- ments? (Please check all that apply.) Security—2 Blast Design—1 Security and Blast Design—2 49. Who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)? Our agency—1 Fire department—3 Don’t know—0 Other (Please explain)—2 50. Do you apply a risk assessment approach for fire engineering? Yes—7 No—0 Other (Please explain)—0 51. How do you handle specific risk that cannot be mitigated? Vägverket: Sweden—Improve the safety measures, such as distance between exits, FFFS, traffic control, etc. Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—Main goal is to minimize specific risk such as chemical tanker leak or explosive material. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Main goal is to minimize specific risk such as chemical tanker leak or explosive material. Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—When we can we eliminate the risk at the source; otherwise, we try to miti- gate by being prepared to intervene optimally. Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Vigilance 52. What traffic management and safety innovations are deployed or planned to minimize or eliminate problems such as congestion and traffic manage- ment during a fire? Vägverket: Sweden—The tunnel entrances are shut automatically, ramp metering are reducing traffic at the surface to let the cars leave the tunnel as quickly as possible. Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—Entrance shut equipment, Lane control system, Variable messaging sign by Patrol per- sonnel Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Entrance suspension equipment, Lane control system, Variable messaging sign control by patrol car Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—ITS, detection, and communications equipment Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Vigilance Waterscreen displaying a 7 × 4.5 m stop sign 53. Do you have an emergency response plan in place? Yes—5 No—0 Other (Please explain)—2 54. Which agency has the role of incident commander? Vägverket: Sweden—fire brigade Mak Hungary: Hungary—fire brigade Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—In cooperation with fire department

148 Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—In cooperation with fire department Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Firefighters Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia—Fire brigade once on site 55. What best practices can you share in the areas of prevention, mitigation, and recovery from fire incidence? Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—From the case of Dalsung Tunnel acci- dent, which is explosion of missile propellant. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Explosion of missile projectile case in Dalsung Tunnel >20 hours to re-open >3 month to full recovery Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Video smoke detection. Alert operators Deluge system 56. Would you consider protection of the tunnel with the fixed fire suppression system (sprinkler system) to meet the new NFPA 502 Max Fire Heat Release Rate Requirements, if proven effective? Yes—4 No—2 Other (Please explain)—0 57. Have you identified gaps in research and design for tunnel fire safety, or fire detection and protection? No—2 Yes (Please explain)—4 58. Can you suggest strategies to eliminate the gaps and improve tunnel fire safety? Vägverket: Sweden—More research to develop the installations in a more cost-effective way Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea— Promotion (PR) Accident prevention Improvement of facilities Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Closer ties to other operators 59. Would you consider a fire event to be similar to a seismic event for design purposes? (Example design for the fire event which has a high probabil- ity to happen once in 500 years or 2,500 years?) Yes—0 No—5 Other (Please explain)—1 60. What is this tunnel life’s expectancy? Swedish Road Administration—80 years Vägverket: Sweden—100 years Mak Hungary: Hungary—200 years Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—50 to 100 years Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—50 to 100 years Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—100 years Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— 100 years 61. Do you have any additional suggestions and thoughts on the design for fire emergency? Vägverket: Sweden—There are 100 m between the emergency exits. The fire brigade can use these to reach an accident and never have to take the risk of entering the burning tunnel with their vehicles. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Equipping extinguisher and respirator should be forced by law 62. Please identify any research that you would like to see performed to help in the implementation of fire safety systems. Vägverket: Sweden—More research to develop the installations in a more cost-effective way Section 6 Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Rehabilitation 63. What types of exercises and other training are provided to staff and first responders to ensure proficiency in response to an incident and how is the training evaluated? Vägverket: Sweden—The staff of the traffic com- mand centre have annual exercises to handle a large accident. The personnel in the incident response vehicles have a full fire fighter training and annual exercises. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Annual fire drill with fire department by manual, technical education, spot check, real fire case evaluation Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Ventilation test with fire and smoke Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— We burn cars in the tunnel to demonstrate the smoke, heat, and noise to our operators. This also enables the deluge and ventilation to be proven. All operators have to complete task books on a regular basis.

149 64. Would you need additional training tools for operators to manage a fire? Tunnel Fire/Systems Simulator—4 No—2 Other (please explain)—1 65. What equipment and materials are pre-positioned for response and recovery to a fire, such as for the quick removal of disabled vehicles? Vägverket: Sweden—The incident response vehi- cles are positioned so that they can reach any part of the tunnel system within 5 minutes 24-7. The tow trucks have a quick response time. Mak Hungary: Hungary—The fire brigade has their own container full of rescue equipment Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Special equipment to tow for special trucks Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Towing trucks Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia—Two tow trucks during peak periods 66. What is considered an acceptable response time? Swedish Road Administration—10 min Vägverket: Sweden—5 min Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—10 to 15 min Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—10 to 15 min Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—7 min Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia—Less than 2 min 67. How often are tunnels and emergency response equipment inspected and tested? Swedish Road Administration—Depends Vägverket: Sweden—Annually Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—At least once a month Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—At least once a month Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—2 times a year Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Every 6 months 68. What methods are used to inspect the structural integrity of the tunnel structure both routinely and after a fire? What materials are used to repair concrete after a fire? Vägverket: Sweden—The road authority provides specialists after an incident. There are maintenance done in the tunnels every month, and the tunnel structures are checked after a time schedule. Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Consultants 69. If you were to start a new tunnel project, what key elements would you incorporate in the design and construction to aid you in tunnel fire incident management? Vägverket: Sweden—Traffic control on the surface around the tunnel, to insure that the traffic can get out of the tunnel system quickly. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—smoke extraction in combination with ventilation FFFS Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Deluge and clear identification of deluge zones 70. Are the lighting and emergency communication system designed to survive major fire events? Yes—5 No (please explain how to ensure safe evacuation during an incident that involves major fires)—1 Other (Please explain)—0 71. What are the operational protocols for the use of the ventilation system during a fire event? Vägverket: Sweden—Yes, the ventilation is very important in case of a fire. Mak Hungary: Hungary—Manual Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Keep critical velocity after completion of evacuation downstream of fire Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada—Preprogrammed scenarios are operated and depend on the fire location, with regard to the camera seeing the fire Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Preprogrammed for single fire, multiple fire, and congested tunnel. 72. How are the maintenance considerations worked into the design elements of tunnel fire detection and fire suppression systems? Vägverket: Sweden—No key parts in the traffic tunnel, as much maintenance as possible should be carried out in technical rooms and emergency exits. Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—Every result of maintenance, fire drill, and fire accident are considered into design. For example, corrosion problems of metals in the tunnel, false alarm of FFFS, etc. Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Video smoke detection does not require access

150 to the tunnel. Cameras must be located at about 60 m intervals 73. Do you actively screen or otherwise monitor truck cargoes entering the tunnel without disrupting the traffic flow? Yes—1 No—5 Other (Please explain)—0 74. What dangerous cargo is acceptable and how is this enforced? Vägverket: Sweden—All types of cargo at night, no explosive cargo at daytime. Korea Expressway Corporation (280 tunnels): South Korea—No restriction Korea Expressway Corporation (1 tunnel): South Korea—No restriction of material. Only loading method is restricted. Ministère des transports du Québec (1 tunnel, 2 bores): Canada— Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— None, government agency responsibility 75. What systems do you have plans for repair or replacement of fire or life safety equipment? (Please check all that apply.) Tunnel ventilation—0 Fire suppression—0 Standpipes—1 Fire detection—0 Communication—0 Emergency lighting—0 Other (Please explain)—0 Section 7 Follow-up 76. Please provide any additional information or suggestions you may have. Sydney Harbour Tunnel Company: Australia— Provide good training to good operators with the right tools to do the job The last two questions were used so that the researchers could contact the respondent for additional information, if necessary.

Next: Appendix D - Tunnel Safety Projects Additional Descriptions »
Design Fires in Road Tunnels Get This Book
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TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 415: Design Fires in Road Tunnels information on the state of the practice of design fires in road tunnels, focusing on tunnel fire dynamics and the means of fire management for design guidance.

Note: On September 20, 2011, the following errata was released related to NCHRP Synthesis 415. The electronic version of the publicaiton was changed to reflect the corrections.

On pages 106 and 107, an incorrect reference was cited. In the final paragraph on page 106, the last sentence should read: One study came to the conclusion that, although some minimum water application rates would achieve a certain objective, a marginally higher rate would not necessarily improve the situation (79). The figure caption for Figure 35 at the bottom of page 107 should read: FIGURE 35 NFPA 13, NFPA 15, and other International Water Application Rates (79).

The added reference is as follows:

79. Harris, K., “Water Application Rates for Fixed Fire Fighting Systems in Road Tunnels,” Proceedings from the Fourth International Symposium on Tunnel Safety and Security, A. Lönnermark and H. Ingason, Eds., Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Mar. 17–19, 2010.

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