Fixed firefighting systems (FFFS) are being installed in many new road tunnels and as retrofits to existing tunnels both within the US and internationally. Although there are advantages to installing these systems for life safety, the impacts on the tunnel structure, ventilation systems or other systems, and on operations are not fully understood. If the use of FFFS stops or reverses fire development with enough reliability to define a design fire range lower than current suggested language in NPFA 502, Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways, the installation and use of FFFS may mean that a tunnel could be built or retrofitted to meet the demands of a less onerous design fire, resulting in potentially millions of dollars in savings primarily by reducing ventilation and passive structural fire protection requirements.
The goal of this project is to perform a literature review and perform a gap analysis.
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