PIARC and fixed fire-fighting systems: A report on working group activity

摘要

Fixed Fire Fighting Systems (FFFS) in road tunnels have obtained much broader acceptance in recent years. As a consequence, there have been multiple FFFS installations, numerous FFFS test programs and much greater attention given to FFFS in the tunnel fire & life safety community. Codes and Standards for the most part do not require FFFS in tunnels. For example, one international standard introduces FFFS as an optional system for consideration. In the near future, PIARC will publish a guide titled "Fixed Fire Fighting Systems in Road Tunnels: Current Practices and Recommendations" under the auspices of the PIARC Technical Committee C3.3 - Road Tunnel Operations (1). This paper provides an overview of that document and the work of the Working Group over the past eight years. Subject material covered includes the following: 1. A discussion of decision factors that will enable key stakeholders to determine whether or not to install FFFS. 2. Design Considerations for installation of FFFS. 3. Guidance on the selection and procurement of FFFS. 4. Examples of the application of FFFS around the world. 5. A broad overview of the research and analysis of FFFS. The material covered presents an international understanding of the application of FFFS in a tunnel environment.