Promat Solutions for Tunnels
In our rapidly developing world, measures to relieve pressure on our infrastructure call for innovative solutions often involving the construction of tunnels.
Recent catastrophic incidents have drawn widespread attention to the risks of fire in road, rail and mass-transit tunnels such as the Channel Tunnel, Mont Blanc, Tauern, Gotthard and Daegu Subway. These tragic incidents resulted in large scale direct and indirect economic damage due to the lengthy non – operational time of the tunnel, and in some cases, loss of life.
Promat, through its acquisition of Cafco International, has more than 25 years experience in passive fire protection for tunnel linings. Promat operates on a global scale as a consultant, manufacturer and supplier of fire protective coatings.
Promat is able to contribute during every stage of a project from conception and can supply quantified risk analysis, specification guidance and on-site technical support through to project completion.
Cellulosic Fires, Hydrocarbon Fires and Passive Fire Protection
The system provides highly effective passive fire protection for cut and cover, bored tube and immersed tube tunnel structures. The transportation of goods through road or rail tunnels may be the source of both cellulosic and hydrocarbon fires.
Cellulosic fires are those sustained by cellulosic-based products, such as timber, fabrics, paper and flour.
Hydrocarbon fires are those sustained by hydrocarbon-based products, such as chemicals, gas and petroleum.
Whereas an active fire protection system reacts to heat and tries to put out the fire, a passive fire protection system insulates a steel or concrete structure from the effects of fire and ensures that the structure does not reach temperatures that cause the steel to buckle and collapse, or concrete to spall.