CFD modeling and experimental activity on real scale tunnel fires

Fires represent a very complex phenomenon involving combustion, radiation, turbulence, fluid dynamics and other physical and chemical processes. In this paper, we compare the model predictions of the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) with experimental measurements of fires in road tunnels. The successful comparison of the predictions to the experimental results further support the use of this code for the simulation of fire dynamics and for the evaluation of the risk associated with fires in road tunnels. Moreover, the results of a training exercise of firefighters in the Gran San Bernardo tunnel allowed to effectively evaluate of firefighting procedures, security teams activities, and showed the ability to produce a large amount of smoke to test procedures and materials in severe conditions. New measurement of temperature and flue gases compositions were also made.