A Review of Methods, Issues and Challenges of Small-scale Fire Testing of Tunnel Lining Concrete

Abstract

This review compiles the methodologies, issues and challenges regarding small-scale fire tests on tunnel lining concrete. First, this review examines testing, including furnace tests on specimens of actual and reduced dimensions and on site mobile furnace tests. Second is a discussion of the issues surrounding the tests, including the effects of loading, size reduction, inclusion of reinforcement and differences in the properties of actual and laboratory specimens. The major challenge with small-scale testing is there still no reliable theoretical method to predict concrete spalling due to fire exposure. Present contributions to the development of fireproof concrete also support the progress of small-scale fire testing of tunnel lining concrete.