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Numerical Simulation of the Howard Street Tunnel Fire

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Abstract

The paper presents numerical simulations of a fire in the Howard Street Tunnel, Baltimore, Maryland, following the derailment of a freight train in July, 2001. The model was validated for this application using temperature data collected during a series of fire experiments conducted in a decommissioned highway tunnel in West Virginia. The peak predicted temperatures within the Howard Street Tunnel were approximately 1,000°C (1,800°F) within the flaming regions, and approximately 500°C (900°F) averaged over a length of the tunnel equal to about four rail cars.

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References

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McGrattan, K., Hamins, A. Numerical Simulation of the Howard Street Tunnel Fire. Fire Technol 42, 273–281 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-006-7506-9

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