Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of slope on smoke movement and temperature profile in underground utility tunnel

  • Published:
Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Underground utility tunnels with various municipal pipelines inside provide convenience for cities and contribute to their sustainable development, but also bring potential fire risks. Previously, the relevant studies have predominately focused on horizontal section, while ignoring the influence of slope at the intersection of utility tunnels. In the present study, the smoke movement and temperature distribution were investigated in utility tunnel fires with five slopes and six heat release rates by numerical simulation. Four different sizes of pool fire experiments were also conducted in a full-scale utility tunnel. The results indicated that: (1) Smoke movement can be divided into five stages, including free rise, diffusion under inclined ceiling, diffusion under horizontal ceiling, flow back, and steady circulation. (2) Temperature upstream is larger than that downstream of the fire source, which is asymmetrically distributed and shows different characteristics with the change in slope. (3) Downstream ceiling temperature decreases gradually with increasing distance from the fire source. An empirical formula is proposed to predict the downstream maximum ceiling temperature rise considering the slope and dimensionless heat release rate. Good agreement was obtained between predicted and experimental values.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

\(a\) :

Coefficient in Eq. (15)

\({A}_{\mathrm{f}}\) :

Combustion area (m2)

\(b\) :

Coefficient in Eq. (15)

\({c}_{\mathrm{p}}\) :

Air heat capacity (kJ kg−1 K−1)

\(D\) :

Diameter of the equivalent circle (m)

\({D}_{\text i}\) :

Diffusion coefficient of the \(i\)th ingredient

\({D}^{*}\) :

Feature diameter of fire source (m)

\({\varvec{f}}\) :

Volume force vector

\({F}_{\mathrm{r}}\) :

Froude number

\(g\) :

Gravitational acceleration (m s−2)

\({H}_{\mathrm{d}}\) :

Distance from fire source to the utility tunnel ceiling (m)

h :

Height of the inclined section (m)

\(h{\prime}\) :

Specific enthalpy, kJ kg−1

\(k\) :

Empirically calculated to be 1.1 (m−1)

\(K\) :

Coefficient in Eq. (9)

\(\dot{{m}^{{\prime}{\prime}}}\) :

Combustion rate (kg m−2 s−1)

\(\dot{{m}_{\infty }^{{\prime}{\prime}}}\) :

Empirical combustion rate (kg m−2 s−1)

\(R\) :

Correlation coefficient

\(p\) :

Pressure (Pa)

\(q\) :

Thermal radiation flux (kW m−2)

\(Q\) :

Heat release rate of fire source (Kw)

\({Q}^{\star }\) :

Dimensionless fire heat release rate

\(t\) :

Time (s)

\({T}_{\mathrm{a}}\) :

Ambient temperature (K)

\(\Delta {H}_{\mathrm{c}}\) :

Complete heat of combustion (MJ kg−1)

\(\Delta {T}_{\mathrm{max}}\) :

Maximum excess ceiling temperature (K)

\(u\) :

Longitudinal ventilation velocity (m s−1)

\({\varvec{u}}\) :

Velocity vector

\(x\) :

Horizontal distance from the fire source (m)

\({Y}_{\text i}\) :

Mass fraction of the \(i\)th ingredient

\(\alpha\) :

Slope of the inclined section (%)

\(\beta\) :

Coefficient in Eq. (4)

γ:

Coefficient in Eq. (12)

\(\varepsilon\) :

Coefficient in Eq. (4)

\(\theta\) :

Slope of the tunnel (%)

\(\delta\) :

Grid size (m)

\(\rho\) :

Density, kg m−3

\({\rho }_{\mathrm{a}}\) :

Air density (kg m−3)

\({\varvec{\tau}}\) :

Viscous tension per unit area

\({\varvec{\psi}}:\) :

Coefficient in Eq (14)

\(\chi\) :

Combustion efficiency

\(\Phi\) :

Dissipation rate (kW m−3)

References

  1. Ye K, Zhou X, Zheng Y, et al. Estimating the longitudinal maximum gas temperature attenuation of ceiling jet flows generated by strong fire plumes in an urban utility tunnel. Int J Therm Sci. 2019;142:434–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2019.04.023.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Cano-Hurtado JJ, Canto-Perello J. Sustainable development of urban underground space for utilities. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 1999;14(3):335–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0886-7798(99)00048-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Canto-Perello J, Curiel-Esparza J. An analysis of utility tunnel viability in urban areas. Civ Eng Environ Syst. 2006;23(1):11–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286600600562129.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Wang T, Tan L, Xie S, et al. Development and applications of common utility tunnels in China. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2018;76:92–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.03.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Wu J, Bai Y, Fang W, et al. An integrated quantitative risk assessment method for urban underground utility tunnels. Reliab Eng Syst Saf. 2021;213:107792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2021.107792.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Bai Y, Zhou R, Wu J. Hazard identification and analysis of urban utility tunnels in China. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2020;106:103584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103584.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Piccinini N, Tommasini R, Pons E, Large NG. explosion and fire involving several buried utility networks. Process Saf Environ Protect. 2009;87(2):73–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2008.02.007.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Wang P, Zhu G, Pan R, et al. Effects of curved sidewall on maximum temperature and longitudinal temperature distribution induced by linear fire source in utility tunnel. Case Stud Therm Eng. 2020;17:100555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2019.100555.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Liang K, Hao X, An W, et al. Study on cable fire spread and smoke temperature distribution in T-shaped utility tunnel. Case Stud Therm Eng. 2019;14:100433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2019.100433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. An W, Tang Y, Liang K, et al. Study on temperature distribution and CO diffusion induced by cable fire in L-shaped utility tunnel. Sust Cities Soc. 2020;62:102407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Mi H, Liu Y, Jiao Z, et al. A numerical study on the optimization of ventilation mode during emergency of cable fire in utility tunnel. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2020;100:103403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103403.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Pan R, Zhu G, Liang Z, et al. Experimental study on the fire shape and maximum temperature beneath ceiling centerline in utility tunnel under the effect of curved sidewall. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2020;99:103304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Ye K, Tang X, Zheng Y, et al. Estimating the two-dimensional thermal environment generated by strong fire plumes in an urban utility tunnel, Process Saf. Environ Protect. 2021;148:737–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2021.01.030.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Gao Z, Li L, Zhong W, et al. Characterization and prediction of ceiling temperature propagation of thermal plume in confined environment of common services tunnel. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2021;110:103714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103714.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Huang P, Ye S, Qin L, et al. Experimental study on the maximum excess ceiling gas temperature generated by horizontal cable tray fires in urban utility tunnels. Int J Therm Sci. 2022;172:107341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2021.107341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Ji J, Wan H, Li K, et al. A numerical study on upstream maximum temperature in inclined urban road tunnel fires. Int J Heat Mass Tran. 2015;88:516–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2015.05.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Smagorinsky J. General circulation experiments with the primitive equations. Mon Weather Rev. 1963;91(3):99–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Fan CG, Li XY, Mu Y, et al. Smoke movement characteristics under stack effect in a mine laneway fire. Appl Therm Eng. 2017;110:70–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.08.120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Gao Z, Li L, Sun C, et al. Effect of longitudinal slope on the smoke propagation and ceiling temperature characterization in sloping tunnel fires under natural ventilation. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2022;123:104396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2022.104396.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Han J, Liu F, Wang F, et al. Study on the smoke movement and downstream temperature distribution in a sloping tunnel with one closed portal. Int J Therm Sci. 2020;149:106165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2019.106165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Mcgrattan KB, Mcdermott RJ, Weinschenk C G, et al. Fire Dynamics Simulator User's Guide, Nist Special Publication; 2013.

  22. Karlsson B, Quintiere J G. Enclosure fire dynamics, CRC Press; 2000.

  23. Król M, Król A, Koper P, et al. The influence of natural draught on the air flow in a tunnel with longitudinal ventilation. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2019;85:140–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.12.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Wang Z, Ding L, Wan H, et al. Numerical investigation on the effect of tunnel width and slope on ceiling gas temperature in inclined tunnels. Int J Therm Sci. 2020;152:106272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2020.106272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Oka Y, Imazeki O. Temperature and velocity distributions of a ceiling jet along an inclined ceiling – Part 1: approximation with exponential function. Fire Saf J. 2014;65:41–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2013.07.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Oka Y, Oka H, Imazeki O. Ceiling-jet thickness and vertical distribution along flat-ceilinged horizontal tunnel with natural ventilation. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2016;53:68–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2015.12.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Kurioka H, Oka Y, Satoh H, et al. Fire properties in near field of square fire source with longitudinal ventilation in tunnels. Fire Saf J. 2003;38(4):319–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0379-7112(02)00089-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Li YZ, Lei B, Ingason H. The maximum temperature of buoyancy-driven smoke flow beneath the ceiling in tunnel fires. Fire Saf J. 2011;46(4):204–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2011.02.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Hu LH, Chen LF, Wu L, et al. An experimental investigation and correlation on buoyant gas temperature below ceiling in a slopping tunnel fire. Appl Therm Eng. 2013;51(1):246–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2012.07.043.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 52076202), Anhui Provincial Key R&D Program (no. 2022m07020013) and Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation (no. 2008085ME153).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China

    Ke Wang, Ziping Lu, Dong Wang, Xiaodong Zhou & Lizhong Yang

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94702-5800, USA

    Xiaoyu Ju

Authors
  1. Ke Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ziping Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Dong Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xiaodong Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Xiaoyu Ju
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Lizhong Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

KW contributed to the experiment, simulation, data curation, and writing—original draft preparation. ZL and DW carried out review of experimental and simulation results and helped in editing the drafts leading to the final version. XZ was involved in the data curation and writing—original draft preparation. LY and XJ assisted in the conceptualization, methodology, writing—original draft preparation, reviewing and editing, and supervision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Xiaoyu Ju or Lizhong Yang.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, K., Lu, Z., Wang, D. et al. Effect of slope on smoke movement and temperature profile in underground utility tunnel. J Therm Anal Calorim 148, 10285–10300 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-023-12411-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-023-12411-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation