New French recommendations for fire ventilation in road tunnels

In the last few years extensive research results have been obtained world-wide in the field of road tunnels ventilation in case of fire. However this new knowledge still needed to be organised into a consistent methodology to be efficiently implemented by designers and operators. The paper describes the results of an integrated reflection led in France by all interested parties. They have clarified the principles and hypotheses of smoke control, among which the choice of appropriate design fires. Recommendations have been derived on the choice, design and operation of the longitudinal and (semi-) transverse ventilation systems and the fire resistance of equipment.