Evacuation experiments in a smoke filled tunnel

Evacuation experiments were performed to investigate the walking speed and the behaviour in smoke filled road tunnels. Three types of wayguidance systems, namely flashing lights, rows of flashing lights and floor markings, were tested in the experiments. A thermal imaging infrared camera was used to observe human behaviour during evacuation. The results show a relationship between the walking speed and the extinction coefficient. The study also reveals that persons who follow a wall without emergency exits in a smoke filled tunnel may not notice exits at the opposite side, which may be devastating during a real tunnel fire. Based on the experiments recommendations are given on how tunnels can be designed to improve the fire safety and make evacuation through smoke easier.