Experimental and simulation-based study on the effectiveness of column-free fire-resistant roller shutters for fire separation at underground train stations

Abstract

With the accelerated integration of urban underground transportation, the safe management of underground spaces has increased in importance. Owing to the constraints of underground spaces, severe property damage and potential casualties can occur in the event of a fire. Therefore, enhancing the effectiveness of fire separation and optimizing space utilization in underground environments are crucial. In this study, a novel column-free fire-resistant (CFFR) roller shutter with a 3-hour fire resistance rating designed for large-scale fire compartmentalization is proposed. This shutter effectively saves space while ensuring stable descent and excellent fire protection performance, and it ensures the visual continuity of underground spaces. Herein, 9 sets of CFFR roller shutter assemblies, with a total length of 65.0 m, were constructed in the laboratory. A total of 190 operational performance tests were conducted, and a full-scale fire experiment was performed at 3.725 MW for the first time. Additionally, on the basis of experimental data, fire dynamics simulator (FDS) simulations were conducted to model fire scenarios at multiple underground train stations. The results indicate that the CFFR roller shutters effectively delay fire spread after ignition, positively contributing to the thermal insulation performance, temperature control capability, and operational reliability. The research findings not only provide significant empirical support for the practical application of innovative roller shutters but also offer a valuable reference for optimizing fire protection design in underground transportation systems.