Work Packages

WP1 – WP7

WP1 – Design Fires

In WP1 a series of small-scale, medium-scale and full-scale experiments will be performed. The goal is to develop design fires for underground rail mass transport systems. In the full-scale fire experiments metro cars provided by Stockholm Public Transport (SL) will be used. The experiments will result in heat release rate curves for varying conditions (materials, ventilation, etc). These results, together with the developed mathematical models of gas temperatures, smoke spread and toxicity, will be valuable tools when designing tunnels and planning rescue operations.

Participants: SP (WP leader), Mälardalen University, Swedish Defence Research Agency and Gävle University

WP2 – Evacuation

In WP2 sub-models for existing egress models (computer tools for simulation of evacuation) will be developed. These sub-models will be calibrated for evacuation from trains, underground stations and tunnels. Small-scale, medium-scale and full-scale evacuation experiments will be performed. The results from these experiments and the results from WP1 will be implemented in the sub-models. Special attention will be focused on the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Participants: Lund University (WP leader) and Stockholm Public Transport

WP3 – Integrated Fire Control

The purpose of WP3 is to identify state of the art equipment and technical solutions with regards to fire prevention, evacuation and rescue operations in underground rail mass transport systems. Furthermore, both technical and organizational measures vill be evaluated and the interaction between them will be investigated. An inventory and evaluation of existing technical equipment will be performed in the WP. The knowledge gained from these activities will be used as input in the other WPs.

Participants: Stockholm Public Transport (WP leader)

WP4 – Smoke Control

In WP4 the use of jet fans to control the spread of smoke and facilitate evacuation will be investigated. The effect of the location of fans will be examined and a mathematical model for calculation of the required fan capacity will be developed. In addition, computer simulations of smoke spread in evacuation routes will be performed and engineering tools for design will be presented. The effect of wind on the air movement and smoke spread in a tunnel will also be studied.

Participants: Mälardalen University (WP leader)

WP5 – Extraordinary Strain on Constructions

Following the events in Madrid, London and Moscow a new type of threat has been realized. During a rescue operation after a deliberate attack in an underground facility it is imperative that the rescue personnel understand the effect of an explosion on the construction and train. They must be able to interpret signs of a possible cave in or structural collapse. In the WP, previously performed experiments in military facilities will be used to gain knowledge which can be used in civilian facilities. Additional experiments and simulations will be performed and a tool which aids the decision making for rescue personnel will be developed.

Participants: Swedish Defence Research Agency (WP leader), Mälardalen University, Swedish Fortifications Agency and Swedish National Defence College

WP6 – Rescue Operations

In WP6 new tactical methods will be developed based on previous experience from incidents, accidents and exercises. The equipment examined in WP3 will be tested and evaluated, and necessary development of new equipment will be mapped. The physical capability and limitations of rescue personnel will be investigated and methods for monitoring will be evaluated. Full-scale experiments will be performed in conjunction with the experiments described in WP1.

Participants: Mälardalen University (WP leader) and Greater Stockholm Fire Brigade

WP7 – Project Management

The purpose of WP7 is to coordinate and lead the activities of all other WPs. This involves both administrative matters, such as administration of payments and follow-ups of the work progress, as well as research related aspects. One very important purpose of WP7 is to provide advice and guidance about research. This is done in order to ensure a high scientific level in all parts of the METRO project. An additional purpose is to ensure that the research results are communicated widely and efficiently.

Participants: Mälardalen University (WP leader), Lund University and SP