A full-scale experimental investigation has been performed to validate the emergency operation modes of a 7 km (22,966 ft) long underground railway tunnel ventilation system. Test results indicate that the tunnel ventilation system can successfully provide the critical air velocity needed for a fire sized 13.6MW(12,920 Btu/s). On the other hand, the huge smoke reservoir beneath the tunnel ceiling may allow more time for egress and should be considered in planning for the emergency procedure. The underground railway system is now in successful commercial operation. The analytical and experimental results are discussed in detail in this paper.

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