Micro and macro-structural effects of high temperatures in Prada limestone: Key factors for future fire-intervention protocols in Tres Ponts Tunnel (Spain)

Temperature and cooling methods strongly affect the stability of tunnels drilled in rock masses and so condition interventions for fire emergencies. Samples from two horizontal boreholes drilled in Prada limestone during the design stage of the Tres Ponts Tunnel in the Catalan south Pyrenean zone (Spain) are heated from 105 to 600 degrees C, and subsequently cooled with air or water to simulate fire extinguishing interventions. Changes in chemical composition and microstructure, physical properties (open porosity, volume, dry total weight, P and S-wave velocity), and mechanical properties (uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio) are analysed. Rock weakening is observed even at low temperatures (T < 300 degrees C). The influence of the cooling method appeared at intermediate temperatures of 300-400 degrees C and open porosity, P and S-wave velocities, and elastic modulus show greater variation for water-cooled samples. A temperature of 500 degrees C is of paramount importance for 'Prada' limestone as it leads to a dramatic increase in porosity and a notable decrease in P and S-wave velocities under both cooling methods. Trans-granular micro-crack progression is observed at 500 degrees C using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and water-cooled samples show a greater loss in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and this is due to micro-crack connections and growing fissures. Thermal damage at 600 degrees C is also greater when samples are quickly cooled. An ANOVA and a simple regression analysis are performed to discard the influence of the natural location of the borehole samples in the obtained experimental results. Finally, correlations to predict UCS and elastic modulus from volume, open porosity, and P wave velocity after thermal treatment are proposed using simple exponential and potential functions to help make preliminary decisions after a tunnel fire. These predictive results on the effects of fire on Prada limestone will be considered for the definition of future fire intervention protocols in the Tres Ponts Tunnel. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The stability and fire resistance of tunnels drilled in rock masses are strongly affected by temperature and cooling methods, with water cooling showing more significant effects. Prada limestone exhibits significant increase in porosity and decrease in P and S-wave velocities at 500 degrees C, with greater loss in uniaxial compressive strength for water-cooled samples. Future fire intervention protocols in the Tres Ponts Tunnel need to take these factors into consideration.