Metro and Rail Fire Protection

Effective fire protection is important for any structure or space, but nowhere is it more impactful than the metro and rail industries. As well as the risks posed by electrical equipment and heavy machinery, most metro and rail stations involve confined underground spaces and walkways, in which fires can potentially take hold and spread rapidly.

In the event of an emergency, it’s vitally important that occupants are protected from fires and blasts and given time to evacuate. It’s equally important that emergency service personnel are given as much time as possible to react, saving lives and mitigating structural damage.

Durasteel is the optimal solution for metro and rail fire protection, and the choice of metro systems around the world. Durasteel has been widely deployed throughout the London Underground for a number of years, while Invicta have been personally involved in the installation of Durasteel across the Dubai, Doha, Riyadh and Kolkata Metro systems.

Durasteel Metro & Rail Typical Applications

• OTE Ducts
• Plenum Ceilings (TVS shafts)
• Demountable Barriers (TPS rooms)
• Personnel Access Hatches
• Equipment Delivery Hatches (TVF rooms, TSS rooms)
• Depot/Stableyard Fire Walls & Shutters
• Service Corridor Ceilings (BOH areas)

Durasteel barriers can prevent the spread of even the most intense fires for up to four hours, and also provide comprehensive protection against fierce blasts and explosions. They are commonly used to safeguard both public and private areas, helping to protect the public from threats and shield crucial electrics, machinery and infrastructure.

Durasteel is perhaps most commonly used for compartmentation barriers within tunnel systems and underground stations, in order to prevent the spread of fire along a tunnel. Other frequent usage scenarios include high voltage cable protection, fire doors and shutters, ceilings, and access hatches for maintenance areas.

Invicta also have experience in the use of demountable Durasteel barriers, ideal for shielding machine or equipment areas near public thoroughfares. These lightweight barriers provide a four-hour fire rating, stemming the spread of electrical fires. They are also pressure resistant to your requirements, with a typical value of ±2.5kPa to protect against the air pressure from passing trains.

As well as protecting equipment, personnel and the public, Durasteel can also mitigate the effects of a fire. Durasteel Over Track Exhaust (OTE) ducts can be deployed to extract smoke from a tunnel or station in the event of a fire, diverting it towards extraction fans. Durasteel’s fire, heat and pressure-resistant properties ensure that the ducts remain intact for up to four hours, helping evacuees and emergency responders.

Strong, lightweight and resilient, Durasteel can be fitted on short timescales and requires minimal maintenance, ensuring that your operations remain uninterrupted. Demountable Durasteel barriers can also be removed quickly, allowing for easy relocation or the removal of large equipment for maintenance purposes.

Invicta have done a substantial amount of work within the metro and rail industries, and as such have a number of relevant case studies. Visit our Case Studies page to learn more about our past projects, or contact us today to find out what we can do for your business.