This paper provides a collection of information on 156 tunnel fire accidents at home and abroad and analysis of their time and spatial distribution, accident causes and effects. The study shows: most tunnel fires occur in summer; tunnel fire accidents are frequent in economically developed areas of eastern and southern China as well as mountainous areas in southwestern and northwestern China; long tunnels and super long tunnels experience more fire accidents which occur mostly at tunnel entrance/exit; most tunnel fires are caused by spontaneous combustion of vehicles and traffic accidents; cars and trucks are the most frequently seen models in tunnel fires; consequences of tunnel fires include casualties, vehicle damage, damages to tunnel structure and facilities and traffic interruption. At the end of the paper, appropriate measures and advice are proposed for tunnel fire accidents based on the above analysis results.

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The operating safety of highway tunnels is governed by a complex system of people-vehicle-tunnel-environment and influenced by many factors. Its assessment is complex and unique to the specific tunnel. In this paper we discuss the assessment of the operating safety of highway tunnels from three aspects of rating, risk evaluation and resiliency, and propose the concept of operating safety resiliency of highway tunnels. We also summarize prior research in these aspects and analyze advantages and disadvantages of each assessment method.

In view of the problem of light efficiency utilization in low altitude illumination in tunnels, it is proposed in this paper to improve the lighting benefits by optimizing the light configuration. Combinational analysis of such parameters as light height, elevation angle and spacing in low altitude illumination is performed in this research by Dialux optical simulation software. The average road surface luminance, overall uniformity of road surface luminance and longitudinal uniformity of road surface luminance are taken as key evaluation indicators. The study shows that the optimal height, elevation angle and spacing of low altitude illumination are 3 meters, 40° and 1 meter respectively. The overall uniformity of road surface luminance of low altitude illumination can reach 0.97, the longitudinal uniformity of road surface luminance can reach up to 1.0. The luminous flux per meter is equal in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel. The average road surface luminance is affected by the light arrangement spacing to a very small extent, and the longitudinal uniformity of road surface luminance is affected by the height and elevation angle of the light very slightly.

On the basis of classic risk theories this paper proposes a more pertinent and practical fire evaluation model for road tunnels. According to causes for tunnel fire, an index system for assessment of tunnel fire probability and rating criteria are established based on tunnel properties, environmental conditions, traffic status and vehicle performance. By fine modelling of tunnel fire smoke spread and personnel escape behaviour, a calculation method and rating criteria for consequences of tunnel fire are established. The research results suggest this method is a feasible means to assess road tunnel fire risks.