Technique Béton Breaks new Ground: Innovative Fire Protection Mortar for Tunneling

Fire Protection has been a central topic in tunneling for decades. Traditional methods for fire protection in tunneling include the use of fiber concrete or prefabricated panels. However, both systems have significant disadvantages. Fiber concrete cannot be repaired after fire damage, and if prefabricated panels are used, the resulting voids between the panels are problematical.

Following years of intensive research, Technique Béton has now launched a special mortar as a new solution to the problem. The mineral mortars IR 4020-TUN and IR 4010-TUN can be applied directly onto the interior tunnel lining, thus forming an efficient shield. Both products are part of the new product range IR Technologie PTI that has been developed specifically for fire protection in the concrete sector.

The special mortars can resist up to 30 fires and do not generate smoke. In contrast to ordinary concrete, IR 4020-TUN and IR 4010-TUN are porous. In the event of a fire, the developing water vapor can escape into the mortar voids. Thus, a flaking of the tunnel lining, which can obstruct rescue work in an emergency and endanger lives, is prevented.

IR 4020-TUN and IR 4010-TUN provide safe fire protection of up to 6 hours at up to 1,200°C. Thanks to the efficient protection of the tunnel reinforcement, it does not have to be replaced even after a fire has taken place. This saves both expensive renovation and long downtimes of the affected tunnel.

The fact that repair work at the tunnel lining can be carried out easily at all times is another important advantage: the products are merely applied as a protective film onto the tunnel lining. In comparison to conventional fire protection methods, Technique Béton’s new product range is also especially economic and can be easily sprayed or rolled on.