FireDOC Search

Author
Cleary, T. G. | Fowell, A. J.
Title
Report on Material Tests Associated With the Los Angeles Subway Fire.
Coporate
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
Keywords
subways | construction methods | fire duration | fire investigtions | fuel load | material properties | polyethylenes | wood | tunnels
Identifiers
Los Angeles Metro Rail, California, July 13, 1990; high density polyethylene (HDPE)
Abstract
Heat release and flame spread measurements on wood and high density polyethylene (HDPE) material used in a subway tunnel under construction in Los Angeles are reported. The results suggest the HDPE was the primary cause for the rapid growth of the fire. Estimates are made of the available fuel load and maximum size of the fire, and partial answers to questions posed by the Fire Marshal of the City of Los Angeles are given.