Tunnels demand fire protection design that accounts for confined spaces, long piping runs and the safety of everyone who passes through. With more than 45 years of experience, DKnapp Fire Design Pty Ltd (DKFD) has contributed to standout road and rail tunnels across Western Australia and New Zealand. Here are three projects worth a closer look.
Tunnel Fire Protection Across WA and NZ
Johnson Hill Road Tunnel, New Zealand
Perth Rail Tunnel, WA
Located on New Zealand's North Island, this tunnel is protected by a deluge system, fire hydrants and fire hose reels, all fed from a ring main. What makes it interesting is the water supply: a static tank sitting on top of a nearby hill provides constant system pressure by gravity alone. The underground feed from the tank to the tunnel uses a durable HDPE piping system.
This rail tunnel network combines several protection measures into one cohesive design:
Together, these systems protect passengers, staff, and critical infrastructure across the network.
Graham Farmer Freeway Road Tunnel, Perth WA
As one of Australia's first road tunnels at roughly 1.6km long, this project posed real engineering challenges. Built through sandy soil, the tunnel used a dual-level central service corridor — the lower level for emergency escape and egress, the upper-level housing the DN200 fire main, DN100 deluge control valves and electrical services.
Access was limited to the east and west portals, so our team built six custom trolleys to move materials up to 0.85km along the corridor. Fully loaded, each trolley could weigh up to 500kg. In an emergency, both levels of the corridor are pressurised to keep smoke out and provide a safe escape route for the public.
Access was limited to the east and west portals, so our team built six custom trolleys to move materials up to 0.85km along the corridor. Fully loaded, each trolley could weigh up to 500kg. In an emergency, both levels of the corridor are pressurised to keep smoke out and provide a safe escape route for the public.