Fire resistance – HCM Level N3 : HCM120 / CN240.
For fire resistance (1634-1), there is a variant on the ISO 834 standard curve. It is the HCM (modified hydrocarbon) curve, mainly used in France since the Mont Blanc tunnel tragedy in 1999 in which 39 people lost their lives. This curve was designed to show the very rapid rise in temperatures that occur when fires break out in confined spaces like tunnels. It is now used to certify the fire resistance for doors that will be used in tunnels.
Just a few minutes after the fire breaks out, the temperature reaches the threshold of 1300 °C which remains constant through the remainder of the fire tests.
Another curve follows very much the same trajectory. It was designed in the Netherlands and is generally known as the RWS curve (named after the “Rijkswaterstaat”, the ministry of public works, which is responsible for the management of motorways and thus the country’s many tunnels).
Three levels of resistance have been defined for tunnel doors:
| Level | Fire resistance on the ISO 834 standard curve* | Fire resistance on the HCM curve* |
| N1 | 120 minutes | – |
| N2 | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| N3 | 240 minutes | 120 minutes |
* Successful criteria E (fire resistance) and I2 (insulation)
Heinen tunnel doors and HCM doors meet the requirements of the highest level, N3: HCM120 / CN240.
These are available to measure, in single and double versions, and can add other performance characteristics (acoustic, burglary resistance, etc.) to suit the range of situations present in tunnels. If necessary, they are also fitted with evacuation mechanisms (anti-panic bars or handles) to meet European standards EN 1125 and EN 179.
In addition to the basic features of the Metal+ door, you can add several performance features… which can be combined!
For example, it is possible to have a door which is fire-resistant, burglary-resistant and provides acoustic protection at the same time!
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