Tunnels are critical infrastructure and their availability is essential for society. Fire poses a significant risk, as seen in disasters such as the Channel tunnel fires. Emerging factors such as an increased emphasis on business continuity and limited budgets for fire safety investments are driving the development of risk-based life cycle fire performance evaluations. Fundamental knowledge gaps however prevent fully achieving this: (i) lack of data and models for evaluating concrete element shear capacity during fire; (ii) insufficient understanding of the thermo-mechanical characteristics of passive fire protection; and (iii) no integrated framework for residual life assessment which combines material level damage and structural damage. Within this project, these knowledge gaps are addressed. This is made possible thanks to the availability of a unique fire testing apparatus which allows to overcome current experimental bottlenecks. Breakthrough datasets will be created and made publicly available. Advanced numerical models will be developed, as well as simplified assessment methods and guidance, and a safety format for shear capacity evaluations in fire. Together, these breakthroughs will enable the envisioned life cycle fire performance evaluation, for concrete structures in general and tunnels in particular.