Forensic analysis & investigation model of a fatal high-rise building using fire modelling in Pakistan

One of the devastating fire incidents occurred in a high-rise building, namely the 'Portway Trade Centre' in Karachi, Pakistan. The current study analyzes evidence-based fire investigation reconstruction using numerical methods and a new incident analysis model, also comparing fire investigation report results. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD)--based fire dynamic simulator PyroSim is utilized to investigate the mechanics of smoke propagation and fire spread. This study uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to analyze smoke propagation and fire spread. Two scenarios with different fuel loads of Oakwood and lacquer thinner were modeled using T-square fire growth rates. Scenario A, we had a small, exposed surface area, while in Scenario B had a larger one. Peak and average heat release rates were 165 KW/m² and 98 KW/m², respectively. Scenario A reached full capacity in 372 seconds, and Scenario B in 1554 seconds. High carbon monoxide (CO) levels trapped one person. Tenability limits were set at 60°C for temperature, 4 meters for visibility, and 27,000 ppm-minute for CO. First time in Pakistan. These results underscored the fire's initiation point on the 9th floor, where significant quantities of Oakwood and lacquer thinner were present. This research emphasizes the importance of detailed fire dynamics and smoke propagation analysis for effective fire forensic investigations. This research emphasizes engineering analysis and fire modeling for fire forensic analysis as essential techniques in fire investigations.