Accuracy of smoke detector models for predicting smoke alarm activation time using FDS modelling

Smoke alarms are the only fire safety measure in most residential buildings and have been demonstrated to be very effective at reducing fire injuries and fatalities. In the past, several research on smoke alarm activation using FDS modelling have been conducted. However, the accuracy of previous smoke detector models for predicting smoke alarm activation time using FDS modelling is still a key concern. In this research, a generalised FDS model has been developed. The main aim of this research is to check the feasibility of the use of FDS modelling to supplement or replace fullscale fire tests for predicting smoke alarm activation. The model has been used to validate the Cleary smoke alarm algorithm and default parameters against the activation times of the smoke alarms tested in Stage 3 of the Fire and Rescue NSW residential smoke alarm test program for a single fire scenario. It is noticed that the predicted FDS model results is well matched with the test data and the accuracy of smoke alarm activation times is very high where the mean error is 7%.