Modelling the Effect of Smoke on Evacuation Strategies in Hospital Buildings

Designing fire evacuation strategies for hospitals involves navigating complex infrastructure and accommodating the unique needs of patients, many of whom may have limited mobility or require specialized support during emergencies. This study examines critical egress parameters and their impact on evacuation efficiency in hospital environments, emphasizing configurations that can improve safety and reduce evacuation time. Although the inclusion of smoke effects in recent evacuation models is gaining traction, their combined impact with assisted evacuation scenarios in hospital settings remains underexplored. By integrating smoke propagation data into evacuation modelling, we analyze the effects of reduced visibility and smoke spread on egress routes and occupant behavior. Findings show that smoke effects significantly increase evacuation time estimates (around 50%) compared to traditional models (without accounting for smoke effects), highlighting the risk of underestimation in practical applications, particularly in regions where strict codal compliance is lacking. The study also reveals that stairway width, number, and location substantially affect evacuation times, with about 40% reduction achieved by increasing stairway width from 44 to 66 inches. Additionally, situational awareness enhancements, such as real-time information on fire location and safe exits, can improve evacuation efficiency by about 35%. For taller hospital buildings, the findings highlight the need for implementation of situational awareness in addition to optimized egress planning to achieve safe and efficient evacuation strategies.