Indoor Fire Evacuation Simulations using Rule-Based Spatial Analysis and Fire Dynamics Simulation

The formulation of effective evacuation strategies in indoor spaces during fire incidents is paramount to minimizing loss of life. Complex structures, such as multi-storey buildings, university campuses, shopping malls, and hospitals, present unique challenges for evacuation due to their architectural designs and high occupancy levels. To address these challenges, conducting fire simulations is essential for both expediting evacuation processes and identifying the safest evacuation scenarios. However, several fragmented tools/solutions need to be integrated to model the infrastructure, simulate fire dynamics, and human behavior. Hence, this study aims to integrate these fragmented solutions into a data-driven Building Information Modeling (BIM) based platform that includes Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and rule-based evacuation simulations for various human profiles. The framework analyzes various dynamic factors that can assist decision-makers in implementing strategies to mitigate and redesign structures, ultimately reducing fire risk in complex buildings. The analysis of these simulations, including congestion, accessibility, and density, enables the identification of critical factors and hazardous areas that contribute to extended evacuation times and increased smoke spread, thereby heightening the risk of loss of life.