Effects of Simulation Run Condition and Irrational Input Parameter Settings on the Results of Pathfinder Evacuation Simulations

Evacuation simulation models are important tools used in performance-based design and fire risk assessment to evaluate life safety. However, simulation results can vary substantially depending on the simulation execution methods and input parameter settings, yet the effects of misuse or input errors have rarely been compared systematically in academic studies. In this study, based on domestic guidelines for performance-based design and fire risk assessment as well as previous studies, the ways in which simulation execution methods, including whether simulations are repeatedly performed, and input parameter settings, including response time definitions and occupant group ratio configurations, influence the total evacuation time and agent evacuation behavior were analyzed. The results show that, even under identical conditions, differences in repeated-run practice, response time input methods, and occupant group ratio settings lead to notable variations in the mean and distribution of the total evacuation time and in residual occupant behavior during the later stages of evacuation.