Computer Evacuation Models for Buildings

Published

November 9, 2015

Author(s)

Erica D. Kuligowski

Abstract

N/A for SFPE Handbook Chapters. Included here is text from the chapter introduction: "With the rapid increase in computer capability and the increase in egress model development, there is a need for guidance on evacuation modeling, specifically the process involved and the models available. This chapter provides general guidance to users on the first three steps of the evacuation modeling process, namely, (1) identifying project requirements, (2) selecting the appropriate model (including a review of 26 current building evacuation models), and (3) configuring the model scenarios. In addition, an example of evacuation modeling configuration is provided to identify the factors to consider when configuring the building, the population, and the procedures. The chapter briefly reviews the final three steps of the evacuation modeling process, which are applying the model, obtaining output, and analyzing results. These final steps are important but only briefly mentioned due to the fact that these are often specific to the evacuation model chosen and the goals of the project. Overall, this chapter aims to provide necessary guidance that is general enough to be model independent and specific enough to be valuable to the model user."

Citation

The SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering

Publisher Info

Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Bethesda, MD

Pub Type

Book Chapters

Keywords

egress, evacuation, evacuation modeling, performance-based design, fires

Citation

Kuligowski, E. (2015), Computer Evacuation Models for Buildings, The SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Bethesda, MD (Accessed April 26, 2024)