Improving the quality of fire risk assessment by using evacuation simulation software

Abstract

The time required for evacuation of all persons who could be present in the building during a fire event depends on a number of factors, some of which are very difficult to predict. In order to achieve more realistic evaluation of the evacuation process, engineers are increasingly turning towards evacuation computer models. These evacuation models could help reduce the consequences related to a wide range of adverse events, such as fires, by indicating critical points on the evacuation paths. At the same time, simulation tools can be used for exploring how certain changes within the real system could affect the efficiency of evacuation and fire safety of the building even before they are implemented. The computer model for the Amphitheatres in FTS in Novi Sad has been created using simulation software - Pathfinder, based on SRPS TP 21. This paper presents contribution of evacuation software models to the quality of fire safety assessment.