ABSTRACT
Fire risk assessment in buildings can be performed by running a representative set of simulations including modelling for fire dynamics, smoke transport and occupants movement. A software package is described allowing the user to define the modelling data while working in a friendly CAD environment. The analyst can choose to perform a certain simulation in a deterministic way or to indicate statistical distributions for input parameters and then generating and running a given number of simulations (stochastic mode). A graphical and numeric statistical post-processor is also added to help in the evaluation of stochastic modelling results. Fire and smoke transport modelling is accomplished by the CFAST (W.Jones el al.) multi-compartment zone model while evacuation is simulated by a rule-based proprietary code. A sample application of the package is given for a 13 compartments building hosting an applied research laboratory. Typical expected applications of the developed system such as cost/benefit analysis, performance oriented design and support for fire engineering courses are discussed.
