This document summarizes a workshop on fire and escape modeling. The workshop consisted of three blocks. Block 1 featured presentations on data collection, fire model development, and escape model development. Block 2 covered the application of these models, related regulations, and issues. Block 3 included a panel discussion and open discussion on improving the modeling process based on identified technical and usability issues. The goal was to discuss current practices, limitations, and how to better apply these models for life safety.

1. Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland
MODELS: Fire and escape modelling
- from bits and bytes to safe buildings
Chairs: Peter Thompson and Jason Floyd

2. Chairs / Participants
• Chairs:
– Jason Floyd, Hughes Associates
– Peter Thompson, Integrated Environmental Solutions
• Panel:
– Guillermo Rein, University of Edinburgh
– Randy McDermott, NIST
– Ed Galea, University of Greenwich
– Jamie Lord, ATF
– David Stroup, US NRC
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

3. Workshop aims
Summarize the current process:
• Data collection
• Creating the models
• Applying the models
• Regulating the use of the models in design
Discuss the issues & look forwards
• Where is it good ?
• Where are the shortfalls ?
• Comparison with other industries…
• Planning for the future: ensure life safety…
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

4. Workshop format
• Block 1: “Experiments and Models” (45mins)
– Guillermo (experimentation & data gathering)
– Randy (fire model development)
– Ed (escape model development)
• Block 2: Use, review & regulations (30 mins)
– Jamie (application of fire and escape models)
– David (regulator / AHJ)
5 mins. break
• Block 3: Discussion (60 mins)
– Chairs‟ summary (10 mins)
– Panel discussion, followed by open-floor discussion
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

5. Block 1: Guillermo - experimentation & data
• PPT presentation (click here)
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

6. Block 1: Randy – Fire model development
• PDF presentation (click here)
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

7. Block 1: Ed – Escape model development
• Data, Development, Testing
• Presentation (click here)
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

8. Block 2: Jamie – Applying the models
• Issues with Fire & Escape models
– Usability, Validation, Time, Results
• PPT presentation – click here
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

9. Block 2: David – regulator / AHJ
• Models, issues, assessments + legislation
• PPT presentation click here
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

10. Block 3…
5 mins. comfort break
Block 3 – Summary & discussion
• Fire model issues summary (Jason, 5 mins)
• Escape model issues summary (Pete, 5 mins)
• Panel discussion (10 mins)
• Open floor discussion (40 mins)
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

11. Block 3: Jason – summary, fire models
Development Issues
• Bloat / feature creep
• User feedback
• Validation data
• Experimental planning / reporting
• Evolving Hardware / OS / programming language
Technical issues
• Material properties / standard test methods
• Library of tests and results
• Suppression & interaction of water with fire
• Interactions w/ structure and occupants
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

12. Block 3: Jason – summary, fire models
Usability issues
• Time (set up, analysis, reporting)
• Clear, adequate documentation
• User training
• Reviewer capability
• Standard scenarios /
performance criteria
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

13. Block 3: Jason – summary, fire models
Standard Practice (US) – Wild
West?
• Model does not need accreditation
• Little guidance on scenario selection and
performance metrics
• No formal QA procedure (individual projects or
companies may have)
• User does not need accreditation (PE license
leaves decision up to the license holder)
• AHJ does not need formal training / no
requirement to external reviewer
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

14. Block 3: Jason – summary, fire models
Contrast with US DOE NQA-1
• Model must be accredited for the specific
use
• Software quality assurance
• Version control
• Detailed V&V applicable for the specific
use
• Specific quality assurance requirements
for reporting
• Peer review requirements
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

15. Block 3: Pete – summary, escape models
Technical issues:
• Lack of test results in the right format
• Level of detail for model parameters
• Standard test methods for software (IMO ?)
• Library of tests and results ?
• Define what you are attempting to model !
Usability issues
• Time to set up the model
• Speed of analysis (parallel processing, etc)
• Presenting results (3D, movies etc.)
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

16. Block 3: Pete – summary, escape models
Compare with Energy Modeling industry
UK: tightly regulated (European directive)
• Software must be government approved
• (standard test cases, clearly defined calcs.)
• Users: must be approved Energy Assessors
• Govt. approved training schemes
• Projects: approved users create EPC certificates
• Project storage: online „Lodgement‟ Schemes
• Quality Control audits of “lodged” projects
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

17. Block 3: Pete – summary, escape models
Compare with Energy Modeling industry
USA (LEED & US Green Building Council):
• Software voluntary approval: EPAct
• (ASHRAE 140 test cases, check principles.)
• Users: LEED Approved Professionals
• Projects: Every project is checked at the point of
submission (by USGBC) so every project is reviewed
and audited. Software is reviewed at the discretion of
the reviewer.
• Project storage not publicly accessible
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

18. Block 3: Discussion
Panel discussion (10 mins)
• Data gathering, model development,
application and regulation…
• Connections, disconnections, requirements…
• Planning for better, applied modeling
Open floor discussion (40 mins)
• Thoughts from the floor
• Panel responses
“The way forward” - actions
Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland