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