MODELS: Fire and escape modelling - from bits and bytes to safe buildings

Chairs: Peter Thompson and Jason Floyd

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

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

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

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 discussionWorkshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

Block 1: Guillermo - experimentation & data

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

• PPT presentation (click here)

Block 1: Randy – Fire model development

• PDF presentation (click here)

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

• Data, Development, Testing

• Presentation (click here)

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

Block 1: Ed – Escape model development

• Issues with Fire & Escape models– Usability, Validation, Time, Results

• PPT presentation – click here

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

Block 2: Jamie – Applying the models

• Models, issues, assessments + legislation

• PPT presentation click here

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

Block 2: David – regulator / AHJ

Block 3…

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

5 mins. comfort break

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

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

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

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

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

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

Compare with Energy Modeling industry

• 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

UK: tightly regulated (European directive)

Block 3: Pete – summary, escape models

Workshop @ 10th IAFSS Symposium 2011 – University of Maryland

Compare with Energy Modeling industry

• 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

USA (LEED & US Green Building Council):

Block 3: Pete – summary, escape models

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