Mathematical Modeling of Human Egress from Fires in Residential Buildings

摘要

The Building and Fire Research Laboratory has been developing mathematical modelsfor predicting the environmental conditions which occur as a fire develops and spreads. These models form a significant part of the computer program entitled HAZARD I. Human egress modeling has been implemented in HAZARD I by means of simulation of actual human movement, invoking psychological theories and heuristic methodologies to create paths which the humans in the residential building under consideration would likely have taken. The research supported by this grant has been rather successful at finding mathematical models, appropriate solution techniques, coding the techniques, and making sample applications. In seven different research papers the results of the research have been documented. Six of these papers have appeared in print, while the seventh is submitted for publication. The full copies of the papers are included as appendices of this report, while summaries are presented here for the reader's convenience. The research performed has advanced the state of the art in fire egress analysis, which forms an important part of fire hazard analysis and modeling as embodied in HAZARD I. In doing so, some new mathematical ideas, algorithms and theories have also been advanced. It is particularly satisfying to have new mathematics derived in support of such an important national priority as fire safety, and, as the mathematical knowledge is general, it may be of service to others in the future.