Published Paper Details:

Uncertainty of safe egress time is an inherent problem during performance-based fire safety design. The two central concepts of performance-based design, ASET (available safe egress time) and RSET (required safe egress time), are separate degrees of freedom, each of which can be optimized to achieve performance objectives. Hence, development of a proper method of egress time estimation and improving accuracy of calculations by incorporating the risk tolerance is essential. The purpose of this research is to introduce a conceptual model of human behavior in fire. This model is based upon a theoretical framework of individual decision-making and response to emergencies, and from this foundation, is populated with behavioral statements or mini-theories predominantly from human behavior in fire. From these studies, the occupant characteristics are listed in terms of parameters to be used as input to the final evacuation models, that shall be simulated using a suitable software. The primary research is then carried out on a case study, where the occupants are surveyed and their characteristics are recorded. The results are inputted into a suitable simulation platform. The evacuation simulations are then performed for different cases, and are compared to record the deviation in the safe egress time graphs, as per current method, and when occupant characteristics are considered. The delays calculated from the simulations, are further validated against a real case scenario, from the secondary study, and conclusions are drawn on how to reduce the risk tolerability in performance-based fire and life safety designs.