Study on safety evacuation simulation in a university teaching building integrating agent-based and fire dynamics models

Abstract

To accurately analyze student evacuation patterns and fire spread dynamics in the event of a fire, this study developed a 1:1 building information model (BIM) of a university’s No. 2 teaching building. The Agent-based modeling approach was adopted to account for the complexity of individual evacuation behaviour, with particular attention to factors influencing evacuees’ self-perception. Three evacuation scenarios were simulated using Pathfinder: a partial first-floor evacuation (1/4 area), a full first-floor evacuation, and a whole-building evacuation. The results indicate that during evacuation, individuals tend to choose exits based on familiarity and reasonable proximity rather than strictly opting for the shortest path. Additionally, PyroSim was employed to simulate the spread of smoke and temperature changes within the building. Simulations revealed that smoke accumulation near Stairs1 significantly affects egress capacity; when Exit 1 becomes impassable at 76.5 s, the total evacuation time reaches 256.8 s, which is 23.03 s longer than that under fire-free conditions. This study provides a comprehensive BIM-based framework for simulating evacuation processes in university teaching buildings, offering a scientific basis for the design of targeted and effective fire safety strategies in public educational buildings.

Practical application

This study provides a critical tool for enhancing fire safety in educational buildings. By integrating occupant behaviour with realistic fire dynamics, our model delivers accurate evacuation predictions, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. The findings directly benefit architects and safety engineers by enabling the design of more effective evacuation routes and safer building layouts. Furthermore, university administrators and safety officers can utilize this approach to develop data-driven emergency plans, optimise alarm systems, and conduct targeted drills. Ultimately, this research offers a practical framework for improving evacuation efficiency, informing safety regulations, and safeguarding lives in complex public structures like teaching buildings.