Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

In South Korea, life safety assessment through computer simulation has been mandatory for performance-based design since 2011. Generally, there are three types of methods for the simulation-based life safety assessment: ①the Non-coupling method that compares values of available safe egress time(ASET...

In South Korea, life safety assessment through computer simulation has been mandatory for performance-based design since 2011. Generally, there are three types of methods for the simulation-based life safety assessment: ①the Non-coupling method that compares values of available safe egress time(ASET) and required safe egress time(RSET) at specific points through conducting fire and evacuation simulations respectively; ②the Semi-coupling method that compares fire and evacuation simulation results by overlaying the result layers of the both simulations; and ③the Coupling method which calculates a result of an evacuation simulation with fire simulation’s hazard conditions both simultaneously and integrally by using coupled fire and evacuation simulation tools. Of those methods, most Korean fire safety engineers and designers currently use the first method.

When we use the non-coupling method, it is very important to determine the location of a specific point to compare both ASET and RSET. However, without any defined official standard or regulation, a methodology for setting the location is usually determined only by the designer's background knowledge and experience. The number of specific locations and the locations themselves differ with each designer, which could produce contrasting results in a life safety assessment. Furthermore, the current life safety standard, taken from the 'Standard on Developing Fire and Evacuation Simulation Scenarios' and stipulated in Notice 2016-30 of the Ministry of Public Safety and Security(MPSS), are widely used across the country although they might limit to use only particular fire and egress simulation models.
Therefore, this study conducted a life safety assessment based on the three methods such as the non-coupling, the semi-coupling and the coupling simulation means, then compared with all the results each other. Finally, based on the judgement results from the comparison, the study examined issues with the current Korean life safety standard taken from the 'Standard on Developing Fire and Evacuation Simulation Scenarios' in Notice 2016-30 of the MPSS and developed new standards. This study, ultimately, intends to propose future development directions to help identify weaknesses and improve simulation-based life safety assessment standards and methodology.