Analysis of Zone Fire Models and their Application in Structural Fire Design

This paper is focused on a comparison of zone fire modelling software tools and their application in structural fire design. The analysis of the zone models is performed for five selected computer programs, namely Argos, Branzfire, B-RISK, CFAST, and OZone. The limits and input parameters ofthe zone fire modelling software tools are described. In each software, two variants of the analysed compartment are created for simulating two types of fire scenario, including the fuel-controlled fire and the ventilation-controlled fire. The burning regimes are defined based on two heat release rate(HRR) curves, determined according to EN 1991-1-2. The HRR curves parameters are used as the main input data into the fire modelling software. The fire simulation method in each fire modelling software is selected based on the software capabilities. Although each program requires a different amount of input parameters, the aim was to create the same model in all programs and to compare the results. The fire modelling software outputs are exported into a spreadsheet. Subsequently, a comparison of the resulting graphs is performed, particularly the heat release rate graphs and the upper layertemperature evolution graphs. The fire resistance assessment of a simply-supported concrete slab panel is performed for all zone fire models and then the results are compared. The fire modelling software tools are finally quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated and compared to assess their differences.

Computer Fire Modeling and the Law: Application to Forensic Fire Engineering Investigations

Computer fire modeling can be a two-edged tool in forensic fire engineering investigations. Professional standards of care recommend that fire modeling’s primary use is in examining multiple hypotheses for a fire as opposed to determining its origin. This paper covers the current acceptable benefits of computer fire models, historical and pending legal case law, and methods to use modeling results within expert reports and testimony. Particular issues reviewed are the use of animations versus simulations, evidentiary guidelines, and authentication using verification and validation studies.

Overview of software designated for the analysis of fire resistance of building structures exposed to various fire models

Introduction. When analyzing the fire safety of a facility, the conformity of actual limits of fire resistance of structures to the requirements of statutory documents is checked. Due to the complexity of the equations describing real systems and an extensive number of iterations required to obtain accurate results, software is used to perform calculations. One of the main goals of the paper is to analyze the software designated for the analysis of the fire resistance of building structures in case of different fire models. The paper presents an analysis of the criteria for the evaluation of software programs and their classification, evaluation of recommendations for choosing fire safety software in compliance with the specific requirements of users.Main (analytical) part. The paper analyzes various models of fires, taking into account the stages of fire spread, thermal and mechanical effects on structures exposed to fire, and prerequisites for their use by the software designated for the analysis of the fire resistance of building structures. Fire resistance models of structures, zone and field models, as well as models used to calculate evacuation time and detector response time when solving related problems are considered. The classification of software programmes is analyzed subject to the type of problems to be solved: the behavior of a structure exposed to high temperatures and mechanical impacts in case of real fire, and requirements applicable to safe structures. Certain estimates and assumptions, necessary for specialists to use software in their calculations, are considered.Conclusions. Recommendations on the choice of fire safety assurance software, meeting the specific needs of users, are provided.