Applications of Computer Modelling to Fire Safety Design

Tools in support of fire safety engineering design have proliferated in the last few years due to the increased performance of computers. These tools are currently being used in a generalized manner in areas such as egress, fire modelling, smoke migration and evacuation and structural design. Although these tools have been developed by highly competent individuals most users do not have similar credentials. The complexity of these tools requires more than the novice for their proper use and for many they should be deemed only as "Research Tools" and not as "Design Tools". The main questions to be asked are: • What are the limitations of the tools? • To what variables are they sensitive? • What skills are necessary to properly use them? • What level of accuracy do they produce? • How much better are the outputs of these tools than classical hand calculations? All these issues will be addressed through an example of the application of CFD tools to fire resistance.

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