Dynamic modeling of people evacuation

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Forecasting human movement for improved compliance with personal safety regulations

We conduct engineering studies for the evacuation of people in the context of fire outbreaks.

Study of the evacuation of people in case of fire

Assessing and predicting pedestrian movement in case of fire: EOLIOS' expertise

Buildings must allow people to move freely at all times and to evacuate quickly in case of an emergency. Using simulation to optimize people flow can lead to environmental improvements and more effective fire safety design in large, busy locations , from shopping malls and train stations to airports and sports stadiums.

EOLIOS has extensive experience in computer modeling of evacuations and uses this skill to assess the theoretical movement of pedestrians in the event of a fire .

By providing a 3D output , we demonstrate how the built environment functions when a large number of people are present and offer real-time visualizations . By visualizing the geometry’s behavior, we can predict potential problems and develop design solutions to avoid them .

Image showing the evacuation of people - simulation
Illustration of evacuation studies for people in a public access building

Simulation of the evacuation of people

EOLIOS' expertise for efficient evacuations in complex spaces

EOLIOS’ modeling system can take into account the most complex geometries , including spiral staircases and escalators. . Visit Slopes can vary from vertical ladders to gently inclined ramps. . Visit Escalators and moving walkways can also be configured.

For the most complex studies, elevators are modeled taking into account evacuation parameters. . Each elevator has a priority list of floors to be serviced . Users proceed to the nearest elevator or to a waiting area in case of an emergency evacuation. Elevators may be grouped in columns of several elevators to respond to calls from different floors and have a maximum capacity .

Individual agents for realistic simulation: Personalized profiles and behaviors

In the simulation, each agent acts individually . Each agent can have a specific profile (size, speed, preference for not taking stairs, priority, etc.) as well as specific behavior (waiting areas, affected exits, checkpoints, etc.). Each agent makes dynamic decisions influenced by its environment. Agents can react to the opening or closing of doors as well as to the formation of queues during evacuation.

The models can also accommodate people with reduced mobility , requiring assistance to move around, such as people in wheelchairs or in beds for hospitals and nursing homes.

The simulation results are presented as highly realistic videos , viewable from all angles. They can also be visualized as density maps , exit time curves , and flow rate tracking at gates , among other things.

Image showing the evacuation of people - simulation
Illustration of evacuation studies for people in a public access building

Buildings designed to meet fire safety standards: Customized solutions

Evaluate the implications of the design on evacuation:

We distribute value by testing different building configurations in the context of a fire scenario. We Let’s combine the smoke extraction simulation analyses with the evacuation to ensure that the systems are correctly sized.

We evaluate alternative options by examining the implications of removing a staircase from a building or the effects of a fire scenario on escape routes in remote locations.

Computer modeling allows for a much more ergonomic design. in the early stages of a project, even though all buildings require safe and efficient evacuation. Some of the benefits include:

Objective of the evacuation study within the framework of fire safety

An effective combination of smoke control engineering and evacuation studies

Currently, there are no plans to offer an alternative to the standard solutions regarding the location, number, and width of evacuation routes. However, while respecting minimum regulatory requirements for evacuation, it is desirable to be able to combine evacuation studies with smoke control engineering .

To ensure the safety of people, it is necessary to assess the effectiveness of the smoke extraction system by comparing the time required to reach untenability criteria such as visibility through smoke and temperature, and the evacuation time .

The use of an evacuation analysis , which is sometimes already required for certain smoke control engineering studies, improves safety and constitutes an additional supporting document when carrying out a smoke control engineering study.

Modeling the evolution of fumes in an enclosed space

We provide the necessary justification to the inspection authorities

Justification of the design with regard to normative requirements:

Thanks to simulations of evacuation patterns combined with smoke extraction simulations, we can determine at an early stage whether smoke control systems and various natural ventilation openings are compliant. We analyze smoke pockets in trapped areas and make structural and technical suggestions to keep escape routes smoke-free. Using videos, we can illustrate the propagation of smoke gases and thus agree on the necessary measures in consultation with all those involved in the design.

We organize discussions with the inspection authorities, so as to justify the design in terms of an interpretation of the standard. Our many years of experience in major projects are particularly advantageous in this context.

Find out more:

Smoke control engineering: on the same subject

Data center engineering

Initially created in France, EOLIOS Ingénierie is the benchmark thermal and aeraulic simulation consultancy for data centers in Europe and worldwide. The company supports operators, designers and project owners at every stage in the life of a data center: design, optimization, renovation or extension.

By combining cutting-edge scientific expertise, state-of-the-art simulation tools and in-depth knowledge of the data center ecosystem, EOLIOS Ingénierie is a trusted partner for ensuring the availability, security and energy performance of IT infrastructures, while anticipating sustainability issues.

EOLIOS

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