| A framework for the implementation of a microcomputer-based building fire safety analysis system is presented. This framework is comprised of two primary components: a room fire analysis model and a computer-aided design (CAD) interface.; The room fire analysis model, implemented on a microcomputer spreadsheet program, may be used to evaluate some expected fire consequences of design alternatives as well as of variable conditions that may exist for a particular design. The model treats the room fire as a two-zone process, with a stably stratified homogeneous layer of hot fire gases located above a cooler lower layer. Heat and mass balances for the hot layer are described. With reasonable estimates of heat release rate and air entrainment, this model can be used to evaluate both preflashover and postflashover fire conditions.; The most appropriate way for designers to resolve spatial design conflicts and to convey geometric information regarding their designs is to draw their proposed plans. The technology of building representation is changing with the introduction of computers and software for design purposes. A CAD interface, implemented with a popular commercial microcomputer-based CAD software program, has been developed for the building fire safety analysis system to permit designers to maintain drawing as their primary method of recording design information. Features of CAD programs that permit their integration with analysis models include object-orientation and the association of attributes with objects.; Objects for the room fire analysis model developed here include: boundaries, openings, furnishings and finishes. Appropriate attributes are ascribed to these objects to permit calculation of expected fire conditions in rooms. Methods to determine fire attributes of objects are discussed.; A linkage between the room fire analysis model and the CAD interface is developed. Attributes of objects drawn within the CAD system may be extracted from drawings and used to calculate expected fire conditions resulting from a particular room design. |
