Generating FDS Fire Simulation Input using IFC-based Building Information Model

The adoption of a performance-based design approach in the regulatory framework and the accessibility of advanced computing technology have provided an incentive for fire engineers to use more sophisticated and computational intensive numerical simulation models such as Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to solve complex fire engineering problems. While other disciplines within the AEC/FM industry are starting to enjoy the benefits of sharing digital building model data, the current fire modelling practice still uses a somewhat conventional approach in gathering the basic building information. The conventional paper-centric practice represents a duplication of effort and contributes to errors as well as an unnecessarily high overhead in the fire simulation process. Sharing a common digital building information model using standard specifications such as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) can provide a considerable costs saving as well as an improvement on the quality and accuracy of the information exchanged. The report looks at the current practice of CAD and building information modelling, highlights some of the constraints and the challenges in the data exchange process. The report also reviews an IFC based software parser for fire simulations and provides recommendations for extending the scope of its data mapping implementation. A web-based application has been developed specifically to demonstrate the extent in which IFC-based building information model can be used to generate the input data required for FDS simulations