- Author
-
Ohnstad, S. J.
- Title
- Marine Regulatory Applications of the Computer Fire Model HAZARD I.
- Coporate
- Worcester Polytechnic Inst., MA
- Report
-
Thesis
March 1990
180 p.
- Keywords
-
computer models
|
regulations
|
fire safety
- Identifiers
- HAZARD I; FAST; FIRST
- Abstract
- This thesis explores the accuracy of HAZARD I and then illustrates its use by a regulatory agency in its development, interpretation and enforcement of firesafety regulations. A substantial up-front effort was necessary to just develop familiarity with the operation, intricacies and sensitivities of the model itself. This involved well over 100 computer runs in which input was systematically varied and the results analyzed. The primary reason for this in-depth analysis was two fold: [1] Documentation of the model is inadequate for gaining a reasonable understanding of the model's operation, [2] This is the first serious and rigorous use of the model, therefore other experienced users were not available for consultation. Additionally, model validity was explored and a comparative study between HAZARD I's fire model FAST and the well documented fire model FIRST was conducted. Subsequent to this effort, the model was applied to a number of marine regulatory scenarios. The modeling technique, interpretation of results, impact of model assumptions and conclusions are included for each scenario.