FireDOC Search

Author
Stahl, F. I.
Title
Computer Simulation of Human Behavior in Building Fires. Interim Report. February 1977-February 1978.
Coporate
National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
Sponsor
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, DC
Report
NBSIR 78-1514
September 1978
131 p.
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Keywords
building fires | fire research | fire safety | occupants
Abstract
This interim report presents the conceptual development, structure, and function of BFIRES, a computer program designed to simulate human movement behavior during building fires. The basic model underlying BFIRES is derived from a non-stationary, discrete time Markov Process. This model postulates that occupants construct their emergency responses and behavioral decisions dynamically, in response to continually changing social and environmental information fields. The simulation of this process is accomplished through BFIRES, a computer program written in FORTRAN V. Directions for further study are discussed.