Evaluation of a multi-zone modelling concept for large volume buildings and tunnels

The multi-zone modelling concept could be a good alternative to two-zone modelling and CFD modelling for some situations when performing fire safety designs. However, few such models exist, and the evaluation of the concept is scarce. This paper is dedicated to study the multi-zone modelling concept and its usefulness in fire safety engineering by benchmarking it against experimental data and simulations with FDS. Two different areas are studied in the paper: large volume buildings and tunnel fires.The simulations of the large volume buildings results in reasonable estimates of gas temperatures and it is also concluded that the multi-zone concept can be a complement to more advanced numerical modelling tools like FDS. The results from the tunnel scenarios are promising but it is concluded that more benchmarking is needed.