The integration of building information modelling and fire evacuation models

This paper presents a framework for integrating fire evacuation models into Building Information Modelling (BIM). The framework is intended to enhance coordination between stakeholders from diverse disciplines involved in the domain of fire evacuation design. It supports a full in/out data loop linking BIM and evacuation design tools, which enables professionals and authorities to review building design models coupled with evacuation data and perform comprehensive assessments more efficiently. The development of the framework is discussed along with the associated data exchange from a fire safety engineering perspective. Additionally, the benefits of two-way data flow between BIM and fire evacuation design tools are demonstrated by implementing a prototype system for coupling Revit, a popular BIM platform, and Pathfinder, a widely used evacuation simulator. This open source tool is named Evac4BIM and has been systematically tested to demonstrate its applicability in building design.