Toward Simulation-Based Egress Optimization in Smart Buildings Using Symbiotic Simulation

Abstract

Buildings have to satisfy certain safety standards by design, for example by featuring well-displayed emergency exits and well-located fire extinguishers. However, the large number of occupants may cause significant congestion in case of a necessary evacuation due to events such as fire. Technology can help to make operations more efficient and egress is no exception. In fact, as we will show in this paper, egress is a good example where technology can make a positive difference. In this paper we analyze the effectiveness of dynamic guidance systems that are able to use real-time sensor data for the decision making process. Furthermore, we show the serious drawbacks of systems that cannot anticipate how an emergency situation will unfold. Due to the complexity of crowd behavior, an agent-based simulation is required in order to simulate the likely course of an egress. We argue how symbiotic simulation can be used to realize a dynamic guidance system that can leverage on the advantages of agent-based egress simulation.