A Simulation Study to Suggest an Emergency Exits in Mosul’s Mosques in Case of Emergency

Abstract

Nearly every mosque in Mosul has one or two gates that are essentially arranged on one wall opposing the Qibla wall. The worshipers would be unable to flee if an explosion or arson at the wall of those gates causes the gates to close, either from the inside or the outside. As a result, evacuation would be challenging or impossible. International architectural codes do not contain any specific requirements for fire safety precautions in mosques. However, the mosque prayer hall is essentially an assembly hall that frequently hosts huge crowds of attendees during prayer times. International building regulations stipulate that these assembly buildings must have multiple emergency exits. This study clarifies the issue and offers solutions by designing alterative emergency exits on the side walls or the Qibla wall, which would allow worshipers to leave the mosque prayer hall in an emergency while still meeting the time requirements established by well-known international codes, as well as the standards for fire safety precautions and means of escape. The simulation was realized on the software tool called Pathfinder.