Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (85)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = evacuation area design

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
21 pages, 16873 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Residential Building Safety: A Numerical Study of Attached Safe Rooms for Bushfires
by Sahani Hendawitharana, Anthony Ariyanayagam and Mahen Mahendran
Fire 2025, 8(8), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080300 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 290
Abstract
Early evacuation during bushfires remains the safest strategy; however, in many realistic scenarios, timely evacuation is challenging, making safe sheltering a last-resort option to reduce risk compared to late evacuation attempts. However, most Australian homes in bushfire-prone areas are neither designed nor retrofitted [...] Read more.
Early evacuation during bushfires remains the safest strategy; however, in many realistic scenarios, timely evacuation is challenging, making safe sheltering a last-resort option to reduce risk compared to late evacuation attempts. However, most Australian homes in bushfire-prone areas are neither designed nor retrofitted to provide adequate protection against extreme bushfires, raising safety concerns. This study addresses this gap by investigating the concept of retrofitting a part of the residential buildings as attached safe rooms for sheltering and protection of valuables, providing a potential last-resort solution for bushfire-prone communities. Numerical simulations were conducted using the Fire Dynamics Simulator to assess heat transfer and internal temperature conditions in a representative residential building under bushfire exposure conditions. The study investigated the impact of the placement of the safe room relative to the fire front direction, failure of vulnerable building components, and the effectiveness of steel shutters in response to internal temperatures. The results showed that the strategic placement of safe rooms inside the building, along with adequate protective measures for windows, can substantially reduce internal temperatures. The findings emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of openings and the external building envelope, demonstrating the potential of retrofitted attached safe rooms as a last-resort solution for existing residential buildings in bushfire-prone areas where the entire building was not constructed to withstand bushfire conditions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5419 KiB  
Article
The Analysis of Fire Protection for Selected Historical Buildings as a Part of Crisis Management: Slovak Case Study
by Jana Jaďuďová, Linda Makovická Osvaldová, Stanislava Gašpercová and David Řehák
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6743; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156743 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Historical buildings are exposed to an increased risk of fire. The direct influence comes from the buildings’ structural design and the fire protection level. The fundamental principle for reducing the loss of heritage value in historical buildings due to fire is fire protection, [...] Read more.
Historical buildings are exposed to an increased risk of fire. The direct influence comes from the buildings’ structural design and the fire protection level. The fundamental principle for reducing the loss of heritage value in historical buildings due to fire is fire protection, as part of crisis management. This article focuses on selected castle buildings from Slovakia. Three castle buildings were selected based on their location in the country. All of them are currently used for museum purposes. Using an analytical form, we assessed fire hazards and fire safety measures in two parts, calculated the fire risk index, and proposed solutions. Qualitative research, which is more suitable for the issue at hand, was used to evaluate the selected objects. The main methods used in the research focused on visual assessment of the current condition of the objects and analysis of fire documentation and its comparison with currently valid legal regulations. Based on the results, we can conclude that Kežmarok Castle (part of the historical city center) has a small fire risk (fire risk index = 13 points). Trenčín Castle (situated on a rock above the city) and Stará Ľubovňa Castle (situated on a limestone hill outside the city, surrounded by forest) have an increased risk of fire (fire risk index = 50–63). Significant risk sources identified included surrounding forest areas, technical failures related to outdated electrical installations, open flames during cultural events, the concentration of highly flammable materials, and complex evacuation routes for both people and museum collections. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2366 KiB  
Review
Machine Learning for Fire Safety in the Built Environment: A Bibliometric Insight into Research Trends and Key Methods
by Mehmet Akif Yıldız
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142465 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Assessing building fire safety risks during the early design phase is vital for developing practical solutions to minimize loss of life and property. This study aims to identify research trends and provide a guiding framework for researchers by systematically reviewing the literature on [...] Read more.
Assessing building fire safety risks during the early design phase is vital for developing practical solutions to minimize loss of life and property. This study aims to identify research trends and provide a guiding framework for researchers by systematically reviewing the literature on integrating machine learning-based predictive methods into building fire safety design using bibliometric methods. This study evaluates machine learning applications in fire safety using a comprehensive approach that combines bibliometric and content analysis methods. For this purpose, as a result of the scan without any year limitation from the Web of Science Core Collection-Citation database, 250 publications, the first of which was published in 2001, and the number has increased since 2019, were reached, and sample analysis was performed. In order to evaluate the contribution of qualified publications to science more accurately, citation counts were analyzed using normalized citation counts that balanced differences in publication fields and publication years. Multiple regression analysis was applied to support this metric’s theoretical basis and determine the impact levels of variables affecting the metric’s value (such as total citation count, publication year, and number of articles). Thus, the statistical impact of factors influencing the formation of the normalized citation count was measured, and the validity of the approach used was tested. The research categories included evacuation and emergency management, fire detection, and early warning systems, fire dynamics and spread prediction, fire load, and material risk analysis, intelligent systems and cyber security, fire prediction, and risk assessment. Convolutional neural networks, artificial neural networks, support vector machines, deep neural networks, you only look once, deep learning, and decision trees were prominent as machine learning categories. As a result, detailed literature was presented to define the academic publication profile of the research area, determine research fronts, detect emerging trends, and reveal sub-themes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 14023 KiB  
Article
Geomatic Techniques for the Mitigation of Hydrogeological Risk: The Modeling of Three Watercourses in Southern Italy
by Serena Artese and Giuseppe Artese
GeoHazards 2025, 6(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards6030034 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 324
Abstract
In recent decades, climate change has led to more frequent episodes of extreme rainfall, increasing the risk of river flooding. Streams and rivers characterized by short flow times are subject to rapid and impressive floods; for this reason, the modeling of their beds [...] Read more.
In recent decades, climate change has led to more frequent episodes of extreme rainfall, increasing the risk of river flooding. Streams and rivers characterized by short flow times are subject to rapid and impressive floods; for this reason, the modeling of their beds is of fundamental importance for the execution of hydraulic calculations capable of predicting the flow rates and identifying the points where floods may occur. In the context of studies conducted on three watercourses in Calabria (Italy), different survey and restitution techniques were used (aerial LiDAR, terrestrial laser scanner, GNSS, photogrammetry). By integrating these methodologies, multi-resolution models were generated, featuring a horizontal accuracy of ±16 cm and a vertical accuracy of ±15 cm. These models form the basis for the hydraulic calculations performed. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing accurate models that are compatible with the memory and processing capabilities of modern computers. Furthermore, the technique set up and implemented for the refined representation of both the models and the effects predicted by hydraulic calculations in the event of exceptional rainfall (such as flow, speed, flooded areas, and critical points along riverbanks) serves as a valuable tool for improving hydrogeological planning, designing appropriate defense works, and preparing evacuation plans in case of emergency, all with the goal of mitigating hydrogeological risk. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 5505 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study of a Stationary Parabolic Trough Collector with Modified Absorbers for Domestic Water Heating
by Jihen Mahdhi, Fakher Hamdi, Hossein Ebadi, Abdallah Bouabidi, Ridha Ennetta and Laura Savoldi
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133261 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 476
Abstract
The requirement for energy transition through the residential sector has increased research on the dissemination of solar thermal power systems in this area. Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), as one of the matured solar technologies for thermal power generation, has shown huge potential in [...] Read more.
The requirement for energy transition through the residential sector has increased research on the dissemination of solar thermal power systems in this area. Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), as one of the matured solar technologies for thermal power generation, has shown huge potential in meeting demands for heating and domestic hot water systems. In this experimental study, several small-scale PTCs have been developed with four alternative absorber shapes: a simple cylindrical absorber, a spiral absorber, and two different configurations of a sinusoidal absorber to examine their performance under domestic application (non-evacuated and non-tracking). The study aims to analyze the applicability of such systems to be used as a water-heating source in buildings and compare the performance of the proposed configurations in terms of thermal efficiency to find the most appropriate design. The experimental results revealed that the simple shape provides a minimum average thermal efficiency of 24%, while the maximum thermal efficiency of 32% is obtained with the spiral shape. Studying various orientations of the sinusoidal shape revealed that thermal efficiencies of 30% and 20% could be achieved using the parallel and the perpendicular shapes, respectively. Finally, a concise economic and environmental analysis is performed to study the proposed systems as solutions for domestic water heating applications, which highlights the suitability of PTCs for integration with future sustainable buildings. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 17047 KiB  
Article
Performance Analysis of Solar-Integrated Vapour Compression Air Conditioning System for Multi-Story Residential Buildings in Hot Climates: Energy, Exergy, Economic, and Environmental Insights
by Hussein A. Al Khiro and Rabah Boukhanouf
Energies 2025, 18(11), 2781; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112781 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Decarbonisation in hot climates demands innovative cooling solutions that minimise environmental impact through renewable energy integration and advanced system optimisation. This study investigates the energetic and economic feasibility of a thermo-mechanical vapour compression (TMVC) cooling system that integrates a conventional vapour compression cycle [...] Read more.
Decarbonisation in hot climates demands innovative cooling solutions that minimise environmental impact through renewable energy integration and advanced system optimisation. This study investigates the energetic and economic feasibility of a thermo-mechanical vapour compression (TMVC) cooling system that integrates a conventional vapour compression cycle with an ejector and a thermally driven second-stage compressor powered by solar-heated water from evacuated flat-plate collectors. The system is designed to reduce mechanical compressor work and enhance cooling performance in hot climates. A comprehensive 4E (energy, exergy, economic, and environmental) analysis is conducted for a multi-story residential building in Baghdad, Iraq, with a total floor area of approximately 8000 m2 and a peak cooling demand of 521.75 kW. Numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate various configurations of solar collector areas, thermal storage tank volumes, and collector mass flow rate, aiming to identify the most energy-efficient combinations. These optimal configurations were then assessed from economic and environmental perspectives. Among them, the system featuring a 600 m2 collector area and a 34 m3 storage tank was selected as the optimal case based on its superior electricity savings and energy performance. Specifically, this configuration achieved a 28.28% improvement in the coefficient of performance, a 22.05% reduction in energy consumption, and an average of 15.3 h of daily solar-assisted operation compared to a baseline vapour compression system. These findings highlight the potential of the TMVC system to significantly reduce energy usage and environmental impact, thereby supporting the deployment of sustainable cooling technologies in hot climate regions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9095 KiB  
Article
Applying a Fire Exposure Metric in the Artificial Territories of Portugal: Mafra Municipality Case Study
by Sidra Ijaz Khan, Jennifer L. Beverly, Maria Conceição Colaço, Francisco Castro Rego and Ana Catarina Sequeira
Fire 2025, 8(5), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8050179 - 30 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Portugal’s increasing wildfire frequency has led to home destruction, large areas burned, ecological damage, and economic loss, emphasizing the need for effective fire exposure assessments. This study builds on a Canadian approach to wildfire exposure and evaluates wildfire exposure in the Portuguese municipality [...] Read more.
Portugal’s increasing wildfire frequency has led to home destruction, large areas burned, ecological damage, and economic loss, emphasizing the need for effective fire exposure assessments. This study builds on a Canadian approach to wildfire exposure and evaluates wildfire exposure in the Portuguese municipality of Mafra, using artificial territories (AT) as a proxy for the wildland–urban interface (WUI) and integrates land use land cover (LULC) data with a neighborhood analysis to map exposure at the municipal scale. Fire exposure was assessed for three fire transmission distances: radiant heat (RH, <30 m), short-range spotting (SRS, <100 m), and longer-range spotting (LRS, 100–500 m) using fine resolution (5 m) LULC data. Results revealed that while AT generally exhibited lower exposure (<16% “very high” exposure), adjacent hazardous LULC subtypes significantly increase wildfire hazard, with up to 51% of LULC subtypes classified as “very high exposure”. Field validation confirmed the accuracy of exposure maps, supporting their use in wildfire risk reduction strategies. This cost-effective, scalable approach offers actionable insights for forest and land managers, civil protection agencies, and policymakers, aiding in fuel management prioritization, community preparedness, and the design of evacuation planning. The methodology is adaptable to other fire-prone regions, particularly mediterranean landscapes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 9082 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Efficiency of Slope Evacuation for Dense Crowds in Urban Street-Type Public Spaces
by Kailing Li, Tiantian Yao, Xue Lin, Xiaoye Lin and Xiaogang You
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3568; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073568 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 463
Abstract
Street-type spaces, characterized by their relative closedness and propensity for human congregation, inherently carry potential safety evacuation risks. In order to study the influence of slopes on the evacuation efficiency of pedestrians in street-type public spaces under the state of passenger flow surge [...] Read more.
Street-type spaces, characterized by their relative closedness and propensity for human congregation, inherently carry potential safety evacuation risks. In order to study the influence of slopes on the evacuation efficiency of pedestrians in street-type public spaces under the state of passenger flow surge during holidays, this study systematically analyzes the changing rules and behavioral characteristics of pedestrian evacuation in downhill movement through a three-phase analysis of the risk of crowd gathering in urban street-type spaces (before, during, and after) and evacuation simulation experiments combining variables such as slope, street width, obstacle layout, disability type, and group movement. The findings indicate that, in the structural design of street-type spaces, slopes of more than 4° should be minimized to maintain the smooth flow of pedestrians. Areas in streets with widths narrower than 2 m are high-risk zones for crowd gathering and should be better supervised. The number and location of obstacles should be reasonably arranged under the condition of satisfying the safety of pedestrians’ passage. The differences in the ability of evacuees should be taken into account to improve evacuation system deficiencies and ensure that everyone can evacuate safely. Ultimately, we propose a preventive mechanism for the safe evacuation of urban street-type public spaces to reduce the risk of crowd gathering and safeguard pedestrians. This study provides a theoretical framework for understanding the dynamics of pedestrian evacuation in inclined street-type spaces, thereby guiding urban planners and public safety managers to enhance the design and management of such spaces. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6914 KiB  
Article
Assessing Perceptions and Interpretations of Tsunami Maps: Insights from the Public and Risk Experts
by Teresa Vera San Martín, Gloria I. López, Carlos Mestanza-Ramón, Celene B. Milanés and Fausto A. Canales
Water 2024, 16(23), 3423; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233423 - 28 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Tsunami maps provide critical information about tsunami hazards, potential inundation areas, and safe evacuation routes, yet little research has addressed how different user groups perceive and interpret these maps. Using a questionnaire distributed to 181 participants (24 experts—EXs and 157 general users—GUs) and [...] Read more.
Tsunami maps provide critical information about tsunami hazards, potential inundation areas, and safe evacuation routes, yet little research has addressed how different user groups perceive and interpret these maps. Using a questionnaire distributed to 181 participants (24 experts—EXs and 157 general users—GUs) and the chi-square (χ2) test, this research explored their understanding and perception of map elements, symbology, probabilistic data, and uncertainty communication. The results show that while both groups generally understand the maps, significant differences exist in their perception of essential map elements, such as evacuation routes, safe zones, and technical data. On average, EXs identified 7.38 elements that evacuation maps should contain, consistently emphasizing the need for more detailed information, whereas GUs preferred simplicity, selecting an average of 5.11 elements. These results highlight the need to balance detail and clarity in map design to serve both user groups effectively. Notably, the results suggest that at least 33% of EXs and 47% of GUs did not clearly distinguish between tsunami hazard and evacuation maps, highlighting the need for clearer map design and terminology. The study also revealed challenges in communicating probabilistic data and uncertainty to non-experts, suggesting the need for improved methods to present this information effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oceans and Coastal Zones)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8050 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Seismic Vulnerability of Florence (Italy) Through Macro-Seismic Methods
by Barbara Paoletti, Marco Tanganelli and Stefania Viti
Eng 2024, 5(4), 2821-2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5040147 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1118
Abstract
In recent years, the assessment of damage scenarios in urban communities has become one of the central themes in local government policies, aimed at promoting effective seismic risk mitigation and improving the efficiency of rescue systems to manage emergencies. In Italy, the seismic [...] Read more.
In recent years, the assessment of damage scenarios in urban communities has become one of the central themes in local government policies, aimed at promoting effective seismic risk mitigation and improving the efficiency of rescue systems to manage emergencies. In Italy, the seismic hazard has become a topical issue since the 1982 Irpinia earthquake, and several ventures have been promoted to face the seismic mitigation of complex residential districts. The objective of this research is to define the damage scenarios of the city of Florence, where 97% of the building stock is designed without anti-seismic prescriptions. The urban vulnerability of Florence has been assessed based on the current approaches available in the technical literature, combined with the knowledge provided by the recent investigation on the subsoil. Once the possible damage scenarios have been defined, the resilience of the area has been determined, and the population involved in the evacuation has been estimated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical, Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 9863 KiB  
Article
Smart Safety Design for Evacuation Signs in Large Space Buildings Based on Height Setting and Visual Range of Evacuation Signs
by Zhanzhi Wan, Tiejun Zhou, Jianwu Xiong and Gao Pan
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2875; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092875 - 11 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1666
Abstract
In case of emergency, evacuation signs play an important role in guiding people to evacuate safety exits in large space buildings. Large space buildings are characterized by high ceilings and large areas. In the existing legislation and standards, the height setting of evacuation [...] Read more.
In case of emergency, evacuation signs play an important role in guiding people to evacuate safety exits in large space buildings. Large space buildings are characterized by high ceilings and large areas. In the existing legislation and standards, the height setting of evacuation signs is fixed, but the influence of height changes on the visibility of evacuation signs is very important. This study fully considers the relationship between the height setting change of evacuation signs and the visual range and puts forward a smart safety design strategy for evacuation signs. The smart safety design consists of two parts, one is the mathematical relationship between the height change of evacuation signs and the visual range of personnel, and the other is the integration of the application process of smart devices. Firstly, the visual range of two different sizes of evacuation signs placed at the height of 1.7 to 6 m was measured experimentally in China. The results showed that: (1) with an increase in the height of the evacuation signs, their viewing distance gradually decreased and the visual range was reduced; (2) the mathematical model of the change between the height and the visual range of evacuation signs was established; (3) the height of evacuation signs between 3 to 5 m agreed more with the visual habits of the people. Then, on this basis, the smart safety design method can use related mathematical models to set the evacuation signs at the optimal height based on the actual distance between people and evacuation signs, ensuring that people can see the signs the first time, thus providing evacuation guidance for evacuees and improving the safety of large space buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Buildings and Fire Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4270 KiB  
Article
Design of Adits for People Passing Spacing in High Altitude Highway Tunnels in Cold Regions
by Yuang Cui and Zhiqiang Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7573; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177573 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 911
Abstract
Existing research into this topic primarily focuses on low-altitude areas, neglecting the impact of extreme environmental conditions such as low temperature, low oxygen level, and low pressure in high-altitude regions. Based on the smoke diffusion theory, a series of CFD numerical simulations were [...] Read more.
Existing research into this topic primarily focuses on low-altitude areas, neglecting the impact of extreme environmental conditions such as low temperature, low oxygen level, and low pressure in high-altitude regions. Based on the smoke diffusion theory, a series of CFD numerical simulations were conducted in order to investigate the characteristics of smoke diffusion in the highway tunnel at high altitude. The results indicated that the increase in altitude would enhance the longitudinal propagation velocity of smoke, leading to a more pronounced impact on temperature, CO concentration, and visibility at characteristic heights. Meanwhile, the altitude intensifies the inhibitory impact of longitudinal ventilation on smoke diffusion upwind of the fire source and augments the acceleration effect on smoke diffusion downwind, thereby impeding personnel evacuation on the downwind side. By taking the hazardous range at a characteristic height under the impact of wind velocity and the deceleration of evacuation velocity due to altitude into consideration, a new recommended reduction factor was deduced to design adits for people passing spacing in highway tunnels at high altitude. The findings can serve as a valuable reference for the personal evacuation in high-altitude highway tunnel fires and the design of spacing between adits for people passing within such tunnels. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 40991 KiB  
Article
Reducing the Cooling Energy Demand by Optimizing the Airflow Distribution in a Ventilated Roof: Numerical Study for an Existing Residential Building and Applicability Map
by Alejandro Rincón-Casado, Enrique Ángel Rodríguez Jara, Alvaro Ruiz Pardo, José Manuel Salmerón Lissén and Francisco José Sánchez de la Flor
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6596; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156596 - 28 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1241
Abstract
This work presents a study of a ventilated hollow core slab system (VHCS) that obviates the need to completely replace the slab of an existing residential building. It is assimilated to a heat exchanger to allow its effectiveness to be studied as a [...] Read more.
This work presents a study of a ventilated hollow core slab system (VHCS) that obviates the need to completely replace the slab of an existing residential building. It is assimilated to a heat exchanger to allow its effectiveness to be studied as a function of the area and airflow rate. The balance between the energy consumed by the fan and the heat evacuated by the system is also studied through the use of the thermo-hydraulic performance factor (THPF), for which a series of cases were simulated by CFD following a methodology in which a configuration is achieved by means of the sequential analysis of cases in which both the thermal effectiveness and the THPF are maximized. The configuration chosen in this study was found to benefit from high airflow rates since, although this implies an increase in fan energy consumption, the increase in heat removed is proportionally greater. It has also been found that the design of the airflow distribution through the slab is of high importance as it affects both the heat exchanged with the slab and the pressure losses. An applicability map has been developed as a function of the temperature of the space below and the air temperature at the inlet of the ventilated roof. The heat flux per unit area that the studied envelope is able to evacuate is about 20 W/m2 K. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2880 KiB  
Article
Study on Fire Smoke Movement Characteristics and Their Impact on Personal Evacuation in Curved Highway Tunnels
by Yuang Cui and Zhiqiang Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6339; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146339 - 20 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1561
Abstract
In the existing research on tunnel fires, researchers primarily focus on straight tunnels, neglecting the impact of curved sidewalls in curved tunnels. Based on the theory of smoke diffusion, a series of CFD numerical simulations was conducted using the Fire Dynamics Simulator to [...] Read more.
In the existing research on tunnel fires, researchers primarily focus on straight tunnels, neglecting the impact of curved sidewalls in curved tunnels. Based on the theory of smoke diffusion, a series of CFD numerical simulations was conducted using the Fire Dynamics Simulator to investigate the characteristics of smoke distribution in a curved highway tunnel. The results indicated that distinct smoke distribution characteristics were observed when a fire occurred in a curved tunnel compared with those observed in straight tunnels, with significant differences particularly evident for the radius of curvature of the tunnel below 1000 m. By comparing the smoke distribution characteristics from various fire source locations, the most unfavorable fire source locations within a curved tunnel were determined. High-temperature fire smoke bounds between the inner and outer walls of the tunnel, leading to the formation of multiple high-temperature zones in proximity to the fire source, rather than diffusing directly towards the exit in a linear tunnel. Additionally, based on an analysis of temperature, visibility, and CO concentration at characteristic heights, suitable locations for pedestrian crossings within the tunnel were deduced and an evacuation strategy for persons within the core fire area was proposed. The results can provide a reference for personal evacuation strategies in curved highway tunnel fire scenarios and the design of an adit for people passing in such tunnels. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 11155 KiB  
Article
Exploring Family Ties and Interpersonal Dynamics—A Geospatial Simulation Analyzing Their Influence on Evacuation Efficiency within Urban Communities
by Hao Chu, Jianping Wu, Liliana Perez and Yonghua Huang
ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13(7), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13070258 - 20 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
Guaranteeing efficient evacuations in urban communities is critical for preserving lives, minimizing disaster impacts, and promoting community resilience. Challenges such as high population density, limited evacuation routes, and communication breakdowns complicate evacuation efforts. Vulnerable populations, urban infrastructure constraints, and the increasing frequency of [...] Read more.
Guaranteeing efficient evacuations in urban communities is critical for preserving lives, minimizing disaster impacts, and promoting community resilience. Challenges such as high population density, limited evacuation routes, and communication breakdowns complicate evacuation efforts. Vulnerable populations, urban infrastructure constraints, and the increasing frequency of disasters further contribute to the complexity. Despite these challenges, the importance of timely evacuations lies in safeguarding human safety, enabling rapid disaster response, preserving critical infrastructure, and reducing economic losses. Overcoming these hurdles necessitates comprehensive planning, investment in resilient infrastructure, effective communication strategies, and continuous community engagement to foster preparedness and enhance evacuation efficiency. This research looks into the complexities of evacuation dynamics within urban residential areas, placing a particular focus on the interaction between joint-rental arrangements and family ties and their influence on evacuation strategies during emergency situations. Using agent-based modeling, evacuation simulation scenarios are implemented using the Changhongfang community (Shanghai) while systematically exploring how diverse interpersonal relationships impact the efficiency of evacuation processes. The adopted methodology encompasses a series of group experiments designed to determine the optimal proportions of joint-rental occupants within the community. Furthermore, the research examines the impact of various exit selection strategies on evacuation efficiency. Simulation outcomes shed light on the fundamental role of interpersonal factors in shaping the outcomes of emergency evacuations. Additionally, this study emphasizes the critical importance of strategic exit selections, revealing their potential to significantly enhance overall evacuation efficiency in urban settings. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop