Plan correctly with the building fire simulation

Smoke extraction during fire incidents is a life-saving measure that helps to work quickly, efficiently and also minimizes risk for firefighters. How many ceiling fans should be positioned where for optimal protection can be understood using Merkle & Partner's proprietary building fire simulation method.

In this process, a three-dimensional model with ventilation and exhaust is built on the basis of the building plans. The simulation provides simplified but quick statements about the smoke filling of the space and its escape routes.

"Using the example of an underground parking garage fire, when a vehicle catches fire, 20 m3 of smoke and toxic gases are produced per second. With a ceiling height of 2.5 m, a floor area of 8 m2 fills with smoke every second. After just one minute, it is almost 500 m2," explains Stefan Merkle, managing director of Merkle & Partner. "In reality, these values are much more dramatic because of the heat. Normal ventilation is not sufficient in case of fire." Based on Merkle & Partner's simulation method, it quickly becomes apparent which measures should be taken.

"The software has already been used for numerous building and underground parking garage projects to study smoke extraction. The building fire simulation offers an economical and realistic as well as sensible measure not only to fulfill fire protection requirements, but also to ensure the recognizability of escape and rescue routes in the event of a fire and to enable the fire department to work in a risk-minimized manner," adds Stefan Merkle.

For more information, see:

Fire simulation & smoke extraction