Human Behaviour in Fire

ENGR403 or approval of Head of Department

Timetable Note

There is a total of three lab exercises in the course, namely three computer labs. The three lab exercises are:
i) Lab 1 – Test of a continuous egress model (Simulex)
ii) Lab 2 – Test of a fine network egress model (STEPS)
iii) Lab 3 – Advanced egress modelling

Two of the lab exercises (Lab 1 and Lab 2) will be performed during the second block seminar of the course, i.e., in the computer labs at University of Canterbury. You will do the third lab exercise (Lab 3) on your own using your own computer.

The first laboratory exercise (Lab 1) focuses on modelling of evacuation with a a continuous model, e.g., Simulex. In the second laboratory exercise (Lab 2), a fine network model, e.g. STEPS, will be used. A very simple report is handed in for Lab 1 and Lab 2 respectively.

In the third laboratory (Lab 3), you will perform more advanced egress modelling using a model of your choice. However, we will only be able to give you support if you choose one of the models included in Lab 1 or Lab 2. An extensive written report is required for Lab 3. In this report, you will not only need to explain your modelling assumptions, but also your selection of occupant scenarios.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Daniel Nilsson

Lecturers

Peter Thompson and Luke de Schot

Assessment

In the course, there are a number of activities that are compulsory and need to be completed in order to pass. Not all activities contribute to your final grade, but you still need to complete them all in order to pass the course. Table 2 shows the activities contributing to your final grade. Table 3 shows the activities that do not contribute to your grade, but that you still need to complete in order to pass. In the sections below, you can find more information about the different activities.

The on-line test, which is given in the 11th course week, will consist mainly of theoretical questions, but simple calculation questions may also be included. Before the test, there will be an opportunity to ask questions, i.e., a consultation.

There are four individual assignments and one group assignment in the course. All assignments must be completed for a passing grade. The five assignments are:

1) Assignment 1 – Initial investigation of the ‘panic’ concept (individual)
2) Assignment 2 – Exit Design and the Theory of Affordances (individual)
3) Assignment 3 – Analysis of a Fire Incident (group)
4) Assignment 4 – Crowd Calculation Exercise (individual)
5) Assignment 5 – Toxicity assessment (individual)


In the first assignment (Assignment 1), you will explore the concept of ‘panic’ and its relevance for fire evacuation. You will also read relevant publications, which present different definitions of panic. The assignment shall be summarised in a short report (max 2 pages not including references) in which you need to answer a number of pre-defined questions.

In the second assignment (Assignment 2), you will take a picture of an emergency exit and analyse the design using the Theory of Affordances. A lecture about the Theory of Affordances will be given in the block part of the course and you will also practice application of the theory. Assignment 2 shall be summarised in a report (max 5 pages including images).

In the third assignment (Assignment 3), you will analyse a fire accident using the theories from the course. For examples, theories about exit choice behaviour can be used to explain people’s choice of exit, etc. You shall choose a fire accident for your analysis. Assignment 3 shall be summarised in a group report (max 15 pages excluding images) where you describe the accident and apply the theories. In the report, you also need to include a discussion and draw relevant conclusions. You will work in groups of two students in this assignment.

The fourth assignment (Assignment 4) involves calculation of crowd movement using the theory by Predtetschenski and Milinski. Assignment 4 shall be handed in as hand or computer written solutions that clearly present the assumptions, calculations and answers to the problems (no page limit, but no unnecessary text).

In the fifth and final assignment (Assignment 5), you will perform a tenability assessment for one person evacuating through smoke in a road tunnel. The tenability assessment will be performed using a spread sheet, e.g., Excel or similar. You will include the influence of reduced visibility on movement speed (if relevant). You need to hand in your spread sheet, which must be easy to follow and contain the relevant explanations/assumptions.

Textbooks / Resources

The literature in the course consists mainly of papers and book chapters. Some of the literature will be published in LEARN, but you need to download some of the publications yourself using the University of Canterbury library resources. The number of publications per lecture varies, but approximately between 1 and 3 publications are covered per lecture. Literature for the seminar can also be found in LEARN.

The egress models used in Lab 1, Lab 2 and Lab 3 will be installed in the computer rooms at the University of Canterbury. You will be provided with copies of the egress models used in Lab 1 and Lab 2 for installation on your own computer if you choose to use them for Lab 4. If you use another egress model for Lab 4, you will need to make your own arrangements.

Indicative Fees

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.