Performance-based egress and smoke modelling with Pathfinder and FDS
Performance-based egress and smoke modelling validates that occupants can evacuate safely under credible fire scenarios. We use Pathfinder for agent-based egress and Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) for smoke movement and tenability analysis.
A practical, phased delivery approach — from gap assessment through operational embedding — built around your regulatory context.
Calculate occupant load per NFPA 101 / IBC — occupant load factor per occupancy type (assembly 7 sq ft/person, business 100, industrial 100, storage 300); calculate required egress capacity per width (0.2 in/person stairway, 0.15 in/person level).
Verify travel distance per NFPA 101 / IBC — typical 150-300 ft maximum depending on occupancy and sprinkler protection; design corridor width (44-inch minimum), dead-end length (20 ft typical), common path (75-100 ft typical).
Design stair / exit per NFPA 101 / IBC — stair width (44-inch minimum, calculated for capacity), tread / riser dimensions (11 in / 7 in typical), guardrail height (42 in), nosing, illumination (1 fc minimum); specify enclosure rating (1-2 hour).
Conduct evacuation modelling per Pathfinder / EVACNET / building thunder — agent-based simulation with pre-movement time, walking speed, queueing at choke points; benchmark RSET (Required Safe Egress Time) vs ASET (Available Safe Egress Time).
Design for special populations per ADA / IBC Chapter 11 — accessible route, area of refuge for mobility-impaired, exit signage with tactile / audible features, evacuation chair / lift programme; align with NFPA 101 special-purpose requirements.
Design wayfinding per ISO 7010 / NFPA 170 / EN ISO 7010 — pictogram signage, photoluminescent path-marking per EN ISO 16069, illuminated exit signs per NFPA 101 7.10; design PA / voice evacuation per NFPA 72 / EN 54-16.
Speak with our team to scope an engagement tailored to your facility, regulatory context, and lifecycle stage.