Simulation modeling of human behavior in buildings

Abstract

A simulation model (BGRAF) capable of representing the emergency egress behavior of people in fires was developed at the University of Michigan. The software, written in Fortran, can be used to test different hypothesis about human behavior in fires. The cognitive effects of the physical environment were also incorporated into the decision making process simulated in this model. The graphic output animates the actions of the simulated people on a building plan on the screen. Tabular output is also provided. A building data base created by CAEADS computer-aided design software developed at the University of Michigan with partial funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accessed by BGRAF during the input phase. The use of a CAD data base to model the physical environment was critical in creating an accurate model, since the actions of the simulated persons hinged upon the limitations of the physical environment.