Analysis of Fire Smoke Spread and Evacuation Safety for the Elderly in Old Residential Communities: A Case Study of Shenyang Railway Community

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jsse.202608107

Author(s)

Chang Li, Jianfeng Chen*, Zini Wang

Affiliation(s)

School of Civil Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Focusing on the widespread “internal-corridor” and “scissor staircase” layouts found in residential communities built in China during the 1970s–1990s, as well as the increasingly pronounced aging-related residential characteristics of these communities, this study used the fire dynamics simulation software PyroSim and the evacuation simulation software Pathfinder to construct full-scale models of typical old residential buildings. It specifically investigated how the open or closed status of doors and windows in the fire room facing the evacuation route—especially interior windows—affects smoke spread patterns. By comparing changes in temperature, visibility, and CO concentration under three typical scenarios (A, B, and C), the available safe egress time (ASET) for each scenario was determined. Taking into account the evacuation behavior of older adults, characterized by reduced mobility and longer response times, the required safe egress time (RSET) was calculated. The results show that opening the interior windows facing the corridor produces a “smoke short-circuit” effect, significantly shortening the time before hazardous conditions develop in public areas. Based on these findings, this paper proposes door and window control strategies and age-friendly retrofit recommendations for the evacuation of older adults in old residential communities.

Keywords

Residential Community; Evacuation of the Elderly; PyroSim; Pathfinder

References

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