Required Safe Egress Time: Data and Modeling

Published

January 1, 2008

Author(s)

Jason D. Averill, Paul A. Reneke, Richard D. Peacock

Abstract

This paper identifies sources of uncertainty in RSET (required safe egress time) calculations, with focus on data and modeling. A model for efficiently calculating the range of egress solutions for a particular design is presented. Three recommendations for future research are proposed. First, future data collections and model inputs should utilize distributions. Second, future data collections should focus on emergency evacuation data rather than fire drill data. Finally, modeling output should utilize cumulative distribution functions to visualize the range of egress solutions.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings and Case Studies., Auckland, New Zealand, Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Conference Location

Bethesda, MD

Conference Title

Conference. Sky is the Limit

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

performance based codes, fire safety, safety engineering, regulations, egress, fire data, fire models, computation, evacuation, occupants, people movement, exit signs, computational fluid dynamics, databases

Citation

Averill, J. , Reneke, P. and Peacock, R. (2008), Required Safe Egress Time: Data and Modeling, Proceedings and Case Studies., Auckland, New Zealand, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Bethesda, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=913098 (Accessed October 13, 2025)