Building smarter with BIM technology, Microsol Resources discuss
Isabelle Crow
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Daniel Drohan, Account Executive, Microsol Resources, examines how BIM enhances fire safety by improving risk detection, system integration and emergency planning across construction projects
Fire safety systems integration in building design has always been paramount in the construction process. In the past, fire prevention strategies, such as fire-resistant materials, escape routes and suppression systems, were designed and installed manually.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has ushered fire safety design approaches to the next level, providing unparalleled advantages in risk assessment, visualisation, regulatory compliance and emergency response strategies.
This article explores how BIM is changing how we perform fire safety in construction projects. It serves as a one-source reference for professionals, emergency services personnel, industry regulators and decision-makers concerned with fire prevention, safety systems and emergency management.
How BIM assesses risk and fire prevention
One of BIM’s greatest contributions to fire safety is its ability to maximise construction site safety by assisting in risk assessment in the early design stages. BIM can help designers and safety engineers develop proper fire safety plans and design and simulate what could go wrong before construction occurs.
Here is how BIM revolutionises risk assessments and fire prevention:
It analyses and identifies hazards early. BIM offers a holistic approach to fire risk assessment based on data from different sources and building systems (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.). For instance, BIM may detect a badly positioned fire exit or inadequate fire protection systems.
Ideally, early identification of hazards is essential and design modifications early in the process can facilitate effective improvement to fire safety while avoiding the expensive remedy of retrofitting after construction.
BIM simulates fire scenarios: Using BIM models, you can simulate the fire dynamics and see how that fire would move through different building sections. This is heat flux analysis, smoke movement analysis and effectiveness analysis of ventilation systems. These simulations are used to design fire barriers, exit routes and fire suppression systems suitable to each building’s needs.
Fire safety system integration: BIM integrates various fire safety systems into the building’s design, such as sprinklers, alarms and fire-resistant doors. This permits the detection of design conflicts between systems and eliminates design errors that may compromise the building’s fire performance and safety.
How does the BIM transform the visualisation of fire safety?
Fire safety design has traditionally been and continues to be a highly visual activity. BIM moves this up to a new level by providing a dynamic, interactive platform for visualising fire safety elements and strategies during the building process.
So, how does BIM transform fire safety visualisation? Let’s get into it in detail.
Real-time updates and modifications
BIM differs from a traditional CAD model because it allows real-time updates. If the building design changes, fire safety professionals can quickly determine its effect on fire risk and fire safety systems. For instance, a modification in the building layout may move the fire exit or change the materials used. BIM can instantly assess the changes, meaning the fire safety measures are always current.
Interactive and immersive visualisation
BIM allows users to walk through a building virtually, providing an immersive experience that will enable them to see potential fire hazards from both the design team’s perspective and the emergency responders. This is just one level of visualisation that’s very useful when designing emergency evacuation routes and understanding how occupants react during a fire situation.
Simplifying regulatory compliance with BIM in fire safety
BIM simplifies building codes and fire safety regulations by automating the work. A BIM model allows architects and engineers to easily check that fire safety codes are being satisfied—for example, fire resistance ratings, escape route widths and where fire alarms and extinguishers should go. It simplifies the process of checking that regulatory requirements are met before approval.
With BIM, there’s less risk of noncompliance and less chance of costly delays, fines, or hazardous situations. BIM constantly monitors the design against fire safety standards, so the designers and stakeholders have no worries that fire safety measures are not integrated and maintained.
How BIM models enhance emergency response strategies
The BIM models enable emergency responders to assess and control fires more effectively and faster. They have full access to relevant building information, including fire exits, safety systems and occupancy loads. Many first responders also believe that real-time building data enhances emergency response results.
Another benefit of BIM is planning training on building configurations and risks in case of fire disasters, which helps enhance compliance and quick decision-making.
BIM also enables representation of fire cases, which in turn allows firefighters to determine how to proceed when a fire occurs. This need is met through the approach, which offers the best chance at maximising the safety of the building while ensuring the safety of the first responders and the occupants, even in emergencies.
How digital twins and BIM are leading the way
The future of fire safety is in the hands of Digital Twins (DTs) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Both will place fire safety on a more intelligent and proactive path with intelligent safety management—a real-time digital twin of a physical building whose power comes from BIM data and sensors.
As fire alarm and sprinkler critical systems, this technology allows continuous monitoring and when malfunctions are detected, it alerts the user immediately.
New research conducted in a recent survey shows that 75 percent of respondents believe that digital twins can aid fire safety equipment maintenance, demonstrating the growing faith in digital twins to upgrade safety procedures.
In addition, digital twins with BIM and IoT contribute to 3D models combined with real-time data to evaluate fire safety and better plan evacuations. In the same survey mentioned above, 89% of respondents favor this approach; they see the opportunity to increase the performance of fire safety equipment and simplify emergency procedures.
The promise of being a system interconnected with the entire potential building operation will revolutionise fire safety. This will ensure timely interventions and enhance risk management at all stages of building operation.
Final thought
Integrating BIM into fire safety design is the most significant change in the construction industry. BIM benefits fire safety by improving risk detection, fire prevention, building compliance and emergency response. Like any new technology, such as digital twins, the possibilities for BIM to change how fire safety design is carried out are growing.
This model has become a critical innovation for those working on construction, emergency services and regulatory authorities. It has become a central part of the modern practice of fire safety as a means of better visualisation, simulation and automation of fire safety systems.
About the author
Daniel Drohan is the Account Executive for the New England market for Microsol Resources. He supports architecture, engineering and construction firms that focus on the latest solutions to help improve collaboration and data collection and maximise ROI for any project. Dan has a BS in Marketing and a Minor in Sustainability from UMass Dartmouth. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and his three kids who enjoy sports and the outdoors.
