A Study of the Location of Fire Egress Signs by VR Simulation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a suggestion for the location of fire egress signs along a corridor in a building. The suggestion is made based on a virtual reality simulation of human behavior while rooms are on fire, particularly in a public Karaoka TV entertainment center (KTV). Both the rooms and smoke were modeled to simulate similar situations in which people were asked to find their routes to an egress. Case studies were made of the occurrence of two local severe fire disasters, the official investigation of damages, and related building codes. The simulation concluded that the traditional designation of egress signs at a higher location or just above the door frame may be not function appropriately in indicating the location of exit in case of fire. Since smoke is usually lighter than air and is accumulated closer to the ceiling level, either human vision or egress signs are very likely to be blocked by the darkness of smoke. Vision is additionally restricted because people are suggested to lower their body position to avoid smoke while escaping. Suggestion of alternate location of signage is also made in the research.