Enhancing Building Safety: A Brief Review of Agent-Based Modeling for Fire Evacuation Simulation

Abstract

The issue of building evacuation in the event of a fire is a significant concern in urban planning and architecture. In the absence of appropriate measures, an emergency situation can potentially result in disastrous outcomes. In this review article, we explore the application of agent-based modeling (ABM) in the simulation of building evacuations in the event of a free breakout. To address this issue, we present a synthesis of findings from several studies, highlighting the advantages of ABM in modeling complex evacuation dynamics such as crowd behavior, consideration of multiple parameters, and decision-making processes. Additionally, we provide insight into the simulation tools and techniques used in studies that demonstrate the practical applications of ABM in enhancing evacuation strategies. Furthermore, we identify current challenges, research gaps, and propose future directions to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of fire evacuation modeling and simulations. This study aims to contribute to the improvement of proposed solutions and models for the development of successful, effective, and reliable evacuation plans to enhance the safety of occupants in buildings.