BIM-based safe path finding for building evacuation

Algorithms of finding a shortest path are available based on geometrical shortest length. However, in the case of disaster, safety should be taken into consideration and given a priority. This paper tries to address the safety problem during building evacuation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides the 3D geometric data of a building, which is the fundamental spatial aspect for evacuation. Moreover, attributes of components stored in BIM models provide other essential data for the endurable time for the structures under disaster. Therefore, this paper investigates how to take additional criteria into account for a safe and efficient evacuation in buildings. Fire simulation is used to predict temperature and CO concentrations in specific space, based on which risk levels are calculated and assigned to corresponding space. Path finding algorithm is tailored in this situation by taking risk levels into consideration; therefore, a safe path is found for occupants based on their location to the exit.