Smoke movement in multi-storey buildings using CUsmoke

Abstract

Advancements in computer technology and tendency to replace prescriptive fire and building codes with performance-based codes have promoted the development of computer fire models to simulate fire and smoke movement. In this research a two-zone model CUsmoke (Carleton University smoke model) is used to simulate fires with steady or linear growth heat release rates (HRRs) in a single-compartment and in a two-compartment building, as well as fires with non-linear HRR in a multi-compartment multi-storey building. The comparisons between the CUsmoke predictions and the experimental data showed that the model is capable of predicting smoke movement in single and multi-compartment, multi-storey buildings with a corridor and a stair shaft. The model also provides good predictions of the upper layer temperature for non-flashover fires with steady HRR in a single compartment. Additionally, the CUsmoke predictions of concentration of O2 and CO2 in the growth phase of fires and the predicted interface heights in the fire compartment compared well with the experimental measurements.