Researchers at Waterloo Engineering are using artificial intelligence (AI), data science and advanced mathematics to help save lives by predicting how fires behave in modern homes.
The new system tackles a growing challenge for fire researchers: modern furniture materials and increasingly airtight, energy-efficient homes can cause fires to behave differently than they did in the past.
“The goal is to deepen our understanding so we can predict fire behaviour and the gases it releases, enabling smart systems that support safer and more effective fire evacuations,” said Dr. Joshua Pulsipher, a chemical engineering professor.
Modern furniture and energy-efficient architecture were the focus of the study because new foams and fabrics produce different toxic gases and oxygen-starved fires in airtight residences compound the danger by increasing the volume and changing the composition of those gases.
“We want to create smart systems that model and anticipate what a fire will do and then route people to get out of the building safely,” said Dr. Beth Weckman, professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering.
The research team generated data for the study by conducting 15 experimental fires in a burn house on campus, using up to 175 sensors to measure temperature, airflow, humidity, burn rate and numerous gases.
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