This study introduces and evaluates three main approaches in exporting topology from BIM file as well as their applications in architecture design and building management, before providing a complete workflow which is applicable in calculating the evacuation process.
It can be seen that each algorithm is suitable for specific space shape or calculating level. Therefore, to achieve a precise and convenient network simulation, a combination between them is proposed. is new workflow includes three steps corresponding with three algorithms:
(1) Generating the base topology network by using Coordinate-based network model, with real spatial locations (nodes) and precise relationships (networks)
(2) Using Voronoi centreline-based network model to modify long shaped and vertical spaces, such as corridors and stairs to avoid wall-passing and spider-net route. Add additional nodes into the network.
(3) Detailed human walking route simulation by Grid subdivision model, using spatial relationship data from the existing network.
We continue with a detailed coding proposal for step 1. The requirement of this step is to extract correct relationships between spaces, which has not been achieved in any reference paper. Overall, there are three types of connection between spaces that need to be import: (1) Spaces connected through doors; (2) Spaces connected through virtual boundaries and (3) Spaces connected through openings.