Sustainable Fire Safety Assessment and Rapid Visual Screening Framework for Existing Buildings

Document Type : Research Papers

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India.

2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India.

Abstract

This study investigates fire safety compliance in existing buildings using a dual-method approach: a stakeholder survey and a Rapid Visual Screening (RVS)-based Fire Safety Rating (FSR) system. A survey of 50 professionals (including architects, engineers, fire officers, and occupants) identified key barriers such as inadequate safety measures (40%) and poor retrofitting practices (30%). Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed a significant negative correlation between fire safety compliance and building age. Chi-square tests confirmed that older buildings are notably more non-compliant (χ² = 50.000, p < 0.001). Based on these insights, a comprehensive RVS framework was developed to evaluate six critical domains: fire prevention, detection systems, suppression systems, emergency escape, structural protection, and preparedness. Field application in 10 residential, commercial, and educational buildings exposed major deficiencies, particularly in escape routes and suppression systems in commercial buildings. Reliability testing validated the framework’s effectiveness as a practical assessment tool. The study also integrates sustainability elements, such as Solar-Powered Alarms (SPA) and Eco-Friendly Extinguishers (EFE), to promote resilient, future-ready fire safety strategies. This research offers a scalable model for assessing and improving fire safety in aging urban infrastructure, with implications for policy, regulatory reform, and urban resilience planning.

Keywords

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References

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Civil Engineering Infrastructures Journal
Volume 59, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 225-239

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History

  • Receive Date: 23 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 May 2025

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