Application of Experimental Heat-Detector Database to Fire Dynamics Simulator Input Parameters for Performance-Based Design

Accurate prediction of fire detector activation time is essential for ensuring the reliability of Performance-Based Design (PBD) for fire and life safety analysis. In fire modeling tool such as the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), the thermal response characteristics of heat detectors are represented by key input parameters, including activation temperature and response time index (RTI). However, these parameters are often specified using default values without sufficient validation against the actual performance of individual detectors. This study reviews and analyzes an experimental database of the thermal response characteristics of fixed-temperature heat detectors to establish a rational approach for selecting input parameters in fire modeling. The database comprises activation temperatures and RTI values measured under controlled conditions using the fire detector evaluator in previous studies. The results indicate that both activation temperature and RTI vary considerably depending on the detector type and manufacturer. Previous validation studies showed that using these measured values in FDS simulations improved agreement with observed detector activation behavior compared with simulations using default parameters. These findings highlight the importance of using experimentally validated detector input data to enhance the predictive capability of fire models and support more reliable PBD applications.