1. In SFPE Mode, the occupants follow rules described in SFPE Engineering Guide - Human
Behavior in Fire ([SFPE, 2003]): the speed of the occupants is a function of room density,
occupants can occupy the same space, and flow rates through the doors are based on SFPE
guidelines. This mode provides a base case result that corresponds to a recognized solution.
This analysis option is computationally fast.
2. In SFPE Mode with Collision Avoidance, the occupants follow SFPE rules with the addition
that they avoid colliding with other occupants. This is a hybrid mode that can be susceptible
to more simulation artifacts (e.g. occupants cornering poorly) than the other modes. In SFPE
analyses, adding collision avoidance should not greatly change predicted exit times, but does
make it easier to visually identify congestion and queues. The collision options requires more
computation than pure SFPE mode.
3. In Steering Mode, the occupants are not externally constrained by door queues or room density.
Instead, the occupants move toward their goals, while avoiding walls and other occupants.
This mode usually produces the most visually realistic results. This is the most computationally
intense simulation mode.