Assessing the Vulnerability of Fire Hazard Considering Planning Regulations: A Case Study on Multi-storied Buildings in Khulna City, Bangladesh

Keywords: Vulnerability Index, Planning Regulations, Bangladesh National Building Code, Multi-storied buildings, Khulna city
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 70

Abstract

In recent years, urban fire hazard has been considered as one of the most catastrophic incidents in Bangladesh, a developing country. The reasons behind this alarming increase rate of fire hazard have been anticipated to be closely associated with the absence of adherence to planning regulations. This study aimed at preparing an integrated fire hazard vulnerability index to find out the vulnerable multi-storied buildings in Khulna city (one of the major cities in Bangladesh) based on their adherence to planning regulations (Bangladesh National Building Code, Building Construction Rules and Fire Prevention Act) and presence of safety measures for fire hazard. The indicators used in this index were mainly potential locational vulnerability indicators and existing firefighting facilities. Experts from relevant sectors provided weightage to those indicators which aided in obtaining vulnerability score for 53 multi-storied buildings (having 7 or more stories) from intensive field survey. After identifying the vulnerable buildings in a categorized order, a map was prepared illustrating the vulnerability level of the buildings. The findings of this study are an evidence of how vulnerable this metropolitan city is. Residential and commercial buildings were found to be more vulnerable than institutional buildings and building ownership was found to be significantly correlated to maintaining regulations. The gap in following planning regulations and incompetence in maintenance can be deduced from the findings. This study forges scopes to work on the vulnerability condition of the growing city in order to preclude potential future fire hazards.