AI-empowered Hybrid Simulation: A Next-generation Digital Framework for Fire-resilient Modern Buildings

Recent major building fire accidents in Europe highlight the urgent need for reliable methods to assess the fire resilience of modern buildings, especially as innovative materials and structural systems are increasingly adopted. EU-funded initiatives, notably COST Action TU0904 , have already highlighted the limitations of prescriptive codes derived from standard fire tests, stressing the urgent need for performance-based approaches in modern building fire safety design.This fellowship addresses these shortcomings by developing HiFire, an innovative AI-empowered hybrid simulation framework for fire-resilient design of modern buildings. The project pursues three main objectives: (1) to establish a distributed hybrid simulation platform that couples physical fire tests on critical components with a system-level synchronised virtual model; (2) to develop modular AI models that enhance simulation efficiency by integrating them into the virtual model; and (3) to deliver a user-friendly digital platform to support end users in fire safety design of modern complex buildings and demonstrate it via a modern building in UK. By combining localised physical tests with a global virtual model, and embedding modular AI for efficient scale bridging, the framework will enable realistic, scalable, and time-efficient fire analysis from component to system level.The fellowship is carefully designed to align the applicant’s expertise with the internationally recognised strengths of University College London in fire safety engineering, structural modelling, and artificial intelligence. It will foster two-way knowledge transfer, equip the researcher with advanced skills in hybrid simulation and AI, and consolidate their independence as an emerging leader in structural fire engineering. Successful completion will enhance European scientific excellence, accelerate safe adoption of sustainable construction practices, and position Europe at the forefront of intelligent fire safety design.