BIM-Based Automated Means-of-Egress Compliance Checking Using IFC for Socially Sustainable and Resilient Buildings: A Saudi Arabian Case Study

Abstract

Safe means of egress are central to occupant safety, social sustainability, and building resilience, yet evidence on BIM-based code checking in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study assesses the feasibility of an IFC-based Solibri workflow for means-of-egress provisions of SBC 201-CR-2024 using a three-story Group R-1 hotel. Code clauses were decomposed into computable variables and conditions requiring manual review. The Revit model was exported to IFC, validated for semantic and topological readiness, classified in Solibri, and checked using the code-neutral SOL/179 Escape Route Analysis template. The final archived run contained nine rule instances: eight returned OK, while one produced a moderate-severity flag in a supporting fire-compartment rule rather than an SBC-mapped egress rule. One source-model revision was required before the final run. Results indicate that the occupant-load calculation was fully checkable within the bounded case, whereas required route count, travel distance, route-origin and measurement logic, egress height, exit-passageway width, and clear door width were only partially checkable. Credible execution required consistent classifications, explicit exit designations, complete spatial relationships, and continuous routes. Applicability conditions, sprinkler qualification, capacity requirements, exceptions, and route validity still required professional judgment. The workflow demonstrates bounded feasibility rather than validated detection performance or proof of SBC compliance.