Common Questions

Common Questions

What is FRI3D?

FRI3D (Fire Risk Investigation 3D) is a comprehensive fire safety analysis software that enables engineers and safety professionals to perform detailed fire risk assessments, smoke analysis, and thermal analysis on 3D building models. It integrates with various fire simulation engines including FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) and CFAST.

How do I get started with FRI3D?

To get started with FRI3D: 1. Download and install FRI3D from the official website 2. Obtain a license (see licensing documentation) 3. Import your building model (IFC, OBJ, STEP formats supported) 4. Set up fire scenarios and analysis parameters 5. Run simulations and visualize results For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our [Getting Started Guide](/docs/get-started).

What file formats does FRI3D support?

FRI3D supports multiple CAD and BIM formats: - **IFC** (Industry Foundation Classes) - Recommended for BIM-based fire analysis - **STEP/IGES** - For mechanical equipment and plant design - **OBJ/glTF/GLB** - For visualization and context models - **Native CAD formats** - When supported by your installation For more details, see our [Import Documentation](/docs/store/fri3d_importifc).

How do I obtain a FRI3D license?

FRI3D licenses can be obtained through: 1. Contacting Centroid LAB directly 2. Requesting an evaluation license for testing 3. Purchasing through authorized distributors For more information, visit our [Licensing page](/docs/licensing) or contact support.

What fire simulation engines does FRI3D use?

FRI3D integrates with several fire simulation engines: - **FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator)** - For detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire simulations - **CFAST** - For zone model fire and smoke simulations - **FRANX** - For fire risk analysis and probabilistic assessments Each engine is suited for different types of analysis. See our [Monitor documentation](/docs/monitor/fri3d_fds) for details.

Can I import models from Revit or other BIM software?

Yes! FRI3D supports IFC format, which is the standard for BIM interoperability. You can export your models from: - Revit - ArchiCAD - Tekla - Other IFC-compatible BIM software Make sure to properly tag fire-relevant elements (fire barriers, openings, equipment) in your BIM software before export. See our [IFC Import Guide](/docs/store/fri3d_importifc) for best practices.

How do I set up a fire scenario?

To set up a fire scenario in FRI3D: 1. Import or create your 3D building model 2. Define compartments and fire barriers 3. Use the Scenario Inspector to set fire sources, ignition points, and heat release rates 4. Configure boundary conditions and ventilation 5. Select your simulation engine (FDS, CFAST, etc.) 6. Run the simulation For detailed instructions, see our [Scenario Configuration Guide](/docs/configure/fri3d-scenarioinspector).

What system requirements does FRI3D have?

FRI3D system requirements: - **Operating System**: Windows 10/11, Linux, or macOS - **RAM**: Minimum 8GB, recommended 16GB or more for large models - **Graphics**: Dedicated graphics card recommended for 3D visualization - **Storage**: Several GB for installation and simulation results - **Processor**: Multi-core processor recommended for faster simulations Check the [Installation Guide](/docs/agent/packaging/installer) for specific requirements.

How do I visualize simulation results?

FRI3D provides multiple visualization options: - **3D Visualization**: Interactive 3D views of fire, smoke, and temperature - **Time-based animations**: Watch fire progression over time - **Contour plots**: Temperature, smoke density, and other metrics - **Zone visualizations**: For CFAST zone model results See our [Visualization documentation](/docs/visualize/fri3d_visfds) for more details.

Can I export results for reports?

Yes, FRI3D supports exporting results in various formats: - Screenshots and images of visualizations - Data exports (CSV, Excel) for quantitative analysis - Video exports for presentations - Integration with reporting tools Results can be used in fire safety reports, regulatory submissions, and presentations.

Is FRI3D suitable for nuclear power plant fire analysis?

Yes, FRI3D is widely used for nuclear power plant fire safety analysis. It supports: - NUREG-1934 Appendix A and B methodologies - Fire PRA (Probabilistic Risk Assessment) workflows - Integration with PRA tools like FRANX, SAPHIRE, and RiskSpectrum - Detailed fire modeling for critical plant areas See our [Nuclear Fire Analysis tutorials](/guides/fri3d-nureg1934-appendix-A-tutorial) for examples.

How do I get support or report issues?

For support and issue reporting: 1. Check the [FAQ section](/faqNew/) for common questions 2. Review the documentation and guides 3. Contact FRI3D support through the official support portal 4. Visit the Centroid LAB website for contact information For technical issues, include your FRI3D version, system information, and detailed error descriptions.