Fire risk assessments in existing building assets are constrained by static, paper-based methods and the absence of Building Information Modelling (BIM), limiting the identification and communication of spatial vulnerabilities. Despite advances in digital technologies, current approaches do not adequately support in situ, inspection-oriented fire risk evaluation. This study aims to develop a mobile augmented reality (AR)-based framework to enhance the visualisation, prioritisation, and communication of fire risks in BIM-absent contexts.
A qualitative research design was adopted, combining a literature review, synthesis of international fire safety codes, and ISO 31010:2019-based qualitative risk evaluation. Critical spatial fire risk factors were identified and assessed using a likelihood-consequence matrix and mapped to ARKit functionalities including Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM), plane detection, object recognition, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) based mesh reconstruction.
Critical spatial fire risks were found to concentrate in circulation and wayfinding systems, with corridors, stairwells, and emergency signage identified as very high-risk factors, and atria, compartmentation gaps, and interior obstructions as high- to medium- risk factors. The MARsFRE framework illustrates how AR functionalities may support hazard visualisation, inspection-based assessment, and communication of spatial vulnerabilities, indicating the potential of mobile AR to enhance in situ fire risk identification and prioritisation.
The study reconceptualises mobile AR as a proactive, inspection-oriented fire risk assessment approach. It provides an integration of ISO 31010:2019 qualitative risk assessment with AR-enabled inspection capabilities of ARKit and proposes a conceptual framework tailored to BIM-absent buildings, addressing a critical gap in digital fire risk management.
