Title
Self-Organized Pedestrian Crowd Dynamics: Experiments, Simulations, and Design Solutions
Abstract
To test simulation models of pedestrian flows, we have performed experiments for corridors, bottleneck areas, and intersections. Our evaluations of video recordings show that the geometric boundary conditions are not only relevant for the capacity of the elements of pedestrian facilities, they also influence the time gap distribution of pedestrians, indicating the existence of self-organization phenomena. After calibration of suitable models, these findings can be used to improve design elements of pedestrian facilities and egress routes. It turns out that "obstacles" can stabilize flow patterns and make them more fluid. Moreover, intersecting flows can be optimized, utilizing the phenomenon of "stripe formation." We also suggest increasing diameters of egress routes in stadia, theaters, and lecture halls to avoid long waiting times for people in the back, and shock waves due to impatience in cases of emergency evacuation. Moreover, zigzag-shaped geometries and columns can reduce the pressure in panicking crowds. The proposed design solutions are expected to increase the efficiency and safety of train stations, airport terminals, stadia, theaters, public buildings, and mass events in the future. As application examples we mention the evacuation of passenger ships and the simulation of pilgrim streams on the Jamarat bridge. Adaptive escape guidance systems, optimal way systems, and simulations of urban pedestrian flows are addressed as well.
Year
DOI
Venue
2005
10.1287/trsc.1040.0108
Transportation Science
Keywords
Field
DocType
urban pedestrian flow,pedestrian facility,simulation model,self-organized pedestrian crowd dynamics,design element,adaptive escape guidance system,design solutions,jamarat bridge,proposed design solution,emergency evacuation,pedestrian flow,egress route,self organization,injury prevention,occupational safety,human factors,simulation,suicide prevention,self organizing systems,ergonomics
Bottleneck,Crowds,Pedestrian,Traffic flow,Social force model,Emergency evacuation,Simulation,Pedestrian zone,Transport engineering,Guidance system,Engineering
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
39
1
0041-1655
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
166
18.89
3
Authors
4
Search Limit
100166
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Dirk Helbing181397.01
Lubos Buzna219627.21
Anders Johansson334237.16
Torsten Werner416618.89