Book/Dissertation / PhD Thesis

FZJ-2019-00686

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Wayfinding and Perception Abilities for Pedestrian Simulations

Andresen, E. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2018
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Zentralbibliothek, Verlag Jülich
ISBN: 978-3-95806-375-4

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/21417  urn:nbn:de:0001-2018121810

Abstract: Computer simulations of pedestrian dynamics are common and reliable tools in order to evaluate safety risks of facilities. However, still many software frameworks for evacuation simulations imply the assumption that all simulated pedestrians are familiar with their environment and therefore take the shortest path to the outside. In fact, the spatial knowledge of people generally varies. Thus, the assumption that all persons of a building possess comprehensive spatial knowledge is a rough approximation of the reality. Especially for simulations in complex buildings the reliability of this approximation is questionable. In order to make simulations of pedestrian dynamics more reliable in this regard, this thesis introduces a new software framework. This framework provides the possibility to predict route choices of a group of people with varying spatial knowledge degrees. Therefore, the framework also considers selected wayfinding strategies that are applied beside the use of spatial memories. These are using signage, using generalized knowledge about the structure of buildings, and search strategies. In addition, three studies have been conducted in order to investigate wayfinding abilities and strategies of people in office buildings and subway stations. The results of the studies are discussed and are used to calibrate and test the models of the new software framework. Finally, the framework is applied to conduct a case study of an evacuation scenario in a subway station. The case study turns out that the egress time in the station is strongly dependent on the wayfinding strategies and abilities of the occupants. This outcome suggests that the proper consideration and prediction of route choices is relevant and necessary for reliable evacuation simulations.

Note: Universität Wuppertal, Diss., 2018

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Zivile Sicherheitsforschung (IAS-7)

Research Program(s):

1. 511 - Computational Science and Mathematical Methods (POF3-511) (POF3-511)
2. ORPHEUS - Optimierung der Rauchableitung und Personenführung in U-Bahnhöfen: Experimente und Simulationen (BMBF-13N13266) (BMBF-13N13266)

Appears in the scientific report 2018

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Database coverage:
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