Evacuation process simulation
Evacuation simulation is a method to determine evacuation times for areas, buildings, or vessels. It is based on the simulation of crowd dynamics and pedestrian motion.
The distinction between buildings, ships, and vessels on the one hand and settlements and areas on the other hand is important for the simulation of evacuation processes. In the case of the evacuation of a whole district, the transport phase (see emergency evacuation) is usually covered by queueing models (see below).
Simulations are based on mathematical models that resemble reality. The calculations are usually carried out using computers. Models are the specification of a certain theory. They can be classified according to the following criteria:
Simulations are not primarily methods for optimization. To optimize the geometry of a building or the procedure with respect to evacuation time, a target function has to be specified and minimized. Accordingly, one or several variables must be identified which are subject to variation.
Queueing models belong to the macroscopic models which are based on the graphical representation of the geometry. The movement of the persons is represented as flow on this graph. Microscopic models on the other hand are based on a detailed representation of geometry and population. If the individuals are and interact with each other, these models are called Multi-agent systems. describe the agents' movement and decisions and represent influences not further specified or which cannot be quantified directly and have to be calibrated via comparison with empirical data. Analytic results are very hard to obtain for social systems. General models can be applied to the evacuation of buildings, aircraft, and ships alike.
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