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Self-Organized Pedestrian Crowd Dynamics: Experiments, Simulations, and Design Solutions

Author

Listed:
  • Dirk Helbing

    (Institute for Transport and Economics, Dresden University of Technology, Andreas-Schubert-Straße 23, 01062 Dresden, Germany)

  • Lubos Buzna

    (Department of Transportation Networks, Faculty of Management Science and Informatics, University of Zilina, Velky Diel, 01026 Zilina, Slovakia, and Institute for Transport and Economics, Dresden University of Technology, Andreas-Schubert-Straße 23, 01062 Dresden, Germany)

  • Anders Johansson

    (Department of Physical Resource Theory, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden, and Institute for Transport and Economics, Dresden University of Technology, Andreas-Schubert-Straße 23, 01062 Dresden, Germany)

  • Torsten Werner

    (Institute for Transport and Economics, Dresden University of Technology, Andreas-Schubert-Straße 23, 01062 Dresden, Germany)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Helbing & Lubos Buzna & Anders Johansson & Torsten Werner, 2005. "Self-Organized Pedestrian Crowd Dynamics: Experiments, Simulations, and Design Solutions," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 39(1), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ortrsc:v:39:y:2005:i:1:p:1-24
    DOI: 10.1287/trsc.1040.0108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sanghamitra Das & Charles F. Manski & Mark D. Manuszak, 2005. "Walk or wait? An empirical analysis of street crossing decisions," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(4), pages 529-548, May.
    2. Borgers, A. & Timmermans, H. J. P., 1986. "City centre entry points, store location patterns and pedestrian route choice behaviour: A microlevel simulation model," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 25-31.
    3. Dirk Helbing & Joachim Keltsch & Péter Molnár, 1997. "Modelling the evolution of human trail systems," Nature, Nature, vol. 388(6637), pages 47-50, July.
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