Building evacuation: Principles for the analysis of basic structures through dynamic flow networks
Abstract: The main purpose of
this paper is to perform an analysis of the factors determining the
architectural configuration of buildings for the mobility of people, using
dynamic flow networks and considering group formation in the evacuation
process.
Design/methodology/approach: For a long time it has been considered that
once an evacuation begins, movement on the evacuation route mainly obeys
mechanical factors; people occupy the free spaces which lead to evacuation more
or less automatically. However, recent research has emphasized the need to
consider people’s behavior; one of the aspects considered in this work is group
formation, with its significant influence on the evacuation process. In
positions of convergence and their branches things become considerably more
complicated; as well as occupants’ behavioral aspects other relevant factors such
as the geometry of the premises are critical in this process. Authors propose
models, in which nodes are strategically placed, besides taking into
consideration aspects of behavior. Several cases are analyzed.
Findings: The solution proposed in this paper is to analyze the problem
through dynamic flow networks, using a macroscopic model in a deterministic
environment in which the evolution of the quantities characterizing the problem
at regular intervals is represented, obtaining a reasonably accurate and reliable
understanding of the development of the evacuation.
Originality/value: A precise model of evacuation routes, convergence
points and branches which includes a consideration of occupants’ behavior is
obtained using stochastic models with microscopic analysis, in which people’s
behavior is considered individually, this solution is complex, difficult to
apply with many occupants and in large enclosures, and also, this way does not
lead to optimal solutions.
Author: Salvador
Casadesús-Pursals, Federico Garriga-Garzón
Journal Code: jptindustrigg130049
