A Review of Building Evacuation Models - NIST Virtual Library

Each group type requires the user to supply data such as the following:
• Arrival times
• Processes followed by the passenger (i.e., check-in/security and passport control) for both
departing and arriving passengers
• The possibility of escorts (with departing passengers) and greeters (with arriving passengers)
• The proportion of free time of the passenger spent in lounges, seating areas, refreshment
areas, leisure, etc.
• The proportion of passengers carrying baggage or using baggage carts
• The possibility of using certain facilities, even those who visit the terminal for shopping
reasons only
• Passengers can be forced to follow signage as an option
These traits are distributed throughout the group type.
Output: Different output forms are available to the user. The user can view the Fruin “Level of
Service” for any of the blocks in the station. Other outputs available are details of peak
occupancy and average delay per passenger. The model can produce journey time savings from
improvements made to the station plans.
Use of fire data: None.
Import CAD drawings: Both models require a graphical input of the station layout, and this
layout can be imported from CAD plans. Also, all 1-way movement areas need to be input. The
user identifies the block types on a floor plan, such as passageways, moving walkways, stairs,
escalator, platforms, service desks, lifts, and concourses, and also defines the coverage of the
blocks by tracing over the CAD layout within the program. This defines their area (length and
width) and their connections to each other.
Visualization capabilities: 2-D or 3-D simulation. Data of flow, service levels, occupancy and
delay can be displayed for the entire terminal or sections.
Validation studies: For the PAXPORT model, simulations were run as representations of North
Terminal at London’s Gatwick Airport. However, details of the results of this study were not
found.
Special features:
Defining groups – Yes.
Disabilities/slow occupant groups – Yes.
Delays/pre-movement time – Yes.
Route choice of the occupants/occupant distribution – Quickest route, Optimization, or follow
exit signs.
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