Analysis and application of the pedestrian permeation through the crowd via cellular automata

Abstract

This paper studies pedestrian interaction where pedestrians permeate thought crowds in areas such as train stations and shopping centres. Pedestrian simulation model is created by use of Cellular Automata (CA) and various analyses are carried out by means of pedestrian jam. This study further attempts to provide a solution to crowd management. The results show that congestion can be eased by employing intervals between pedestrians. In order to obtain the best possible interval values, a utility function is introduced. The calculated interval with maximum utility provides the optimal solution to ease pedestrian congestion and jam. Furthermore, taking pedestrian interval as a control variable, this Model is applied to train arrival at terminal stations. The result of the simulation herein suggests a solution by implementing a delayed opening of train doors. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.