Genetically optimized architectural designs for control of pedestrian crowds

Abstract

Social force based modeling of pedestrian crowds is an advanced microscopic approach for simulating the dynamics of pedestrian motion and has been effectively used for pedestrian simulations in both normal and panic situations. A disastrous form of pedestrian behavior is stampede, which is usually triggered in life-threatening situations such as fires in crowded public halls or rush for some large-scale events (like millions praying to the gods at an auspicious time and space). The architectural designs of the hall influence to a large extent the evacuation process. In this paper we apply an advanced genetic algorithm for optimal designs of suitable architectural entities so as to smoothen the pedestrian flow in panic situations. This has practical implications in saving lives/ injuries during a stampede. The effects of these new designs in normal situations are also discussed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.