Evacuation modelling

Question 1

Which different types of models are there for space representation?

Answer 1

Coarse network, fine network, continous, hybrid

Question 2

Describe the coarse network model with regards to population, flow, denisty, advantages/disadvantages.

Answer 2

Population
Aggregate with same size and speed

Flow
Assigned/decided by the user/developer based on a given relationship

Denisty
Assigned/decided by the user/developer based on arc/node capacity
Advantages/Disadvantages
Quick and relatively simple
Network can affect representation
Very user dependent

Question 3

Describe the fine network model with regards to population, flow, denisty, advantages/disadvantages.

Answer 3

Population
Individuals located in cells or finer arcs/nodes

Flow
Assigned/decided by the user/developer based on a given relationship in cells or finer nodes/arcs

Denisty
One cell equal one person or based on fine nodes/arcs
Advantages/Disadvantages
Relatively quick
Network can affect representation
User dependent
Space usage

Question 4

Describe the continous model with regards to population, flow, denisty, advantages/disadvantages.

Answer 4

Population
Individuals possibly located anywhere

Flow
Emergent based on modelling method

Denisty
Emergent based on modelling method

Advantages/Disadvantages
Relatively slower
Realistic
Less user dependent

Question 5

Describe the hybrid model with regards to population, flow, denisty, advantages/disadvantages.

Answer 5

Population
Combination of different approaches

Flow
Combination of different approaches

Density
Combination of different approaches
Advantages/Disadvantages
Good for scenarios with varying complexity levels
Transitions

Question 6

How does one account for the pre-evacuation phase(pre-movement) in a model?

Answer 6

Use of distribution of pre-evacuation times to account for variability of human behaviour

Question 7

What is the hierarchy of behaviours when it comes to movement modelling?

Answer 7

Action - Selection Strategy, Goals, Planning

Movemen(Steering) - Path determination

Locomotion - Animation, articulation

Question 8

How is pathfinding solved in evac models? types of exit choosing

Answer 8

Shortest path
Quickest path
User defined
Condition based

Flowfields
Algorithms
distance maps

Question 9

Give some examples of movement models

Answer 9

Hydraulic models
Social force model
Steering (or flocking) model
—> cohesion
—> Alignment
—> Separation
Biomechanics model

Question 10

There are 4 stages in representing exit choice in evacuation models, which?

Answer 10

1. Is the exit visible
2. Is the exit noticed by the agents
3. Is the information provided by the exit understood
4. Do the agents actually use the exit

Question 11

Evacuation models adopt two antithetic approaches to
represent flows, which?

Answer 11

1. Set a maximum flow
2. Representing flows as an emergent behaviour dependent on other variables

Question 12

What are som issues and challenges with evacuation modelling?

Answer 12

Evacuation modelling is growing and modelling methods may be very different.
Evacuation model users should be aware of the limitations associated with the predictive capabilities of the models.
Users should know well the relationship between model predictions, model assumptions and user assumptions

Question 13

Which variables are important when choosing evac modelling?

Answer 13

How does the model represent people movement in space?
How does the model represent the impact of smoke on human behaviour?
Has the model been tested/validated specifically for certatin evacuation scenarios?
Social distancing?