Experimental study on one-dimensional movement of luggage-laden pedestrian

Abstract

Luggage-laden pedestrian flow is common at traffic terminals, but the impact of luggage on pedestrians has not been systematically investigated. In this study, experiment of one-dimensional luggage-laden pedestrian movement was performed, and analysis was carried out on pedestrian walking speed, acceleration, spatial headway distance, and fundamental diagram. For luggage type of bag and trolley case, it was found that luggage has little influence on the pedestrian walking speed, but the average distance headway of pedestrians was obviously enlarged. Luggage was observed to reduce the acceleration of the flow when pedestrians switched their movement status. In spite of results of normal walking and fast walking test case show difference, good consistency is reflected in the fundamental diagram. By comparison with previous studies on pedestrian fundamental diagrams, it was concluded that carrying luggage will make the stable point of pedestrian flow move further towards the lower density side of the fundamental diagram. This study provides valuable information about the impact of luggage and helps to develop the precise simulation models about luggage-laden pedestrian flow, which can finally contribute to the relevant pedestrian facility design.