Operational excellence of a football stadium evacuation scenario in the context of the industry 4.0

Countries located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as Chile, require robust evacuation plans for tall buildings to manage the ongoing threat of natural disasters. This study presents a methodology for developing evacuation plans by conducting pedestrian movement simulations with agents that have a model of their surroundings. This approach allows us to assess different scenarios and choose the best option based on the specific characteristics of the site. The method combines simulation and data analysis, using the Monte Carlo method to improve emergency evacuations. Initially, Pathfinder software was employed to simulate the evacuation of a tall building. This involved modeling pedestrian movements using a multiagent system. These agents were programmed to behave like real pedestrians and make decisions during evacuation scenarios, providing valuable information. The effectiveness of two evacuation strategies was then evaluated using the simulation data. The proposed methodology was validated using a case study. The simulations showed that the best strategy depends on factors such as the distribution of people, the capacity of the exits, and the time available for evacuation. Finally, the model includes a training process that uses virtual reality technology to improve situational awareness.

Efficient simulation of natural hazard evacuation for seacoast cities

The growing need for evacuation planning is addressed by using a computer-based model of traffic simulation. The VISSIM traffic simulation tool was used to evaluate a current plan and alternative plans for the deployment of transit during an emergency situation in a transit facility such as a bus depot. Different strategies were simulated to study the effect of evacuation on the surrounding traffic network as well as to help the local transit company (LYNX) evaluate its evacuation plan and consider different possibilities without the risk and cost of actual evacuation drills. Nine evacuation scenarios were simulated and analyzed to reach the best evacuation strategy for the LYNX company's main bus depot. Evacuation strategies evaluated include traffic diversion, bus signal optimization, access restriction, different destinations, and evacuation of pedestrians. Total network delay for each scenario was compared with the base case, and results indicate that pedestrian evacuation was better than using buses. Traffic rerouting also could potentially reduce delays and evacuation clearance time.

Introduction/Purpose: Aircraft present one of the safest and most frequently used means of transport. However, despite taking many security measures, accidents happen. No matter a damage level, if the aircraft somehow manages to land, the most important is to evacuate passengers from the aircraft, fast and safely. Evacuation of aircraft is very complex and depends on many different factors such as a damage degree, presence of fire, speed of passengers, presence of panic and fear, etc. So, it is important to, somehow, as much as possible, predict potential ways of evacuation and potential evacuation strategies and routes. Landed aircraft can be in different conditions so fast and safe evacuation of passengers is very important. The only way to predict safe evacuation routes, to determine proper evacuation strategies and to calculate potential evacuation times needed to leave the aircraft is to use some adequate simulation software. Methods: In this paper, for calculating needed evacuation times and potential evacuation routes, the simulation method was used. Simulations of evacuation scenarios and calculations of evacuation times were realized in Pathfinder software. The simulation model created in Pathfinder was a model of the A 321 aircraft related to its real dimensions. Results: The results of this paper, obtained on an appropriate simulation model of the aircraft with stairs and emergency slides, have shown the evacuation times for two different evacuation scenarios with different speeds of passengers/occupants. Conclusion: A proper evacuation strategy and the fastest evacuation of occupants are crucial for saving lives. Simulation software use in evacuation problems presents a very effective way in terms of safety, cost-effectiveness and prediction. This kind of software presents an obligatory engineering tool for more effective and more precise dealing with evacuation and similar problems. This paper was written to show how simulation software can be used for calculating evacuation times from an airplane on land.

Efficient evacuation of wildfire-threatened communities is a pressing challenge. A reliable evacuation planning and execution requires a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and interdependent physical, social, and behavioral components, and advanced, yet easy to use decision support system. This paper proposes the Wildfire Safe Egress (WiSE) framework, which integrates the fire dynamics, human behavior, and traffic model to predict the chance of safe egress by any given community during a wildfire evacuation. WISE framework presents a unified dependency diagram and workflow offering consistent granularity between sub-models and creates comparable evacuation scenarios. A human behavior model is proposed to predict the community decision making and action based on their socio-demographic vulnerability profile. An agent-based stochastic approach generates evacuation departure times. The travel times are calculated through a congestion-informed traffic simulation. Finally, a Bayesian Network is used to combine the sub-models and to predict community safety (probability of successful evacuation) via probabilistic inference based on the integrated model. A proof-of-concept software implementation of the WiSE framework is also presented. To demonstrate the model and platform capabilities the evacuation of the entire city of Paradise during the California Camp Fire 2018 is simulated. The simulation results are qualitatively validated by the firefighters who served in this disaster. A sensitivity analysis of the parameters is performed to compare several evacuation scenarios and provide insights for future wildfire evacuation plannings.

Numerical models in geomorphology and geophysics can be arranged along a continuum with 'simulation models' at one end and highly simplified, 'exploratory models' at the other. Simulation models are designed to reproduce a natural system as completely as possible; to simulate as wide a range of behaviors, in as much detail, and with as much quantitative accuracy as can be achieved. To accomplish this goal, a modeler typically strives to include all the processes that could significantly affect the quantitative accuracy of the model, and typically treats the processes in as much detail as is practical. In this case, model evaluation naturally consists of quantitatively comparing predicted variable values to corresponding measurements made in the field or laboratory. At the other end of this model spectrum, exploratory models arise when trying to discover what processes or interactions produce some poorly understood phenomenon-when searching for the clearest, simplest explanation. In this case, a modeler strives to include as few processes as possible while reproducing the poorly understood aspects of the phenomenon in question, to find the essential mechanisms. In exploratory models, quantitative accuracy is not as important as simplifying the formalism to investigate the general features of the interactions and feedbacks capable of causing a poorly understood behavior; a quantitatively accurate match with a wide variety of observations may not be expected. As with simulation models, a quantitative match with specific observations may be achievable by tuning parameters and the form of model interactions. However, a better model-testing strategy in these cases involves robust predictions that do not depend on the details of the formal representations of processes in the model, but result inevitably from the most general aspects of the model interactions. Testing such predictions can falsify the basic hypotheses the model is designed to explore.

Every day we get news of major accidents, hazards, and natural disasters emerges. The number of victims, material losses, and the interruption of workdays accompanying such events is devastating. In today's industrial environment, risk management and emergency preparedness are imperative for preserving safety, the environment, property, and, most importantly, human life. Large industrial facilities, due to their vast size and the complexity of various actions and processes occurring within them, pose potential risks in the event of accidents, natural disasters, or other extraordinary events. This paper analyzes the theoretical approaches and practical aspects of the readiness of industrial facilities to act in emergency situations, emphasizing prevention, preparation, response, and recovery strategies, accompanied by a case study of adverse events history. First, it discusses a theoretical framework encompassing normative and legal obligations, international standards and norms, as well as scientific research related to risk and crisis management in the industrial sector. The "Hyogo Framework for Action" and the "Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction" are among the most important international frameworks for risk reduction and emergency response improvement, setting guidelines for risk reduction and managing responses to natural and technological disasters. These frameworks provide the foundation for developing policies and strategies to be adopted by industrial enterprises to protect people and property, both movable and immovable tangible assets, as well as ensuring stability during emergency situations. The paper also discusses the legal frameworks in the Republic of Serbia that define the obligations of industrial facilities concerning protection against extraordinary events, primarily the Law on Disaster Risk Protection and Emergency Management (Official Gazette of Republic of Serbia 87/18) and its bylaws. Additionally, this part of the paper delves into specific problems in implementing these standards in everyday operations. One of the key aspects of emergency preparedness is the development of planning documents that regulate actions in the event of emergencies, primarily disaster risk assessments, protection and rescue plans, and accident protection plans. In the case of SEVESO facilities, this includes external accident protection plans for the territory where the facility is stationary. These documents cover various scenarios, from natural disasters to technological accidents, and provide the basis for rapid and effective action. Unfortunately, practice shows that many industrial plants, despite the existence of these documents, often do not test the implementation of the plans, leading to insufficiently prepared and coordinated responses in emergency situations. Elaborating on this issue reveals the difference between the theoretical and practical approaches to security in the industry, where the practical application of documents and procedures is often neglected. The solution to this problem lies in adequate training for employees and management at all levels, as well as raising readiness in peacetime for strategic, tactical, and operational actions in emergency situations. Continuous education leads to a high level of readiness. However, many companies neglect this segment, focusing mainly on documentation, which can lead to incompetence and chaos, or the emergence of mass panic psychology during a real emergency. Through the analysis of concrete case studies, the paper explores real-world examples from practice, such as floods, fires, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and their role in shaping emergency strategies and plans. The responses of large industrial facilities in these situations, as well as the problems they encountered and the losses they caused, were analyzed to draw lessons for improving future preparedness. For example, during floods and earthquakes, many factories faced problems with infrastructure resilience, fires and explosions occurred due to human negligence or non-compliance with rules, while the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in crisis management and the adaptability of work processes to change. A very important segment that will be addressed is the recovery of facilities and the community after an emergency situation, with a comparison of investments in strengthening industrial safety and the consequences that arise after emergency situations, to present the concept of rapid response - minimal consequences. The conclusion of the paper emphasizes the importance of continuously improving the preparedness system, which must be dynamic and adaptable to ensure an effective response in emergency situations. Greater integration of theoretical and practical aspects is also crucial to ensure an effective response to emergency situations and minimize their negative effects. This work will benefit managers, engineers, decision-makers, and all other stakeholders by raising awareness of the importance of prevention in the security of industrial complexes.

(1) Background: In Iran, burn injuries are the second leading cause of death among children, surpassed only by traffic accidents. This study aims to simulate fire emergency evacuations in an elementary school using Pathfinder software, focusing on identifying architectural factors that influence evacuation efficiency. Children are particularly vulnerable in emergencies due to their limited understanding of danger and tendency to panic, making the development of effective evacuation strategies essential for their safety. (2) Methods: We analyzed the emergency evacuation of 522 occupants at a selected elementary school in Qazvin City, Iran. Using Pathfinder 2021 software, we examined various evacuation scenarios, including evacuation density, traffic patterns on different routes, and flow at exits. We calculated the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) and Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) from the simulation data. Data collection involved a comprehensive assessment of the school’s geometric characteristics, as well as the demographic and anthropometric profiles of the occupants. (3) Results: The simulations revealed a total evacuation time of 386 s, with an ASET of 180 s. The average passenger flow rate was only 1.35 persons per second, indicating a slow evacuation process. Our findings highlighted that specific architectural features, such as classroom size and door dimensions, significantly affect evacuation times. Additionally, when simulating an evacuation with 170 fewer students, the total evacuation time decreased by 128 s, suggesting that adhering to recommended class size standards can enhance evacuation efficiency. Notably, the RSET consistently exceeded the ASET (180 s) across all simulations. (4) Conclusions: This research deepens our understanding of school evacuation dynamics and underscores the need for improved architectural designs and safety protocols to protect vulnerable populations, especially children. Future studies should focus on implementing targeted interventions based on these findings to mitigate risks associated with school fires. Additionally, the results indicate that installing automatic fire alarms and extinguishing systems, along with conducting regular emergency evacuation drills for students, could significantly reduce RSET.

Investigation of combined stairs elevators evacuation strategies for high rise buildings based on simulation

Purpose Poor evacuation performance of older adults can lead to serious injuries and accidental death in indoor emergency situations. Current research primarily focused on adopting different approaches to explore the factors influencing the elderly’s safety during evacuation procedures, while little attention is paid to dynamic analysis of their indoor evacuation plan. Design/methodology/approach This study proposed a simulation-based method integrating individual evacuation behavior models and algorithms for evacuation exit allocation to formulate the optimal evacuation plan for older adults in a residence building. Findings The applicability of the developed method is verified by a case study of the senior apartment under different evacuation scenarios. A discussion is conducted to explore evacuee distribution on evacuation performance, and a method comparison is made to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for evacuation process optimization. The results show that the proposed method in this study performs better in saving evacuation time and decreasing the behavioral risk of occupants under different scenarios. Originality/value The present study can contribute to enriching the literature on the optimization of building evacuation strategies for elderly people using agent-based simulation, with the developed evacuation behavior model for older adults and the novel method for formulating the optimal evacuation plan.

A microscopic simulation model (MITSIMLab) for evaluating emergency evacuation plans was developed for the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). MITSIMLab was used as the microscopic traffic simulator to model traffic operations. The study area consisted of the entire region that includes all technical areas within the LANL and the towns of White Rock and Los Alamos, New Mexico. Evacuation planning is a critical component of overall security planning. The approach adopted presents a laboratory-like setup to evaluate a large range of evacuation scenarios including no evacuation. Five evacuation scenarios are considered in LANL evacuation planning. The scenarios, developed in consultation with the Emergency Management Office of LANL, include full or partial closures of various roads, limited access to some special facilities, and security delays at certain locations. Performance measures for evaluating an evacuation plan include the total time to achieve a complete evacuation, the time needed for a partial evacuation in which the population within certain areas is at risk, and the percentage of the population in affected zones as a function of time.

A conflict-based path-generation heuristic for evacuation planning

Evacuation planning methods aim to design routes and schedules to relocate people to safety in the event of natural or man-made disasters. The primary goal is to minimize casualties which often requires the evacuation process to be completed as soon as possible. In this paper, we present QueST, an agent-based discrete event queuing network simulation system, and STEERS, an iterative routing algorithm that uses QueST for designing and evaluating large scale evacuation plans in terms of total egress time and congestion/bottlenecks occurring during evacuation. We use the Houston Metropolitan Area, which consists of nine US counties and spans an area of 9,444 square miles as a case study, and compare the performance of STEERS with two existing route planning methods. We find that STEERS is either better or comparable to these methods in terms of total evacuation time and congestion faced by the evacuees. We also analyze the large volume of data generated by the simulation process to gain insights about the scenarios arising from following the evacuation routes prescribed by these methods.

Emergency Evacuation Readiness of Full-Time Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury

Estimation of the evacuation time in an emergency situation in hospitals