The flow rate of people during train evacuation in rail tunnels: Effects of different train exit configurations

Abstract

An exploratory study of a train evacuation inside a tunnel was performed in order to study the effects of different train exit configurations on the flow rate of people through the exit. A total of 84 participants in the ages 18–40years took part in the experiment, which was carried out on two separate days and involved 18 evacuation scenarios. The statistical analysis of the experiment demonstrated that the average flow rate capacity of the train exit was .3 persons per second and meter (p/s m) door width, including all scenarios. Four variables related to the train exit configuration were identified to significantly affect the flow rate of people: (1) a reduction of the train exit height increased the flow rate of people with on average .026p/sm; (2) a change of tunnel floor material from concrete to macadam increased the flow rate of people with on average .015p/sm; (3) an emergency ladder present in the train exit reduced the flow rate of people with on average .064p/sm; and (4) a complete failure of the lighting inside the train reduced the flow rate of people with on average .029p/sm. In addition, qualitative observations revealed a deferential behaviour among the participants in the train, caused by the people outside the train. It is therefore believed that the population density outside the train will significantly determine the flow rate capacity of the train exit during an evacuation.