Evacuation Facilities Research Articles

Sink location problems in dynamic flow grid networks

A dynamic flow network consists of a directed graph, where nodes called sources represent locations of evacuees, and nodes called sinks represent locations of evacuation facilities. Each source and each sink are given supply representing the number of evacuees and demand representing the maximum number of acceptable evacuees, respectively. Each edge is given capacity and transit time. Here, the capacity of an edge bounds the rate at which evacuees can enter the edge per unit time, and the transit time represents the time which evacuees take to travel across the edge. The evacuation completion time is the minimum time at which each evacuee can arrive at one of the evacuation facilities. Given a dynamic flow network without sinks, once sinks are located on some nodes or edges, the evacuation completion time for this sink location is determined. We then consider the problem of locating sinks to minimize the evacuation completion time, called the sink location problem. The problems have been given polynomial-time algorithms only for limited networks such as paths [1–3], cycles [1], and trees [4–6], but no polynomial-time algorithms are known for more complex network classes. In this paper, we prove that the 1-sink location problem can be solved in polynomial-time when an input network is a grid with uniform edge capacity and transit time.

Machine learning-based prediction of statically equivalent seismic forces in pin-supported cylindrical reticulated shells

Reticulated shells exhibit complex vibrations during earthquakes, encompassing components in horizontal and vertical directions, and multiple vibration modes occur. In particular, single-layer reticulated shells with a small depth relative to their span exhibit many vibration modes, and the shapes of these modes can vary depending on the geometry. The method for rapidly setting equivalent static seismic forces remains unexplored. In response to the above background, this study proposes a novel approach for calculating the seismic forces on single-layer reticulated shells using machine learning techniques. The shells in focus are pin-supported cylindrical reticulated shells, typically for the roofs of gymnasiums used as evacuation facilities during severe earthquakes in Japan. Machine learning uses numerical analysis results for approximately 20,000 shells, with varied spans, half-open angles, and aspect ratios. A method for preprocessing the principal vibration modes as image data is proposed, after which the imaged vibration modes are predicted from the shape parameters of the shell using a neural network. The prediction accuracy is analyzed, and a method for rapidly calculating seismic loads based on combining predicted vibration modes is proposed. These seismic loads are compared with the response spectrum method results, and their effectiveness is discussed.

Experimental Study on the Factors Affecting Pedestrian Exit Selection on the Basis of the Mixed Reality Evacuation LVC Simulation System

Evacuation rules for pedestrians in emergencies are of great significance for the design of building exits, exit management, and evacuation facilities. Based on the mixed reality evacuation LVC simulation system we developed, in this paper, three kinds of pedestrian exit selection experiments were carried out, in which the influence of distance and exit selection on pedestrian exit selection was studied. In line with common sense, during the single-factor control tests, the participants preferred the exit with fewer people and at a closer distance. The two-factor combined effect of the above two factors was also studied. It can be found that the participants preferred to choose the least crowded exit with a closer distance for evacuation. Among these two factors, the participants would give priority to the number of people at the exit. In addition, participants show different trajectories for the difference in the number of people at the two exits. Their walking trajectory was close to an arc line in the case of an equal number of people at two exits. The results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for research on designing evacuation facilities and guiding evacuees, and allows us to explore a new approach for mixed reality evacuation research by conducting virtual crowd experiments in a real environment.

Optimal allocation of convenience facilities to evacuation facilities in a non-aggregated city

Optimal allocation of convenience facilities to evacuation facilities in a non-aggregated city

Application of a group of ground-based robotic means as a modular means of evacuation of equipment

The possibilities of improving the means of evacuation of general and special purpose vehicles on a wheeled and tracked platform have reached technological limits. The prospects for further development of evacuation facilities are associated with their construction on a modular principle. A group of ground-based robotic means, generally heterogeneous, can be used as evacuation vehicle modules. In relation to a group of homogeneous robotic means, a method has been developed for calculating the required number of them to achieve the necessary trac-tion force, taking into account the significant variability of possible physical-geographical and road-ground condi-tions. The obtained results of mathematical modeling allow us to conclude about the high efficiency of the use of modular means of evacuation of equipment.

Development of Education and Training Scenarios to Improve the Ability of Fire Safety Managers to Realize Situations and Induce Evacuation in Case of Fire

This study developed an education and training scenario to improve the ability of fire safety managers to recognize situations during a fire and induce evacuation. By reflecting on the characteristics of evacuation facilities and the occupants of multi-occupancy buildings, a scenario similar to that of a real situation was designed through unexpected situations that could occur during actual evacuation induction. Each evacuation facility in the scenario was developed by applying additional methods considering the factors influencing the evacuation in the previous case, referring to Article 4 (1) of the adaptability of evacuation equipment according to the installation location of firefighting objects. The developed scenario was a multi-occupancy building with four basement levels and 50 floors above the ground with a piloti structure and was designed based on the order of evacuation initiation → induction of evacuation → gather at the evacuation site → rescue recipient state report. The details were designed to be applied to practical training by assigning elements that can occur in real situations by causing evacuation using evacuation facilities according to the number of fire floors, assigning situations through various characteristics of occupants, and inserting role conflict elements through unexpected situations. By conducting practical and feasible education for fire safety managers, they can flexibly cope with unexpected situations that may occur in the process of inducing occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire while on duty and improve their skills in using evacuation facilities.

Cross-Sectional Study Protocol on Community Disaster Resilience in Selangor Flood-Prone Communities During Covid-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Future floods are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. Communities must arm themselves with information and skills to overcome these disasters and limit their impact. Moreover, the Coronavirus-19 infection doubled as the transmission was thought to occur when evacuation facilities were overrun and crowded. Despite government and agency assistance, the aftermath of a flood disaster leaves victims susceptible to the impacts. Resilience is essential when battling flooding or a pandemic. Thus, this study aims to determine the community disaster resilience score and its associated factors in Selangor flood-prone communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey will be conducted with a sample size of 574 residents living in flood-prone areas. A validated self-administered questionnaire will be distributed in liaison with community leaders using paper and online. The questionnaire includes respondents’ demographic, flood disaster preparedness, general disaster preparedness belief, and community disaster resilience. The associations and predictors between the independent and dependent variables will be examined using bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression with a < 0.05 significance level. Discussion: Insights from this research will help communities better prepare for and recover from disasters. A more robust resilience approach requires focusing on predictors and recruiting those factors to assist health authorities in promoting flood disaster preparedness and resilience practices in the community. Researchers may comprehend the health behaviour of a community to build disaster preparedness and resilience as well as a health intervention.

САНАТОРНО-КУРОРТНАЯ ОЗДОРОВИТЕЛЬНАЯ ПОМОЩЬ ДЕТСКОМУ НАСЕЛЕНИЮ СОВЕТСКОГО СОЮЗА В ПОСЛЕВОЕННОЕ ВРЕМЯ (1946–1950 гг.)

Article represents the results of historical and medical bibliographical research reflecting the issues of restoration and continuous improvement of pediatric sanatorium and resort healthcare system in USSR during the post-WWII period. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the state of sanatorium and resort recreational services for child population whose health indicators highly deteriorated during WWII. The healthcare authorities in USSR faced the task of developing effective measures for the speedy restoration of children's health. In solving this problem, the highest importance was given to the development of children's sanatorium and resort healthcare system. Based on the thorough research of both published and unpublished documents in the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF), articles published in journals, scientific digests, chapters from monograph works, etc., it was found that almost all pediatric sanatoriums, the “Pioneer Camps” and other healthcare institutions, especially those located in the Soviet southern resorts, were occupied by the Nazis during the WWII and were fully or partially destroyed due to hostilities, plus the survived ones have then been reorganized into evacuation facilities and temporary hospitals. That is the reason why the restoration of sanatorium and resort recreational facilities became one of the priority tasks in the post-WWII period. Despite huge growth in the number of pediatric sanatoriums and other children’s health-improving institutions in 1947 compared to 1946, a decrease in child morbidity rate, an increase in the medical staff count serving pediatric patients, the recreational system had showed certain defects. Negative trends were caused by the lack in financing, laborers and qualified staff as well as re-profiling of children's healthcare facilities into those for adults. Thanks to the timely and adequate governmental measures intent to the restoration of pediatric sanatorium and resort recreation services, the bed capacity reached the pre-WWII level by 1950; a network of specialized sanatoriums started to develop and therefore increase in the health-improving measures efficiency was noted then.

Discerning geomorphological aspects of tsunami risk in Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia

The geomorphological understanding of earth dynamics, including the relationship between landforms and their processes, was one of the earliest and most specific contributions to disaster prevention. Disaster geomorphology is one of the approaches in disaster studies, which includes aspects of landforms, processes, and results of physical processes that have the potential and can cause disasters. The landform is of risk factors that can turn natural hazards into natural disasters and determines the damage that disasters can cause to human activities. Following the 2006 South Java Tsunami, infrastructural development occurred massively in the 2006 South Java Tsunami inundation areas. Several tsunami risk mitigation efforts were conducted but solely based on the 2006 tsunami scenario and ignored the existence of more considerable tsunami hazards from the Sunda Megathrust. This consideration may lead to an increasing risk of future tsunamis. We evaluate and appraise favorable and unfavorable geomorphological features to reduce the risk of future tsunamis. Pangandaran has a unique landform compared to other areas on the south coast of Java, and this landform has the potential to reduce future tsunami risk. Typical landforms studied include coastal plains, alluvial plains, Tombolo, tied islands, and structural hills. The results show that the morphological features of the Tombolo and the coastal plain area are categorized as high risk when a tsunami occurs. The tied island is categorized as a favorable morphology where these morphological units have the advantage of elevation and efficient distance to the tsunami risk zone. Evacuation facilities are also needed, especially in the coastal plain and Tombolo areas (with a height of >20 meters), to reduce disaster risk, particularly mortality caused by tsunami events.

Prediction of shelter needs based on simulation results of evacuees choosing evacuation facilities due to a potential tsunami earthquake in Padang, Indonesia

Tsunami disasters are predicted to occur in the West Sumatra region due to earthquakes. To deal with the tsunami hazard that will hit Padang City, the government has built several shelters and evacuation routes. At present, the number of evacuation facilities is still limited, this will cause community vulnerability in facing tsunami hazards. To overcome this vulnerable condition, it is necessary to determine the number of shelters needed to accommodate evacuees. In this study, the determination of the required number of shelters is done by simulating the number of evacuees who choose shelters during evacuation. The model of evacuee generation from 5 tsunami-prone zones in Padang City was created using a linear regression method. The model for selecting the type of evacuation facility in each zone uses a binary logit model. Prediction of shelter needs is carried out for minimum, normal and maximum conditions that may occur. From the simulation results, the number of evacuees who choose the shelter as a means of evacuation is obtained. The number of shelters needed in Padang City is a minimum of 6 units, normal 23 units and maximum 50 units.

Tsunami evacuation sites in the northern Sumatra (Indonesia) determined based on the updated tsunami numerical simulations

In many parts of tsunami prone areas, providing tsunami evacuation structures is often regarded as costly and difficult to manage, whereas several existing building and hills can be introduced as tsunami evacuation sites. This research intends to introduce practical and scientific methods in assessing the feasibility of hills and buildings for vertical tsunami evacuation facilities. Here, the aim is to combine tsunami numerical simulations and field assessment to determine suitable hills and buildings as vertical tsunami evacuation facilities in Calang and Banda Aceh (Indonesia) that were severely destroyed by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The numerical simulations were based on the latest condition of land cover of the study area, which has changed significantly in the last 20 years. Using the newly updated land cover, the tsunami model reveals that the tsunami estimated maximum height is 13 m in Calang. The existing buildings and hills, with an altitude higher than tsunami heights, which can be reached within 30 min (15 min less than the minimum tsunami arrival times) from the centres of the villages, are proposed as tsunami evacuation sites. In Banda Aceh and Calang, 10 public buildings, 13 mosques, and 4 hills are proposed as alternative escape sites.

Fire Safety Index for High-Rise Buildings in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE

The purpose of this paper was to develop a fire index system for measuring the compliance of high-rise residential buildings with fire requirements in the Emirate of Sharjah, and also to develop an index system for measuring the fire response efficiency, which is linked the two indexes, and the higher the compliance rate, the greater chance of a successful response. The two systems depend on the automation of the firefighting system management processes using the techniques of the fourth industrial revolution, and they were developed based on consultation with subject matter experts in the field and used multiple methods, such as the analytic hierarchy process, failure mode effect, criticality analysis, and Delphi techniques. The main criteria of the indexes were identified as the fire risk assessment, fire suppression system, fire accident management, fire alarm system, fire extinguisher, employees, residents, service rooms, lifts, gas connections, waste, housekeeping, and evacuation facilities. Each main criterium was detailed in the sub-criteria and weighted to achieve the index for each sub-criteria based on the fire legislation in UAE, the fire response index (developed based on the high-rise building fire index), the category of the building in terms of floor numbers, and the distance between building and the fire station. The two index systems can contribute to improving emergency preparedness in high-rise residential buildings in the Emirate of Sharjah and are also considered as measurement indexes for compliance with fire requirements in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Advances and development of wind–solar hybrid renewable energy technologies for energy transition and sustainable future in India

While solar power projects are built on a continuous ground, wind power projects require scattered land, raising transmission costs and increasing the risk of land-related complications. Wind–solar hybrid (WSH) projects have been proposed to address these issues and accelerate installation. WSH power projects will create a well-defined area with sufficient infrastructure, including evacuation facilities, where the project’s risks can be reduced. The extensive coastline of India is endowed with high wind flow speed and plentiful solar power resources, creating an ideal environment for WSH projects to prosper while simultaneously improving grid stability and reliability. WSH plants guarantee higher transmission efficiency and cost-effectiveness than their stand-alone counterparts. As of 30.11.2021, 3.75 GW of WSH projects have been granted, with 0.148 GW of operational capacity and 1.7 GW of WSH projects in various bidding phases. In this paper, we discussed state-wise WSH potential, the key players in the WSH project, the National WSH, and the State WSH policy and amendments. Also, the WSH project’s physical progress and commercial details are covered. A feasibility study of the WSH plant is performed, and the primary design strategy for deploying WSH power facilities in India is discussed. It covers every step of this process, from design technique to choosing and evaluating potential locations for such hybrid projects, optimally placing wind turbines and solar panels, overall capacity mix for hybrid plants, and ultimately power evacuation optimization. Additionally, a brief study of the savings from these hybrid plants and the environmental, social, and governance standards which are necessary to implement these projects are provided. The potential challenges connected with WSH technologies are examined in depth, and potential solutions and mitigations for the challenges are provided. Designing a WSH for small-scale irrigation is provided along with the size and choice of wind and solar systems. Degradation of PV systems and carbon savings are included, along with some policy measures to boost the proportion of WSH in the entire power mix. In India, the development of large-scale WSH projects is still in its early stages, and more research is required to explore technical, commercial, and policy elements that influence project design. The policy suggestions for improvement of the WSH project are provided. The WSH project developers, potential investors, stakeholders, innovators, policymakers, manufacturers, designers, and researchers will benefit from the recommendations based on the review’s findings.

아파트 피난시설 관련 제도 및 실태

The results of checking the domestic evacuation facility-related systems and problems from the design stage are summarized as follows. (1) One of the problems that is constantly pointed out in the current system is the lack of administrative consistency. For firefighting facilities installed in buildings, it is necessary to improve the system for the systematic application of the dual standards of building-related laws and fire-fighting-related laws. (2) Various measures are institutionally regulated for evacuation facilities in apartments that want to secure evacuation passages in two of more directions; however, there is insufficient review of the design plan that applies a modified form according to the architectural plan, so it is a step-by-step application system that is necessary to provide. (3) Products that can replace the existing evacuation facilities can be applied depending on the design situation of the apartment and have been released with the certification on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, but their utilization is insufficient. It is judged that it will not only improve the performance, but also solve the problems of the existing evacuation space and top-down evacuation area to some extent. (4) Although various evacuation facilities are being installed in newly built apartments through the process of changing the system, evacuation facilities are also applied to existing aged buildings through fire safety performance enhancement projects and green remodeling projects to ensure fire safety that is considered to be increased. Form the above results, it is necessary to systematically reorganize the scattered laws and regulations as there is a risk of fatal damage such as an apartment fire. It will be necessary to introduce an evacuation facility that can be used by all members, including children, the elderly, and the disabled, to secure fire safety performance.

Evacuation Simulation in a Cultural Asset Fire: Impact of Fire Emergency Evacuation Facilities for People with Disabilities on Evacuation Time

More cautious fire safety evacuation assessment and escape route assistance are required when people with disabilities encounter a fire hazard in a historical museum. This study uses the old Chiayi City Hall, which is mainly used for an exhibition space, as the example. The core of this study is the problem of fire evacuation that emerged after the historic building opened and was reused as a museum; it uses Pathfinder evacuation simulation software, discussing the difference between traditional and segregated evacuation and assuming the original evacuation, elevator emergency evacuation, and external ramp evaluation. There are three evacuation scenarios, and the number of accommodated people is set to 730, pursuant to the applicable law. Comparing the conditions of people with disabilities and ordinary members of the public during evacuation through the foregoing three scenarios, the overall evacuation time and survival rate of the original evacuation scenario are 440 s and 49.8%, respectively; and the overall evacuation time and survival rate of the barrier-free elevator emergency evacuation scenario are 332 s and 65.4%, respectively; the overall evacuation time and survival rate of the external ramp evaluation scenario are 320 s and 65.6%, respectively. The computer data analysis shows that the use of the external ramp evaluation gives people with disabilities the best evacuation time and survival rate because the architectural form of cultural heritage buildings is more fragile, specific, and fast-burning than that of ordinary buildings. As the global awareness of cultural asset preservation and revitalization is increasing, the evacuation of people with disabilities in the building in the case of fire is very important. The results of this study can be used as an emergency evacuation design recommendation for people with disabilities in the cultural assets through evacuation simulation analysis.

A Study on the Spatial Distribution and Accessibility of Disaster Evacuation Facilities: Focusing on Cheongju City

Hazards are problems that can arise due to the climate crises. The rise in temperature on the earth can lead to an outbreak of many natural hazards. Hazards arising due to the climate crises are typically characterized by their unspecified targets, diversified aspects, and enlarged scale. This study aimed to examine the distribution and accessibility of disaster evacuation facilities, considering Cheongju as the target city. Our findings show that the disaster evacuation facilities are proportional to the population; therefore, the distance between the facilities was less in highly populated areas. Areas far from the disaster evacuation facilities are generally scattered. This particular area has a population scattered over a wide region; therefore, it was not easy to designate a disaster evacuation facility. Additionally, regression analysis was performed to examine the regional characteristics exhibited by the distance from the disaster evacuation facilities, which showed that the areas with a higher population of toddlers relative to the entire population and a higher number of buildings were nearer to the disaster evacuation facilities. Conversely, areas with a higher elderly population relative to the entire population and decrepit buildings were further from the disaster evacuation facilities.

Optimal thickness and annealing temperature for enhancement of structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of ZnO thin films

Thin films of ZnO, with distinct thicknesses, were deposited on soda-lime glass substrates by sol–gel spin-coating as a cost-effective method without any evacuation facilities. The nanocrystalline structure of the deposited films was indexed by the atomic force microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques. The average grain size increases with the increase of the film thickness and annealing temperature. The energy-dispersive X-ray technique has been used to check the atomic ratios of Zn and O with the film thickness and heat treatment for homogeneous ZnO films. ZnO films show elevated transmission in the visible spectrum as a transparent semiconductor material. Optical constants, like absorption coefficient, optical band gap, and refractive index, were obtained by the Swanepoel method. All thin film samples were applied for photodegradation of reactive orange 96 (RO96) to evaluate the effect of thickness and annealing temperature on the ZnO film’s photocatalytic activity. ZnO 4L (400 °C, 3 h) film possesses the highest rate of photodegradation about 0.1 min−1 for RO96 with high stability and reusability.

Ecotourism in a Hazardous Small-Volcanic Island: Tidore Island, Indonesia

Being known as a small island with the highest volcano in North Maluku Province, Tidore Island is also famed for its exotic ecotourism potential. There are many benefits for areas that have good ecotourism potential, but it is necessary to consider the potential for local disasters. Kie Matubu Volcano is currently in a dormant status and is likely to be active at any time. Regional planning and disaster mitigation should thus go hand in hand, but the complexity of the geographical conditions of a small island requires various prior analyses. This research aims to integrate ecotourism mentioned in Regional Planning with disaster mitigation action in Tidore Island. Combining spatial analysis and social vulnerability can provide an overview of the integration planning and disaster management in this small volcanic island to improve community resilience. However, it still calls for some actions to develop ecotourism areas that co-occur with disaster mitigation efforts. Several villages with high social vulnerability in the western, southern, and eastern parts of the island require additional infrastructures (e.g., port terminals) and functional disaster evacuation facilities as the important aspect while disaster occurs.

Optimal Location Identification for Emergency Evacuation Shelters using the Voronoi Diagram

Recently, the frequency of earthquakes in Korea has increased; thus it is very important to select the location of an emergency shelter. Therefore, this study proposed a method for selecting an emergency shelter location using the Voronoi diagram, which is usefully used to identify the shortest route or divide jurisdictions. First, Yangsan-si, where the earthquake zone is located, was selected as the target site for the study area, and the evacuation facility area was analyzed using the Voronoi polygon considering an evacuation to nearby emergency shelters regardless of administrative districts. Next, examining the vulnerable portions of the study area based on the existing earthquake outdoor evacuation facility data and floating population data, it was confirmed that there was a large regional variation. Finally, the location of a new shelter in Yangsan-si was selected by quantifying the location data of the building where supply was insufficient and the distance between emergency evacuation facilities as weights. The analysis result showed that installing a total of 7 shelters was the most efficient. The results of this study are expected to contribute to selecting the location of a new evacuation facility and establishing an efficient evacuation plan in the future.

석유화학단지 내 화학물질 누출사고 발생 시 주민 대피 지원방안

In this study, we tried to suggest a plan to secure an evacuation site for local residents in preparation for the spread of anxiety and accidents caused by chemical accidents in petrochemical complexes. In the event of a chemical accident, it is recommended to limit movement as much as possible for optimal evacuation. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to utilize an evacuation space in your current location. Currently, civil defense facilities are designated as evacuation sites, and chemical disaster prevention equipment must be stored in existing evacuation facilities and air blocking facilities must be installed. To this end, it is necessary to establish comprehensive measures for chemical safety management of local governments. After that, preventive management and movement training functions such as accident prevention, measurement and monitoring, and follow-up evacuation support should be strengthened.