A Study on Evacuation Behavior in Physical and Virtual Reality Experiments

Article Engineering, Civil

A virtual reality study of behavioral sequences in residential fires

Silvia Arias et al.

Summary: By comparing behavior data collected in virtual reality residential fire scenarios with a general model, the study found that participants' sequences of behavior not only matched the model predictions but also showed diversity. The actions performed by participants covered most of the possible patterns indicated in the general model, consistent with real-world fire situations.

FIRE SAFETY JOURNAL (2021)

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Article Engineering, Civil

Evacuation elevators in an underground metro station: A Virtual Reality evacuation experiment

Axel Mossberg et al.

Summary: The study found that the use of evacuation elevators in deep underground metro stations is influenced by the design of the evacuation system, with a more informative guidance system increasing elevator usage. Smartphone guidance was also shown to increase elevator usage, but people tend to stop looking at their phones once the evacuation process begins. Additionally, the study suggests that accepted waiting times for elevators can potentially be increased with the installation of countdown timers above elevators.

FIRE SAFETY JOURNAL (2021)

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Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Pursuing behavioral realism in Virtual Reality for fire evacuation research

Silvia Arias et al.

Summary: The use of virtual reality in fire research can produce results comparable to traditional experiments, relying on both technology and participants' perception of realism. Challenges and recommendations are presented based on knowledge gained from running virtual reality experiments, aiming to improve realism in data collection on human behavior in fire.

FIRE AND MATERIALS (2021)

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Article Engineering, Multidisciplinary

Unannounced Evacuation Experiment in a High-Rise Hotel Building with Evacuation Elevators: A Study of Evacuation Behaviour Using Eye-Tracking

Axel Mossberg et al.

Summary: Research indicates that people tend to choose elevators for evacuation even when closer to evacuation stairs. Flashing green lights increase attention to evacuation signs, but compliance is not significantly improved. Self-closing fire doors without vision panels may impede finding evacuation elevators during emergencies.

FIRE TECHNOLOGY (2021)

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Article Engineering, Multidisciplinary