Contribution of numerical simulation to the study of pedestrian mobility in the context of COVID-19: case of a university campus in Algeria

Corona Virus (COVID-19) is forcing us to re-examine our current travel patterns in order to adapt to social distancing. For this purpose, simulation of pedestrian mobility remains relevant and can facilitate the design of buildings and urban spaces in this newly emerging context. Under COVID-19, a university campus in Algeria has been selected to demonstrate digital simulation for the study of pedestrian mobility. Infraworks software founded on multi-agent simulation is used. Based on the establishment and comparison of various scenarios, we are able to confirm the effects of the anti-pandemic measures on pedestrian behavior in the studied area, such as social distance and the decline in student population, and the implementation of new traffic plans to enhance working conditions on the university campus. The results show that this tool enables the readjustment of space and people's behavior so that the university activities carry on with a minimum health risk.

Automated summary

Corona Virus (COVID-19) has led us to reassess current travel patterns in order to adapt to social distancing. The simulation of pedestrian mobility remains relevant and can facilitate building and urban space design in this newly emerging context. A university campus in Algeria has been selected as a demonstration site, utilizing Infraworks software based on multi-agent simulation for the study of pedestrian mobility. Through the establishment and comparison of different scenarios, the effects of anti-pandemic measures on pedestrian behavior, such as social distance and student population decline, are confirmed, leading to the implementation of new traffic plans to enhance working conditions on the campus. The results demonstrate that this tool enables the readjustment of space and people's behavior, allowing university activities to continue with minimal health risk.