Simulation of evacuation processes using a multi-grid model for pedestrian dynamics

Introducing the force concept of a social force model into the lattice gas (LG) model, a new LG-based discrete model entitled multi-grid model is composed. In the new model, finer lattice is used; thus each pedestrian occupies multiple grids instead of one, and the rules of interactions among pedestrians or pedestrians and constructions are built. The interaction forces including extrusion, repulsion and friction are considered as passive factors for evacuation. The strength of the drift, or the intensity of the pedestrians to move toward the exit rapidly, is considered an active factor. A simple situation is studied in which pedestrians try to evacuate from a large room with only one door. The influences of interaction forces and drift on evacuation time are analyzed. The mutual restriction relation of the two factors in the course of evacuating is found. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.