Analysis of The Effectiveness of Evacuation Guidance Measures in Underground Malls by Means of Exit Blockades and Guiding Visitors

- Using Multi-Agent Simulation -

Abstract

　In this study, an evacuation simulation model was constructed for a virtual underground mall, and the effects of three evacuation guidance measures, such as 'no guidance', 'guiding visitors' and 'exit blockade', were examined from the perspective of controlling queues. The results of the analysis under the conditions set out in this study showed that the time taken for all visitors to complete the evacuation and the number of exits where queuing occurs are important indicators for checking the effectiveness of evacuation guidance measures, but even if queuing is suppressed, the results also showed that, due to guidance, evacuees collide with each other when moving around, and that they are held up during the evacuation. It is important to understand these disruptions in advance, as they could be identified. When considering actual evacuation guidance measures, queuing needs to be fully considered, as panic due to unforeseen circumstances is possible.