Modeling of behavior of panicked crowd in multi-floor branched space

Abstract

The collective behavior of crowd leaving a room is modeled. The model is based on molecular dynamics approach with a mixture of socio-psychological and physical forces. The new algorithm for complicatedly branched space is proposed. It suggests that each individual develops its own plan of escape, which is stochastically transformed during the evolution. The algorithm includes also the separation of original space into rooms with possible exits selected by individuals according to their probability distribution. The model is calibrated on the base of empirical data provided by fire case in the nightclub "Lame Horse" (Perm, 2009). The algorithm is realized as an end-user Java software. It is assumed that this tool could help to test the buildings for their safety for humans.

Keywords

• complex systems
• collective behavior
• individual-based models