Study on Evacuation Behavior of Urban Underground Complex in Fire Emergency Based on System Dynamics

Abstract

During a fire evacuation, long lateral evacuation distances, large crowds waiting for evacuation at the same level, and easily panicked populations are common. This research aimed to look into the large-scale evacuation behavior of urban underground complexes with limited evacuation and egress during a fire. A simplified model for large-scale group evacuation of urban subsurface complexes was constructed using system dynamics theory. The Vensim software was used for quantitative simulation. The model could represent the typical phenomenon of group evacuation behaviors, such as quick or slow, under seven operating situations with total initial numbers of 350, 400, 450, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000. The results of an analysis of critical affecting factors show “total initial number” and “panic state” during a large-scale group evacuation: a large beginning population will result in a rapid reduction in system evacuation capability, delaying the completion of the evacuation process significantly; meanwhile, if the level of panic is deficient, the system’s evacuation efficiency will remain low for an extended period, making it difficult to evacuate trapped persons promptly. According to the findings, the developed system dynamics model, which combines the advantages of a continuous model with the advantages of a discrete model, is very accurate. At the same time, we should emphasize the importance of the evacuation guide and reinforce the fire education and behavior drills for the building’s workers. This research presents a simplified model for the evacuation of large groups of people from metropolitan underground complexes. Furthermore, the findings may give theoretical support for the development of rules and safety management practices.

Civil Engineering Standard Measurement Method Adoption Using a Structural Equation Modelling Approach

“…In addition, its regularity offers a constant benchmark against which to evaluate future measurements [5,19,[22][23][24]. At the same time, it will function as a unified criterion for measuring methodologies, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and allowing for more cost transparency.…”

“…As such, there has to be consistency in how uniformity is measured. The Malaysian Civil Engineering Standard Measurement Method (MyCESMM) was used for engineering projects, whereas the Malaysian Standard Method of Measurement of Building Works (SMM2) was used for construction [7,21,22]. Disparities in measurement accuracy were a driving factor in deciding to conduct this investigation.…”

Safety Risk Assessment in Urban Public Space Using Structural Equation Modelling

“…There are many types of public safety accidents according to different classification standards. Still, the four most recognized classifications are natural disasters, accident disasters, public health emergencies, and social safety emergencies [19,20]. However, many factors affect the safety of urban public spaces.…”

Study on emergency evacuation in underground urban complexes

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“…It should be noted that evacuation for UUCs has started to attract academic attention. Based on the system dynamics theory, Li et al [10] established a simplified model for evacuating large-scale groups in UUCs. They studied the group evacuation behavior at a different initial number of evacuees.…”