Validation and calibration of the EXIT89 evacuation model for road tunnel evacuation applications

The validation of an evacuation model is generally performed through testing its predictive capabilities within a set of standard environments (e.g. buildings) or standard layouts. Unfortunately, non-expert users could consider model results as reliable in unique environments as well, such as road tunnels, and extend their use to applications where no ad hoc validation tests have been performed. This paper focuses on the applicability of the EXIT89 model for road tunnel evacuations. The predictive capabilities of EXIT89 are tested by comparing the model results with a tunnel evacuation experiment. A case study has been then analysed, namely the Condò tunnel in Lecce (Italy). The evacuation times produced by the model are also compared with the results produced by the capacity method described in the Society of Fire Protection Engineering Handbook. Conclusions focus on model strengths and limitations in the reproduction of human behaviour aspects related to road tunnel evacuations.