Pedestrian evacuation management of large areas: a bi-level simulation approach based on fuzzy logic

A bi-level simulation model was developed to forecast pedestrians evacuation time of large areas. The simulation system provides two levels: microscopic and mesoscopic. Both levels' dynamics have been modelled using the fuzzy inference system, in order to incorporate the fuzzy perception and anxiety embedded in human reasoning. At the mesoscopic level, pedestrians are organized in different groups generating a particle flow with a certain density. Pedestrian representation switches from mesoscopic to microscopic level at a threshold distance from exit. An application software was developed to evaluate the outcomes of the model. The model was tested in scenarios with presence of fixed obstacles. Simulation results and computational performances are promising.