Citation

Löhner R, Haug E. Transp. Res. Proc. 2014; 2: 394-399.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publications)

DOI

10.1016/j.trpro.2014.09.039

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The problem of pedestrians trying to enter and/or advance against an incoming crowd is studied. The analysis shows that starting with a very limited set of assumptions (elliptical cross-section of pedestrians; constant ratio of forward to lateral separation) one is able to derive from purely kinematic considerations critical densities beyond which it is impossible for pedestrians to enter and/or advance into an incoming crowd. The results obtained indicate that for the common pedestrian size of a = 0.5 m, b = 0.3 m, the limit densities range from ρ = O(5.0 - 6.06) [p/m2], in good agreement with empirical observations.

Language: en

Keywords

dense crowds; emergency response