Evacuation Dynamics in Room with Multiple Exits by Real-Coded Cellular Automata (RCA)

In this study, we have simulated evacuation dynamics in a room with multiple exits by Real-Coded Cellular Automata (RCA). Here, we have focused on the number of exits which is related with the evacuation dynamics. For comparison, the room without corridors was also considered. Evacuation time and the size of bottleneck formed at the exit were examined by changing the number of exits. Especially, we discussed the evacuation dynamics toward the exit, which could be affected by the corridors in the room. As the number of evacuees was increased, it took more time for evacuation, but it was observed that the evacuation time unexpectedly depended on the number of exits, which was caused by each exit location. Apparently, less effects of corridors on the evacuation time was found. This is because the evacuation time without corridors was decreased when all evacuees could move freely but were forced to concentrate at the exit.