Experimental investigation of pedestrian evacuation using an extra-long steep-slope evacuation path in a high altitude tunnel fire. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yuxin; Yan, Zhiguo; Zhu, Hehua; Shen, Yi; Guo, Qinghua; Guo, Qingchao
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 46(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Extra-long evacuation path in tunnel -- High altitude -- Evacuation performance -- Speed decay -- Technical installation; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2019.101423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: A field experimental study for pedestrians evacuating from an extra-long and steep-slope evacuation path in tunnel fire in high altitude. Diversified methods are applied on evacuation behavior including field experiments, questionnaires and interviews. Considering human factors, including pedestrians' genders, ages and emotional states, comparisons are made in tunnel and crosswalk. Four performance stages in evacuation from crosswalks are put forward and analyzed in detail. The technical installations are discussed for safe evacuation based on physical and mental considerations both in tunnel and crosswalk. Abstract: This paper presents outcomes of a field experiment involving a random sample of pedestrians evacuating from a newly-constructed long tunnel at high altitude through an extra-long evacuation path with a steep grade. Adverse survival conditions include high altitude, reduced oxygen, long distance, and the steep slope of the evacuation path. Research methods include field experiments, questionnaires and interviews. Response time, route choice, movement time, speed change, and reaction to technical installations were recorded and discussed both in the tunnel and the evacuation path. The influence of adverse survival conditions was analyzed and compared with general evacuation cases. The human factors, including pedestrians' genders, ages and emotional states were also investigated. The results of this study have resulted in guidance on evacuation planning and procedures and suggestions regarding technical installations in the tunnel, such as way-finding signs, loudspeakers, continuous lights and handrails.