Optimizing Gymnasium Evacuation Performance by Agent-based Simulation

Evacuation performance is crucial for gymnasium design and occupant safety. This paper uses Simulex, an agent-based model to simulate and optimize the evacuation performance of a typical medium-size university gymnasium. Simulated results show that the current design is susceptible to evacuation problems, such as long egress time, insufficient exits and severe imbalance for stair usage. Design solutions are introduced to improve these conditions by optimizing circulation systems. Simulation experiments are again conducted to compare the evacuation performance after circulation optimization. Results show that in the revised design proposal, evacuation time and congestion in corners are significant decreased, exits using ratios are dramatically increased and well balanced.