Effects of Multi-directionality on Pedestrian Flow Characteristics

Abstract

<span>In design and analysis, standard references assume the pedestrian flow as unidirectional. In reality <span>however, pedestrian flow is usually bi-directional. The main question pursued in this paper is that whether <span>the main characteristics of pedestrian flow the same under uni- and bi-directional conditions. In order to <span>achieve this goal, effect of bi-directional stream is investigated on behavior and main parameters of <span>pedestrian flow. Part of the data for the research was collected via controlled experiments and another <span>part was videotaped from Isfahan walkways. It is shown that under bi-directional condition, mean speed <span>of pedestrians is significantly more than the similar condition under uni-directional regime. Moreover, <span>relative discrepancy between pedestrian speeds in two types of flow becomes evident in densities higher <span>than 0.6 person/m<span>2<span>. Speed of pedestrians in the majority and minority group were recorded and there from <span>it was concluded that the density in the vicinity of a person has a greater effect on her walking speed <span>compared to the opposite flow. In order to avoid colliding to opposite flow, pedestrians try to follow the <span>preceding person and therefor lines are established within the crowd. Fundamental diagrams are also <span>derived for different directional ration. As the index of disorder, entropy was calculated for uni- and <span>bidirectional flows. It was concluded that entropy was lower for bidirectional flows which means that <span>order improves under bidirectional regime of flow. This is in accordance with less freedom of movement <span>under bidirectional regime.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span>