Abstract

Aim: A number of programs are available on the market to estimate individual parameters of the evacuation process. Starting from the estimated time of evacuation from the building, to the distribution of the use of individual evacuation routes, to the impact of the spreading of fire on evacuees. The most commonly used programs for modeling the evacuation process include Simulex, FDS + Evac, and Vissim. Currently, evacuation modeling software does not take into account psychological interactions between evacuees. What is of special importance in the evacuation process is emotional contagion. The phenomenon of emotional contagion has been the subject of extensive research recently. This article presents the current progress on the development of an accurate model that takes into account the effect of emotional contagion. Problems hindering the development of an appropriate model are also presented. The development prospects for such tools are also discussed using the example of the available models, such as ESCAPE, ASCRIBE and Durupinar.

Introduction: The design of modern buildings requires the participants of the investment process to implement a number of solutions to ensure the safety of their future users. All types of modelling tools are used for this purpose, including those for evacuation modelling. Progress in the design of escape routes has contributed to the design of buildings that are much safer than they used to be in the past. Proper building design requires an analysis of a number of fire scenarios. The development of evacuation models is indispensable for proper safety assurance in designed and constructed buildings.

Methodology: This article reviews the available literature on the existing models taking into account the effect of emotional contagion. It analyses and compares existing models and discusses limitations that prevent their use for evacuation safety analysis.

Conclusions: Current evacuation modelling software does not take into account emotional contagion, an important phenomenon that occurs between evacuees. This phenomenon is common in every-day life but is particularly important during events involving crowds of people. It is necessary to further develop existing models to allow a more accurate reflection of reality, also in the context of emotional contagion. What may be helpful in this respect is research in the field of the psychology of emotion.

Keywords: modelling, emotional contagion, evacuation

Type of article: review article