A simulation of bonding effects and their impacts on pedestrian dynamics

Abstract

This paper simulates bonding effects inside pedestrian crowds. Based on the social force model, this paper derives an exponential formulation of the bonding force, as opposed to the repulsive force, and surveys the degree of interpersonal cohesion under various circumstances. Parameters associated with the model are calibrated by preliminary simulation runs. With the proper simulation environment configuration, the effect of the bonding force is extensively demonstrated. Results show that the bonding force results in pedestrians' walking speeds being different from their initial intended ones. Specifically, delays in walking and the overtaking phenomenon, which are empirically observed, are explained using this model. In the zigzag walkway defined in the experiment, up to approximately 4% fewer pedestrians are able to escape in the prescribed time, due to bonding effects. To sum up, the bonding forces cause negative effects on pedestrian evacuation and should be taken into consideration for crowd dynamics research. © 2010 IEEE.