DISTANSIM: Implementation of social distancing in pedestrian simulation

Due to the spread of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the way people move and behave in public space has changed tremendously. New hygiene and social distancing rules must be implemented, especially in usually crowded places. To investigate the effects of these rules on pedestrian dynamics, the crowd simulation company accu:rate has partnered with Technical University of Munich, Chair of Computational Modelling and Simulation, for a joint research project: DISTANSIM - funded by the mFUND program of the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The objective of DISTANSIM was to investigate how to integrate social distancing regulations into pedestrian simulations. This enables users to evaluate their routing concepts for compliance with the social distancing regulations in effect, especially for public spaces such as railway stations, airports, trade fairs and event venues. Within the framework of a feasibility study, we examined the extent to which pedestrian simulation can evaluate social distancing in public places. The project duration was two months, due to the urgency of the response to the pandemic situation. Initially, we developed the foundation for modelling social distancing based on state-of-the-art research. These modelling principles were then transferred to the simulator, where a case study was developed. We presented this case study to relevant target groups such as operators of infrastructure buildings and meeting places in order to advocate the value and applicability of pedestrian simulation.     «

Due to the spread of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the way people move and behave in public space has changed tremendously. New hygiene and social distancing rules must be implemented, especially in usually crowded places. To investigate the effects of these rules on pedestrian dynamics, the crowd simulation company accu:rate has partnered with Technical University of Munich, Chair of Computational Modelling and Simulation, for a joint research project: DISTANSIM - funded by...     »