Simulation Environment for Large-scale Evacuation: Modelling Approach and Experimentation
2026 (English)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [en]
This report details the development of a comprehensive simulation environment designed to model and analyse large-scale evacuation processes. The primary objective is to provide a structured, operationally relevant framework that represents individual and group responses to evacuation orders, movement through transportation networks, and the influence of infrastructure and resource availability on overall evacuation performance.
The environment integrates discrete-event simulation with intelligent agent modelling to operationalize established evacuation principles within a testable and verifiable framework. Development, verification, and experimentation processes are documented, emphasizing model robustness and operational relevance.
A case study based on an evacuation scenario in Karlshamn demonstrates the simulation’s ability to capture behavioural dynamics and logistical constraints, enabling scenario analysis, performance assessment, and evidence-based regional preparedness planning. Results highlight strong sensitivity to background traffic, significantly affecting rescue times and overall system performance. In the baseline scenario, private car use achieves the highest efficiency despite infrastructure limitations, whereas public transport - including buses and trains - is constrained by capacity and scheduling dependencies, potentially reducing performance without coordinated implementation. Simulation outputs align with observed traffic dynamics, supporting model validity. The framework also captures the effects of checkpoint configurations, modal distribution, and multi-destination routing on evacuation outcomes.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Karlskrona: Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, 2026. , p. 121
Series
Blekinge Tekniska Högskola Forskningsrapport, ISSN 1103-1581 ; 2026:02
Keywords [en]
Evacuation Simulation, Large-Scale Evacuation, Crisis Preparedness, Emergency Planning, Agent-Based Modelling, Discrete-Event Simulation, Population Distribution Modelling, Traffic Flow Modelling, Shelter modelling, Decision Support Systems.
National Category
Transport Systems and Logistics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:bth-29179ISRN: BTH-RES-02/26-SEOAI: oai:DiVA.org:bth-29179DiVA, id: diva2:2041239
Projects
Digital Decision Support for Large-Scale Evacuation (DISTURB)
Funder
Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency2026-02-242026-02-242026-02-24Bibliographically approved