Pedestrian simulation based on BIM data

This paper presents an extension of the standardized Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), in order to capture the input data required for performing pedestrian simulations. Pedestrian simulations can identify potential threats already in the design phase of a building and evaluate protective measures. The BIM model serves as a central structure, which is going to be optimized by simulations (cf. figure 1). The building design is validated by a pedestrian simulation against performance indicators like the overall evacuation time or densities inside congestions. In order to improve the corresponding performance of the building, the simulator can automatically optimize relevant features of the BIM model - like door openings and wave breakers. After a review by the architect or engineer, the changes can be directly transferred to the model. Pedestrian streams turned out to be a limiting factor for building safety, particularly regarding emergency evacuation and the capacity of critical elements like stairways, escalators and elevators.