Multi-objective optimization model based on heuristic ant colony algorithm for emergency evacuation

It is important to evacuate pedestrians properly in large public buildings under emergency conditions. A multi-objective optimization model based on heuristic ant colony algorithm for emergency evacuation is proposed in this paper. The two objectives of this model are to minimize the evacuation clearance time and to minimize the total path crowding degree. The heuristic ant colony algorithm takes into account the distances between the evacuees and the dangerous or safe targets. In addition, this model is applied to a large stadium to simulate the whole evacuation process. In order to prove the results realistic, experiments that consider the evacuees´ real responses to the instructions are conducted. By simulating the process of pedestrian evacuation with this model, the results show the feasibility of the algorithm, so as to provide a scientific basis for guiding the real evacuation process.