Pedestrian Simulation: Considering Elderlies in the Models and in the Simulation Results

This paper presents improvements to the computational model of MakkSim aimed at allowing the simulation of aged people and persons with mobility impairments. In particular, a method for modelling heterogeneity in speed is discussed and two special objects of the environment (i.e., stairs and seats), have been defined; in addition, a proposal for modelling the presence of a caretaker is described as a particular type of group of pedestrians. Finally, the paper presents a way of computing social costs implied by the environment taking into account the characteristics of pedestrians moving throughout the related facilities. The overall objective is to achieve a system usable for the evaluation of the usability and accessibility of planned environments and facilities by means of simulation, by also taking into account this category of people.