Case study / Evacuation simulation

University College of Teacher Education in Linz

The study assessed how the existing University College of Teacher Education in Linz could be evacuated under high occupancy. It focused on the central stairwell, the gymnasium wing with its spectator stand and the exits from the lecture hall wing.

Where pedestrian flows merge

The model showed where people entering the central stairwell from upper floors met those already moving down, causing queues. In the gymnasium wing, the analysis examined how spectator numbers affected the time needed to reach the smoke-control door.

Evacuation simulation showing pedestrian flows across several floors in Linz — Simulated pedestrian flows across several floors of the university college in Linz.

Wider exits in the lecture hall wing

In the comparison, wider western emergency exits shortened the evacuation of the lecture hall wing. Beyond a certain width, the steps past the exits limited the flow. The figures show the existing layout and the wider exits at the same point in the simulation.

Comparing the options showed where the building work would have the greatest effect and when another part of the escape route would become the limiting factor.

Pedestrian queue at a western emergency exit in the baseline model — Existing layout at the comparison point. Some occupants are still in the lecture hall wing.

Western emergency exits in the model with wider openings — Wider exits at the same point in the simulation. In the model, the lecture hall wing has been evacuated.

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