Crowd ManageMent & Pedestrian Modelling

At AECOM, we have an experienced team dedicated to resolving crowd flow movement problems using a variety of pedestrian analysis and modelling techniques. Through our wide ranging projects we have amassed considerable knowledge for many varied challenges, and take pride in working with others to develop truly world class solutions.

Our work provides an evidence base for wider evaluation of: existing and proposed rail infrastructure, public realm, sports venue and major event planning, and design or refurbishment of large institutions.

We have a sophisticated understanding of pedestrian micro-simulation modelling which our professionals use to analyse and inform designs and masterplans. In addition, we provide complementary services such as accessibility analysis, circulation and movement strategies and can draw on company-wide skills such as Fire Safety, Operational Planning, Architecture and Engineering.

Whatever your needs, AECOM can help you to develop safe, efficient, imaginative and reliable solutions for pedestrian movements anywhere in the world.

Welcome

contentsOur CAPAbIlIty

AECOM PrOjECtS

rAngE OF SErvICES

gAMES, MEgA EvEntS And StAdIA

dESIgn OF COMMErCIAl And InStItutIOnAl buIldIngS

PublIC rEAlM And ShArEd SPACE

IntErChAngE PlAnnIng And StAtIOn dESIgn

trAnSPOrt FOr lOndOn

Capacity Problem

Client Design

Demand & Routeing

Static AnalysisDesign Acceptable?

Guidance and Standards

Modelling

Feedback results from Static Analysis

Emergency Scenario

Other Scenario

Normal Scenario

Refinement

Acceptability

Solution

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AECOM is one of the largest, most respected and experienced transportation consultancies in the UK with a reputation for technical excellence in both its planning and engineering disciplines.

At AECOM we provide an efficient and effective interface between transport planning and modelling, and urban design and masterplanning of the public realm.

the team has particular experience in planning major sporting events, rail station improvements and whole-metro concept designs.

We have performed a variety of roles, ranging from independent advisor for major event centres and transport systems, through to large multi-disciplinary projects requiring us to work alongside other experts to produce an integrated design. In doing so, AECOM has helped to solve problems relating to circulation and movement strategies, whilst incorporating the need for refinement and efficiency.

At AECOM our professionals have extensive experience of solving our clients’ problems via a range of pedestrian analysis and modelling techniques; this document outlines the range of services that the pedestrian modelling team can offer using different, state of the art tools and techniques.

our capability

AECOM has undertaken a wide range of interesting and challenging projects of varying scale and size in areas such as Rail, Light Rail/Metro, Major Sporting Events, Public Realm, and so on, which have involved the application of pedestrian planning and modelling skills.

A selection of these is outlined at the end of this document, after first explaining the tools and techniques used to inform our projects.

SPATIAL ANALYSISWe offer various approaches to the analysis of space: from ‘static’ calculations of infrastructure capacity based on first principles and industry standards, to more advanced approaches using specialist software. Examples may include investigating key routes, way finding and natural surveillance using axial line and visibility graph analysis. In all cases we can provide testing of, and input to, designs– at all stages of their development.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSISWe recognise that the qualitative assessment of plans, especially at early stages of design, can be vital to identify issues not highlighted by a purely numeric approach.

to this end, we have developed our capability in qualitative audits, for pedestrians and cyclists respectively. Moreover, the needs of specific groups, such as persons of reduced mobility, can benefit from qualitative surveys and audio travel diaries.

LEGION MODELLINGWe are experts in lEgIOn modelling; we undertake model building and analysis at scales ranging from small individual stations to extensive urban realm areas covering many hectares, backed by a wealth of experience. Analyses include standard lEgIOn outputs, such as ‘level of Service’ density maps and video clips from the models, together with bespoke spreadsheet-based numerical and graphical results. We establish evidence to underpin assessments and the development of business cases relating to elements such as infrastructure capacity, crowd safety and the development of operational plans .

DEMAND FORECASTINGWe have extensive experience in developing pedestrian and vehicle demand forecasts from a variety of sources: land use databases, national and local forecasts and industry-specific forecasting tools and methods.

VISSIM MODELLINGAECOM has extensive vISSIM experience on vehicular and urban realm projects and are distributors in the uK for its creators, Ptv. We are at the forefront of use of the new pedestrian module, vISWAlK, with opportunities to contribute to its development.

the vISWAlK module simulates interactions between pedestrian and vehicle flows realistically. traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and normal parts of streets can all be modelled and simulated in vISSIM. the person, as a factor, can be given more effective consideration using the Social Force model utilised in vISSIM.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION MEASURESto address emergency planning requirements, calculations should be undertaken to ensure safe evacuation times can be achieved with any proposed design. In order to provide a robust evidence base for such analysis, it is advised that static calculations are reinforced by micro-simulation modelling of pedestrians in an emergency situation. In addition to planning for emergency conditions, adequate provision should be made for operation of the facility while certain circulation elements are out of use, especially the lifts and escalators and perhaps one or more escape routes.

VISUALISATION FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DECISION MAKINGthe excellent visualisation capabilities of software such as lEgIOn and vISSIM make these powerful tools for architects and planners, enabling them to present their plans graphically to stakeholders and the public. this provides the link between pedestrian planners, architects, and decision makers, who may have little or no planning/modelling background. Moreover, members of the public can readily understand and interpret proposals allowing them to participate in discussions regarding the design of towns, cities and public places.

aecom projects

The Urban Space Team at AECOM has an extensive list of past projects demonstrating our skills within micro-simulation. Listed below are some examples of our previous projects:

Al haram grand Mosque Al Wakrah World Cup Stadium 2022 Arlesey train Station

bank underground Station

Canning town underground Station Cardiff Mill Clapham junction train Station Colindale underground Station Crossrail

dlr Cutty Sark doha Metro dublin Metro - Airport Stop

Ealing town Earlsfield train Station Edinburgh Park Station Elephant And Castle underground Station

glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games

harlow roundabout Modelling highbury Corner

Inverness train Station

leeds train Station london 2012 hadleigh Farm london 2012 Olympics london City Airport road network lusail Cable Car

Manchester Metro link Marriott School, Stevenage Moscow Multi-story lift lobby Assessment

newcastle Central Station gating Assessment nobel School, Stevenage northampton West development

Papworth hospital Partick train Station Perth train Station

rio Olympic Stadium riyadh Metro

Silvertown Quay Southall road network Stanford-le-hope train Station Swords Metro Station Quarter, Ireland

thetford road network tottenham Court road tramlink Extension, Croydon tyne And Wear gating Assessment

vancouver Airport Fire Station

Waterloo train Station Whitgift Shopping Centre Wimbledon train Station

range of services

At AECOM we have extensive experience and a proven track record of applying the expertise and skills of crowd planning and pedestrian modelling to various spheres of developmental commissions. The following sections briefly outline the major sectors in which we are typically involved.

GAMES, MEGA EVENTS AND STADIAlarge scale events such as sporting events or concerts present challenging conditions for crowd movement. AECOM, working with stakeholders such as venue owners/designers, transport companies and local councils, can provide qualitative and quantitative analysis in order for them to plan and operate events for the comfort and safety of spectators. Weaknesses in the design or operational plans can be identified at initial stages through static analysis. In conjunction with stakeholders, these issues are addressed and further refined through micro-simulation tools.

DESIGN FOR COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGSWe have worked on tourist attractions, hospitals, schools and multi-storey office blocks to assess every conceivable pedestrian-building interaction. this may include assessing lift operation, queue management and ticketing strategies, maximum tour group size, evacuation strategies, building facility layout and so on. Our ability to understand the practical implications of design changes can be invaluable, saving both money and time early in the process.

Planning may include not only the main event itself, but also interim

development stages with ‘test’ events, as well as ‘legacy use’ layouts.

PUBLIC REALM AND REGENERATIONthe crowd planning and pedestrian modelling team work alongside urban designers to develop movement strategies for masterplans. Interconnectivity, journey time, safety and ease of movement in an area all contribute to the perceived attractiveness and hence value of a development site. Our team assesses alternate outline masterplans to provide advice on refinements and amendments in all these areas with a view to achieving solutions that work in the best possible way for pedestrian movement and circulation.

An important component of this work is the successful planning for the movement of both vehicles and pedestrians in the shared space. Pedestrian simulation models for street level operations are created using the relevant software (either lEgIOn or vISSIM). these models are used to evaluate the way in which people would move and interact if the proposed designs for the urban realm were implemented.

INTERCHANGE PLANNING AND STATION DESIGNWe can provide assessments of all movements within a multi-modal interchange, particularly cross-flows which often occur in such a facility. the outcome of such commissions is normally in the form of circulation plans which ensure safe and efficient interface between alternate modes, through identification of desired lines of movement. We also help in allocating amenities in the most strategic

locations, ensuring minimum disruption to pedestrian flows and reducing congestion. One additional key objective is to reduce pedestrian and vehicle conflict and enhance efficient integration amongst them.

With regard to station design, the layout of platforms is a key consideration: it can influence, or be influenced by, the overall structure of the station and how they are intended to operate. Our team can accurately predict minimum sizing requirements based on current and forecast passenger demand.

the efficient design of a space and its allocated functionality, incorporating services such as ticket purchase facilities, amenities, circulation channels, waiting space, travel information and luggage desks increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the station.

Pedestrian planning and crowd modelling techniques assist in achieving this objective, through realistically representing the operation of the station during the peak times and identifying the bottlenecks and pinch points which need design or management interventions to ensure efficient and safe operation. Our outputs are often used to support a business case to secure the investment needed for projects of this nature.

games, mega events and stadia

RIO OLYMPIC GAMES & PARALYMPIC 2016AECOM was commissioned by the public-private partnership (PPP) delivering the infrastructure for the Olympic Park to provide design support.

As part of this support, crowd modelling was undertaken to ensure that the spectator experience will be enjoyable through well thought out connections between venues, sufficient space for enjoying the Park atmosphere and minimised waiting time to enter and exit the Park.

In order to allow the PPP to deliver this vision, the crowd modelling team undertook extensive analysis of the front of house area, working closely together with the masterplanners and venue design teams.

A combination of static analysis and dynamic modelling using the lEgIOn modelling software suite was undertaken to provide an understanding of how the Park might work during the three peak periods expected during the day. the three peak periods considered were: bump-in where spectators are entering the Park for events in the morning, interpeak

where morning session spectators are leaving the Park and afternoon session spectators arrive, and bump-out where spectators leave at the end of evening sessions. due to the size of the Park and the numbers of people moving in and out of the Park daily, this was an important assessment to ensure that elements such as the personal search areas, circulation space and exits were appropriately sized, particularly as there are also safety

the results of the analyses were fed back to the design team and incorporated as part of the Masterplan being developed for the Park.

games, mega events and stadia

AL-MASJID AL-HARAM CROWD FLOW ASSESSMENTAutomated Mataf system conceptual design development.

AECOM was one of three finalists appointed by the Ministry of higher Education, Saudi Arabia, to develop an Automated Mataf System (AMS) for the world’s busiest mosque in Makkah. the challenge was to devise a system that would provide the highest hourly capacity (circa 15,000) for infirm and disabled pilgrims wishing to participate in the religious festivals during hajj and ramadan, yet at the same time not detract from pilgrims’ experience and also minimise the impact on the mosque itself.

the aims of the AMS are to transfer pilgrims from several interchange stations surrounding the mosque to the mosque itself, and to also transport those who require it around the mosque to complete the tawaf and Sa’ai rituals, before transferring them back to their original interchange stations.

GLASGOW 2014: CROWD MODELLING ASSESSMENT - SECC AND HAMPDEN PARK VENUES & LAST MILE ROUTINGAECOM was appointed by glasgow 2014 to undertake crowd flow analysis for two venues: the SECC cluster with five competition halls, and hampden Park – the main athletics stadium and venue for the closing ceremony.

the analysis comprised static analysis and lEgIOn micro-simulation modelling. Our initial phase of work comprised the busiest Arrival, Changeover, bump out, rainy day and Evacuation scenarios for each of the two venues. the SECC cluster included the three main halls, the Clyde Auditorium and the new hydro area, with a combined seating capacity for spectators of circa 18,000 for all five halls during the games. hampden Park was modelled with a seating capacity of circa 44,000 for the games.

RIO 2016 ASSESSMENT BASKETBALL ARENA DESIGNOur pedestrian modelling team undertook micro-simulation modelling using lEgIOn to assess the internal design layout for a proposed arena with circa 12,500 capacity to be used in the rio 2016 Olympics.

the modelling assessed spectator flows for departure and Interval periods, with analysis required for stairs, entrances/exits, concourse circulatory areas, refreshment serving points and toilets. Spectator types included able bodied as well as those with restricted mobility. the lEgIOn outputs were able to identify capacity constraints with some of the proposed facilities, allowing the design team to provide additional facilities where needed in the next iteration of designs.

design of commercial and institutional buildings

BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTUREAs part of the hertfordshire bSF program, AECOM was commissioned to undertake lEgIOn pedestrian simulation modelling to test the proposed designs for both Marriots lonsdale and nobel Schools.

this was to assess the safety, comfort and efficiency of the forecast pedestrian movements within the schools and ensure that a robust design had been put forward. this work highlighted areas of concern based on predicted levels of congestion, and results were presented back to the architects with recommendations on how to alleviate these issues. Following some modifications the models were retested and showed improvements in flows to a level which could be considered acceptable.

PAPWORTH HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT LEGION MODELLINGPrior to Papworth hospital being redeveloped, as part of the tendering process for the redevelopment AECOM supported one of the bidders in the preliminary design process, at the competition stage, for selection of preferred bidder(s).

Micro-simulation modelling of the movement of people in the hospital was carried out using the lEgIOn software suite, in order to assess the initial layout design, to fulfill bid requirements. the modelling helped to highlight any congestion or conflict pinch points in the layout, so that necessary amendments and refinements could be undertaken at a later stage prior to submission of the bid.

public realm and shared space

TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD REDEVELOPMENT MASTERPLANlondon underground limited (lul) commissioned AECOM during the planning stages for a major refurbishment of tottenham Court road underground Station.

this would involve substantial infrastructure changes within the station, alteration of traffic at street level as well as large-scale changes to the surrounding urban realm. Of particular concern was the fact that these changes could have significant impacts upon the pedestrian experience at street level in the areas surrounding tottenham Court road station during the construction works, as well as once the final enhancements were in place.

Subsequently AECOM was commissioned by the contractor (taylor Woodrow bam nuttall joint venture – tWbn) responsible for undertaking the work, to test design stages d3, d4, d5 and d5 Enabling Works.

lEgIOn models were produced for all aspects of this study which enabled the lul project team to plan mitigation measures with confidence that the solutions proposed would work safely and minimize the impact on pedestrians in this busy part of Central london.

public realm and shared space

SOUTHALL SOUTH CORRIDOR REGENERATION/ PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTSAECOM was commissioned to undertake a study to analyse the existing pedestrian flow and behavioural pattern along South road corridor and develop a reference case forecast year lEgIOn model.

this had to represent the additional pedestrian flows likely to be generated after implementation of Southall Crossrail station and West Southall mixed use development. the model was used to develop and assess alternate regeneration/public realm proposals on the South road corridor, from which a recommendation on the preferred option based on multiple performance and evaluation criteria could be made.

CARDIFF MILL LANE CAFE QUARTERthere was concern that proposed plans to move cafe seating areas combined with the opening of a nearby major shopping centre may cause additional pedestrian disruption within the area.

AECOM developed a vISSIM micro simulation model to assess the proposed changes in order to determine whether this concern was valid, and identify and recommend possible solutions. In order to assess the congestion indices at various stages of the pedestrians’ journeys, a subsequent lEgIOn model was also developed and presented to Cardiff Council. the findings from the alternate but complimentary assessments led to recommending the final design layout for Mill lane.

©used under creative commons license CC BY-SA 2.0

interchange planning and station design

QATAR RAIL DOHA METRO SYSTEMAECOM’s pedestrian modelling team supported one of the three design teams commissioned to produce concept station designs for Qatar rail’s new doha Metro system.

the brief required two different layout designs to be put forward for each of seven stations, including three ‘flagship’ stations, generic ‘underground’, ‘elevated’, ‘at grade’ and ‘underground with interchange’ designs.

the pedestrian modelling team undertook initial ‘first principal’ assessments as well as static analysis before building lEgIOn models for all 14 designs to test station performance against the predicted passenger demand in 2026.

having fed back our assessments of the designs, we discussed with the design team where the layout was causing any problems and the recommended series of actions required to resolve this in the most effective manner.

As a result, the design team was able to discuss ideas with the pedestrian modelling team for initial feedback prior to incorporating into the final designs, which were again tested and this time found to meet the performance criteria specified by the client. this process reduced wasted effort, maximised efficiency and ensured an integrated approach to the overall design process.

interchange planning and station design

CROSSRAIL WEST STATIONS PASSENGER FLOW ASSESSMENTnetwork rail commissioned AECOM to deliver design options for 12 stations along the Crossrail West line as part of the governance of railway Investment Projects (grIP) – Stage 4 process. As part of this process, passenger flow assessments were carried out on each station to provide input to the detailed design.

Six stations were modelled dynamically in detail, through the lEgIOn modelling suite, in order to understand passenger movements through a busy station under normal operations, perturbed operations and emergency evacuations.

For the remaining six stations, static assessments were carried out for normal operations and emergency fire evacuations to assess whether the layout would be suitable to be taken forward.

Furthermore, a detailed assessment was carried out for the construction stages at all stations to determine whether passengers could continue to use the station as normal, or if restrictions on routeing and waiting areas would need to be put in place whilst construction hoardings are present.

STATION REDEVELOPMENT AND GATING STUDIES AECOM has undertaken assessments of station upgrades throughout the uK, including performance assessments of revenue protection barriers, circulatory areas including bridges and concourses, platforms and station entry / exit points.

Each station presents its own unique challenge, and often as a result of spatial constraints limiting the options available. Analysis may include assessing queue length and delays, evacuation times, passenger comfort levels and ultimately safety under both normal and evacuation scenarios. Stations assessed include newcastle Central, Partick, Perth, Inverness, Wimbledon, Earlsfield, Elephant & Castle underground and others.

RECONFIGURATION OF DORVAL STATION (MONTREAL, CANADA)transport Quebec proposed implementing major changes to the transportation infrastructure in the heart of the metropolitan region known as the dorval Circle.

the area is an important highway interchange as well as a major multimodal interchange, with the county’s busiest train corridor. AECOM has examined the available options for station configuration which was fed back to the client for inclusion in their design and operational management.

both the dynamic modelling and static assessments were based on industry standards and best practice.

AECOM has a long standing connection with Transport for London (TfL), working together to improve London’s transport system.

london’s vast history has moulded the city that you see today. With roman roads, victorian subways and railways, and post-war motorways, it is a challenge to keep the whole network moving as efficiently as possible. Projects AECOM have worked with in connection with tfl include tottenham Court road Crossrail station, london borough of Ealing network assessment, Southall network assessment and dlr station asssessments.

LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMESOLYMPIC STADIUM PEDESTRIAN ACCESSthe london Olympic Stadium was the centre piece of the 2012 Olympic games.

In order to develop a robust spectator access strategy for the games, a demonstration vISSIM pedestrian model of the access route from West ham tube station to the Olympic Stadium was developed. the level of Service (an indicator of crowding/ congestion) for the pedestrian route from/to the station was calculated (and represented graphically) at critical points on the network. As well as the lOS, the journey times between the stadium and the station were reported on. the modelling exercise highlighted several issues which could be put in place in order to reduce congestion on the route.

RUSSELL SQUARE MEDIA TRANSPORT HUB VISSIM MODELLINGAECOM was appointed by lOCOg to develop a detailed vISSIM micro-simulation model, using the pedestrian modelling add-on module, to assess the operation of the Media transport hub at russell Square, bloomsbury.

the complex service staging, loading and dispatch operation and strategies was coded using the vISSIM signal logic subsystem vAP and COM through Excel. this allowed a variety of assumptions to be tested. It was also possible to produce bespoke modeled outputs and logging during the model runs.

transport for london

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