Abstract

This research paper describes a simulation model that was implemented as an evacuation efficiency evaluation software tool. Currently, according to experts, evaluation of the evacuation schemes in Latvia is done based on field experiments. This has been shown to result in an inefficient allocation of human resources and interruption of the study process at school. Consequently, a simulation model for a school's evaluation was required that does not rely on field experimentation. Using (a) the data provided by the school's administration and (b) simulation modelling methodology, a decision support system for an evaluation of an evacuation process was developed and tested. This system supplies the school's administration with information about the problem areas in the current evacuation process. The simulation process results are analyzed in a data collection environment (graphs, diagrams, tables etc.) that was developed using the JAVA programming language. The hypothesis of a successful simulation model was tested applying the Mann-Whitney test and found to be credible. Based on the findings, a number of recommendations were developed for increasing the efficiency of the evacuation process in buildings sharing the layout of the school tested here. With necessary adjustments, the developed simulation model can be recommended for evaluating evacuation schemes in buildings with similar layouts, and possibly for implementation beyond Latvia.