Exploring Immersive Virtual Reality Environments to Simulate Pedestrian Evacuation in Post-Disaster Scenarios

Ferreira, Tiago Miguel; Silverio, Ana Karina; Prabhakaran, Abhinesh; Leon, Marianthi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121846 Copy

Description

Title

Exploring Immersive Virtual Reality Environments to Simulate Pedestrian Evacuation in Post-Disaster Scenarios

Author(s)

• Ferreira, Tiago Miguel
• Silverio, Ana Karina
• Prabhakaran, Abhinesh
• Leon, Marianthi

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

• Seismic risk
• Virtual reality
• Pedestrian evacuation
• Risk management

Abstract

Seismic risk evaluation in urban areas is crucial for effective urban planning and management. To date, urban risk analyses, including the assessment of the physical and social vulnerability of assets and people, have been almost exclusively supported by 2D GIS-based tools. Although they are beneficial for managing and mapping information, they are limited in how data can be visualised and updated in real-time – a critical aspect for effective decision-making associated with risk management and emergency planning. This paper presents and discusses the first results of a seed research project funded by the College of Arts, Technology and Environment of UWE Bristol, whose primary objective is to explore the use of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) environments to represent damages and simulate pedestrian evacuation in post-disaster scenarios. A part of the Historic City Centre of Coimbra, Portugal, is used as a case study area to investigate the potential of such environments. Data for the assessment was collected through a series of fieldwork campaigns carried out between September 2020 and November 2021, using data collection sheets developed specifically for that purpose. Two hundred eighty-four buildings were assessed and used to simulate a damage scenario for the maximum historical intensity in the city. Such a scenario was then used to build an immersive virtual environment with Unity3D, which will be used in the near future for educational and training purposes. If effective, the objective is to expand it in the future so it can be used to support optimised decision-making, not only for post-earthquake scenarios but also for other types of natural and anthropogenic hazards, allowing for a more immersive and interactive approach to assess and manage risk in urban centres.

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121846

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