On the modeling of dynamic queue formation and decision-making in pedestrian dynamics simulations

This work presents two distinct and novel approaches to simulating dynamic queue formation and route decision-making in pedestrian systems. Queue formation is modeled by detecting pedestrians within a specific cutoff distance from others already in line, altering movement forces and leading to organized queuing behavior. Two distinct methodologies are introduced to simulate dense, compressed formations and elongated, thin lines. A parametric analysis assesses how queue dimensions depend on model parameters. Additionally, we introduce a simple criterion for route selection based on the identification of queuing agents, prioritizing the most time-efficient route while accounting for delays caused by queues. Dynamic route changes are modeled by shifting between multiple pre-calculated velocity maps for each potential exit. Finally, both queuing and decision-making approaches are combined to study how queues affect route choice. Our results predict that pedestrian decision is influenced by the type of queue forming before the gates.