Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors
Underground metro stations are integral to urban transit infrastructure, and ensuring their safety during fire emergencies is crucial. This study proposes a novel evacuation strategy for underground metro stations wherein a segment of evacuees descends to the platform level via train, while the rema...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Systems |
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| author | Heng Yu Yijing Huang Haiyan He |
| author_facet | Heng Yu Yijing Huang Haiyan He |
| author_sort | Heng Yu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Underground metro stations are integral to urban transit infrastructure, and ensuring their safety during fire emergencies is crucial. This study proposes a novel evacuation strategy for underground metro stations wherein a segment of evacuees descends to the platform level via train, while the remaining individuals evacuate upward to the ground level through station exits. A novel safety assessment methodology is established to evaluate fire evacuation efficacy, incorporating the cumulative effects of smoke, elevated temperatures, carbon dioxide, and reduced oxygen levels. Employing an actual underground metro station in Guangzhou, China, as a case study, fire and evacuation models were developed to compare the traditional upward evacuation method with the proposed partial downward evacuation strategy. The analysis reveals that both evacuation strategies are effective under the assessed fire scenario. However, the partial downward evacuation is completed more swiftly—in 385.5 s compared to 494.8 s for upward evacuation—thereby mitigating smoke inhalation risks, as the smoke height remains above the critical threshold of 1.8 m for a longer duration than observed in the upward evacuation scenario. Simulations further indicate that neither high temperatures nor carbon monoxide concentrations reach hazardous levels in either evacuation mode, ensuring evacuee safety. The study concludes that, with appropriate training arrangements and under specific fire and evacuation conditions, the partial downward evacuation strategy is safer and more efficient than upward evacuation. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c194417ee9e144f7b16750a0e3f7f082 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2079-8954 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Systems |
| spelling | doaj-art-c194417ee9e144f7b16750a0e3f7f0822025-08-20T03:08:06ZengMDPI AGSystems2079-89542025-07-0113754910.3390/systems13070549Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful FactorsHeng Yu0Yijing Huang1Haiyan He2School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, ChinaSchool of Emergency Management, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, ChinaSchool of Emergency Management, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, ChinaUnderground metro stations are integral to urban transit infrastructure, and ensuring their safety during fire emergencies is crucial. This study proposes a novel evacuation strategy for underground metro stations wherein a segment of evacuees descends to the platform level via train, while the remaining individuals evacuate upward to the ground level through station exits. A novel safety assessment methodology is established to evaluate fire evacuation efficacy, incorporating the cumulative effects of smoke, elevated temperatures, carbon dioxide, and reduced oxygen levels. Employing an actual underground metro station in Guangzhou, China, as a case study, fire and evacuation models were developed to compare the traditional upward evacuation method with the proposed partial downward evacuation strategy. The analysis reveals that both evacuation strategies are effective under the assessed fire scenario. However, the partial downward evacuation is completed more swiftly—in 385.5 s compared to 494.8 s for upward evacuation—thereby mitigating smoke inhalation risks, as the smoke height remains above the critical threshold of 1.8 m for a longer duration than observed in the upward evacuation scenario. Simulations further indicate that neither high temperatures nor carbon monoxide concentrations reach hazardous levels in either evacuation mode, ensuring evacuee safety. The study concludes that, with appropriate training arrangements and under specific fire and evacuation conditions, the partial downward evacuation strategy is safer and more efficient than upward evacuation.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/7/549safetysimulationfire engineeringmetro stationdownward evacuation |
| spellingShingle | Heng Yu Yijing Huang Haiyan He Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors Systems safety simulation fire engineering metro station downward evacuation |
| title | Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors |
| title_full | Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors |
| title_fullStr | Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors |
| title_full_unstemmed | Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors |
| title_short | Safety Analysis of Partial Downward Fire Evacuation Mode in Underground Metro Stations Based on Integrated Assessment of Harmful Factors |
| title_sort | safety analysis of partial downward fire evacuation mode in underground metro stations based on integrated assessment of harmful factors |
| topic | safety simulation fire engineering metro station downward evacuation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/7/549 |
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