Using Agent-Based Modeling to Calculate an Ease Score: Evacuation with Acceptable Simplicity in Emergencies

This research seeks to provide a metric for the ease of evacuating a building in case of fire. The proposed Evacuation with Acceptable Simplicity in Emergencies (EASE) score combines multiple metrics related to code compliance, path simplicity, exit availability, total travel, and congestion that were calculated from agent-based simulation. The agent-based model was created in open source software called BuildingComplexity, a Unity software application designed to allow novices to model building floorplans quickly. Results for seven buildings are presented. An attempt at EASE score validation through human surveys revealed participants' challenges in interpretating of floor plans consistently. The BuildingComplexity software offers an agile, iterative alternative for assessing evacuation ease, and while not fully validated, the EASE score demonstrates a useful proof of concept for quantifying patterns of building layouts that might be otherwise difficult to describe.