Observed Trends in Human Behavior Phenomena within High-Rise Stairwells

Abstract

Sections of four stairwells within two different high-rise office buildings are examined to observe trends in specific human behavior phenomena, and the effects that these actions may have on descent times and flows of the descending populations. Human behavior phenomena analyzed are platoon movement, passing behavior, and merging behavior. Platoons are found to move in three distinct patterns: platoon 1) elongation, 2) compression, 3) equilibrium. Passing and merging behavior demographics based on gender and exit lane usage are presented. In addition, descent time patterns of those following passing events and observed flows of occupants after a merging event are presented.