Optimal feedback control of pedestrian counter flow in bidirectional corridors with multiple inflows.

• The general speed-density diagram of bidirectional pedestrian flow is proposed. • The speed-density diagram of bidirectional pedestrian flow is calibrated by the experimental data. • The pedestrian counter flow is simulated by using the collection of ordinary differential equations. • A pedestrian counter flow control model is proposed to avoid blocking in bidirectional corridors. In this paper, we develop a control model for pedestrian counter flow to avoid blocking in bidirectional corridors. Considering the conflict between two streams, we formulate a general speed-density diagram of bidirectional pedestrian flow based on the previous models in the literature. To accommodate a possible inhomogeneous pedestrian density along the corridor and inflows from various directions, the corridor is divided into several sections. A pedestrian counter flow model is developed to simulate the pedestrian flow between sections by using a collection of ordinary differential equations. The control objective is proposed based on user equilibrium and a capacity-oriented principle, and a linear feedback control model is developed to achieve a controlled inflow that reduces the density of each section to an acceptable level. The level of service of the corridor is improved, and blocking is eliminated by the proposed control model. Finally, sensitivity analysis suggests that the model performance can be improved if the conflict level is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]