Simulation of station dynamics
1) Integration and simulation of timetables and rolling stock - For analyzing passenger flows, SimWalk Transport models all the station dynamics. The arrival of passengers by train, metro or bus is modelled by integration of actual timetables for a certain time period in RailML or other formats.
By integration of network simulation data (Opentrack), resprective arrival delays can be considered to optimize timetable planning. train combinations and coach types are available through a predefined object library and can be configured at wish. If needed, simulation of train interiors can be included.
2) Boarding and alighting- Boarding and alighting from train coaches are simulated by the parameters of coach type (door width, opening time etc), the number of passengers and passenger type and behavior.
3) Connection assignment - SimWalk Transport allows to assign every predefined group of passengers a certain connection (e.g. 20% of train A on track 2 try to catch train B on track 6). Assigned passengers walk the shortest path to the predefined connection if not determined otherwise.
Evaluation of station operations and objects
1) Facility design analysis - Based on the simulation of station dynamics and passenger movements, general station operation and design regarding levels of service and efficiency may be analyzed. Among others, train and passenger dwell times, suitability of timetables and train connections as well as passenger transfer times are analysis measures.
2) Object analysis - In detail, SimWalk Transport allows comprehensive analysis of every station object or area ( platforms, corridors, ramps, stairs, elevators etc.) regarding design and efficiency ( bottlenecks, high densities, etc).
Integration of rail network simulation data
1) Integration of Opentrack network data - SimWalk Transport allows to directly integrate railway network simulation data of Opentrack simulation software.
2) Network to station data - To extend simulation capabilities to whole transport networks, SimWalk transport provides easy integration of Opentrack railway network simulation data. Opentrack delivers simulated station data with (e.g. delayed) arrival and departure times that can be integrate into SimWalk Transport station scenarios to generate more realistic input data.
Emergency and evacuation simulation
1) "On the run" evacuation simulation- Evacuation scenarios can be modelled in SimWalk Transport "on the run", user triggered by an incident during normal operations. Upon this incident or signal, passengers try to reach the nearest emergency exit or any other predefined exit.
2) Egress time and security- Evacuation simulation of transport facilities allows to analyze egress time of passengers to safe locations as well as general station design efficiency to enhance fast and timely egress.
Commercial management
1) Non-transport behavior and activities - In real life, modern stations and terminals are more than just transit facilities, including additional activities as shopping, loitering or leisure activities. All these different activities must be included into the general passenger flow behavior simulation for realistic results. In SimWalk Transport, passenger groups may be assigned shopping behavior and visiting of shops or loitering in station areas to catch for example the next train.
2) Analysis for commercial management- Why is the simulation of commercial passenger behaviors important? Firstly, non-transport behavior directly influences the capacity of station areas and objects for transportation purposes. Secondly, the commercial operations and management of stations is increasingly a separat business that has to be managed accordingly. SimWalk transport allows to take this into account, for example by showing attractive locations for commercial activities and various other means of analysis.
SimWalk Transport 3D
1) Integrated SimWalk 3D module - SimWalk Transport offers 2D as well as 3D visualization of simulation results. A 3D Rendering Engine module is integrated in SimWalk Transport in order to visualize 3D station designs and passengers.
2) 3D model building - 3D visualizations can be built in Autotdesk 3ds Max with respective human models, either self constructed or self customized and delivered by Savannah Simulations.
