Simulation of bi-directional pedestrian flow under high densities using a modified social force model

The social force model has been widely used in pedestrian flow studies, but its limitations are also clear. Especially at high densities, it cannot simulate the lane formation in bi-directional flow. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, we propose a new modified social force model. The values of many parameters are reset by sensitivity analysis. In particular, we introduce a new parameter named deflection distance, which becomes a great help for modeling. Based on the video data collected from four large-scale experiments, the validity and robustness of our model are verified. The simulation results in the ring road show that the proposed model can describe the bi-directional movement well: the lane formation can be successful even when the density is as high as 9 ped/m2, and the fundamental diagrams after lane formation can be quantitatively similar to that reported in the experiments. In addition, the simulation results in the straight corridor also help to validate our model. •The social force model is modified for simulating high-density bi-directional flow.•One new parameter named deflection distance is used for bi-directional simulations.•Different scenarios, including ring road and straight corridor, are considered.•The lane formation could be always successful in the high-density simulations.•The simulated fundamental diagram is quantitatively similar to the experimental one.