Modelling the effects of rainfall intensity on pedestrian speed-flow relationships

Chao Yang Shi, Mei Lam Tam, William H.K. Lam, Qingquan Li

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Walking behavior in rainy conditions is very different from that without rain. This paper aims to study the effects of rainfall intensity on pedestrian walking behavior at signalized crosswalks. In the paper, fundamental diagrams such as speed-flow relationships are calibrated in various rainy conditions. The impacts of rainfall intensity on the reduction of walking speed are empirically investigated. Controlled experiments are conducted to collect pedestrian data such as walking speed, flow, bi-directional flow ratio in both no-rain and rain conditions. A generalized pedestrian speed-flow function is proposed and calibrated, taking into account the effects of varied rainfall intensity. The generalized speed-flow function is useful for evaluating the performance of pedestrian facilities, particularly in Hong Kong and other Asian cites with relatively high annual rainfall intensity. The findings could provide better insights into the effects of rainfall intensity on pedestrian walking behavior for assisting engineers/planners in improving the design and operation of pedestrian facilities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTransport and Society - Proceeding of the 22nd International Conference of Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies, HKSTS 2017
EditorsAnthony Chen, Tony N.N. Sze
PublisherHong Kong Society for Transportation Studies Limited
Pages481-488
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789881581464
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017
Event22nd International Conference of Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies: Transport and Society, HKSTS 2017 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: 9 Dec 201711 Dec 2017

Publication series

NameTransport and Society - Proceeding of the 22nd International Conference of Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies, HKSTS 2017

Conference

Conference22nd International Conference of Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies: Transport and Society, HKSTS 2017
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period9/12/1711/12/17

Keywords

  • Fundamental diagrams
  • Pedestrian speed-flow relationships
  • Pedestrians
  • Rainfall intensity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transportation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modelling the effects of rainfall intensity on pedestrian speed-flow relationships'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this