Applied maths and modelling · Solid · Dissertation or artefact

Modelling a school evacuation: a maths EPQ idea

Why it works as an EPQ

A network model of corridors and exits, checked against a real drill time, leads to a recommendation you can defend.

Scope and difficulty

Solid. Solid. Use the existing fire plan and published drill times; do not run drills yourself.

The maths

Builds on these A Level topics: Algebra and functions · Kinematics.

You would learn:

• Networks and flows
• Bottlenecks
• Simulation

Learning maths beyond the course is expected in a maths EPQ, but you must understand and explain everything you use.

One possible plan

1. Draw the building as a network with capacities for doors and stairs.
2. Estimate flow rates and walking speeds from sources or careful observation.
3. Model the current plan and compare with the real drill time.
4. Test alternatives and recommend with caveats to your school's safety lead.

Pitfalls

• Safety: never stage a drill or block exits.
• Treating the model as better than the professional plan.

Where to start reading

• Search for: evacuation modelling network flow
• Search for: pedestrian flow rate doorway

Prefer books, lecture notes, journal articles and official data to a single website, and record every source as you read (how to reference).

Making something? Read the artefact guide first: an artefact still needs a research-based written report.

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