Abstract:
Social force model (SFM), a microscopic model, is an effective method in modeling
pedestrian walking behavior. Social force model assumes that the walking behavior of
pedestrian is influenced by a series of forces. Modeling Pedestrian-vehicular interactions
using social forces model is in very nascent stage especially for mixed traffic conditions.
Very few studies have modeled signalized crosswalk with permitted left turning vehicles
which interact with pedestrians. Authors also have not found any social force models for
midblock crossings which is a very important pedestrian facility from safety' point of view.
Hence there is a need for vehicular social force model and gap acceptance model which will
help in modeling crosswalks. The objective of this study is to create a pedestrian-vehicular
Social force model which can simulate pedestrians as well as vehicles and their interactions
for intersection as well as midblock crossings with modifications to represent mixed traffic
conditions. The proposed model has a pedestrian SFM component. Vehicular SFM
component Pedestrian Gap acceptance model which is introduced. Also, the Pedestrian-
Vehicular force is modified by adding a new factor to model the difference in forces exerted
by different type of vehicles.
