Pedestrian distribution characteristics in L-shaped passageway of subway station

To quantitatively describe the uneven distribution characteristics of pedestrians in the direction of passageway width, two indicators—the track belt width and pedestrian distribution dispersion coefficient— were proposed. Calculation methods for these indicators were developed based on a probability and statistics model. Video data were collected from a typical L-shaped passageway in a subway station. The probability density function of pedestrian distribution was fitted under different service levels for various walking stages (straight zone, pre-turn buffer zone, turning zone, and post-turn buffer zone). The dispersion coefficient of pedestrian distribution and the variation law of pedestrian track belt width with walking stage and pedestrian flow were analyzed. The results show that the dispersion degree of pedestrian distribution increases as the pedestrian flow decreases, with greater variation amplitude in the two buffer stages before and after the turn. As pedestrian flow increases, the track belt width expands in all walking stages, with the fastest growth observed during the turning stage. During the turn, the centroid of pedestrian distribution shifts from the central axis of the passageway towards its interior. These insights offer a basis for organizing L-shaped pedestrian flow lines and designing facilities in subway stations.