STEPS is a state-of-the-art software tool for simulating pedestrian dynamics under

both normal and emergency conditions. The analysis of people movement is

rapidly becoming a requirement in the design and operation of many types of
facilities. Using STEPS to optimise people movement can reduce the cost of
building design, provide a more agreeable environment, assist emergency egress
management and maximise retail potential.

Analysing pedestrian dynamics with STEPS

STEPS permits professionals such as transport planners, fire engineers
and architects to evaluate building designs and operational processes in
a robust and scientific manner. The software is capable of simulating
pedestrian movement and behaviour in relation to a diverse range of
buildings and built environments. This capability is provided through
functionality that includes:

Modelling environment
• A 3D approach, enabling efficient and intuitive model building and simulation
• Modelling of complex multilevel facilities such as transport interchanges, stadia
and high-rise buildings
• Direct 2D and 3D CAD import in standard file formats (e.g. DXF and FBX)

BIM Interface
• A Building Information Modelling (BIM) interface, with an xBIM library to import
BIM ifc files
• Automatic creation of detailed 3D geometry offering enhanced rendering
• Functional import, with automatic creation of circulation area, exits, blockages
and basic stairs allowing for rapid modelling and early results feedback

Representation of people
• Individual people with unique attributes including walking speed, patience, and
environment familiarity
• Large library of People Models, including PRM options, and user import option
• User definable parameters such as pre-movement delay, walking speed/density
relationship and route choice

Simulating evacuation
• Evacuation or transition from normal operations to the evacuation process (e.g.
to simulate phased building evacuations)
• Import smoke data from CFD and zone models (Fluent, FDS and CFAST)
• Time dependent blockages, such as an exit obstructed due to smoke

Simulating normal operations

• Routing of movement based on user defined objectives
• Waiting zones for replicating behaviour at ticket machines, information points,
pedestrian junctions and retail outlets
• Objectives and waiting criteria based on stochastic choices or local conditions,
such as queue length, density or train arrival
• Advanced elevator modelling based on CIBSE D
Output
• 2D and 3D still images and animations in multiple
file formats
• Numerical data output such as Fruin Level of
Service (LOS), flow rates, waiting time, queue
length, journey time, usage and egress time
• Record and Playback feature for easy analysis

Verification and validation

The validity of STEPS is assessed through:
• Fundamental verification tests
• Comparison with accepted building codes and
standards (eg NFPA 130 and IMO 1033)
• Comparison with full scale tests and real-life
observations

Applications
STEPS is used by many leading companies,
government organisations and global consultancies, and
is one of the most widely used pedestrian modelling
tools.

Examples of its application include:

• London Heathrow Terminal 5 (rail and transit
systems), UK
• New Yankee Stadium, New York, USA
• Delhi Airport, India
• Grand Central Station, New York, USA
• North/South Metro line, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• MTR Sha Tin to Central Link, Hong Kong
• World Trade Center Transportation Hub, New York,
USA
• City Line, Stockholm, Sweden
• New Wembley Stadium, London, UK
• Bahrain City Centre shopping mall, Kingdom of
Bahrain
• Building Schools for the Future Programme, UK
• Adelaide Oval, Australia
• Maracaibo Metro, Venezuela

Making STEPS work for you

STEPS can be licensed on either an annual or a
perpetual basis and comes with regular upgrades and
comprehensive technical support. The software
installation includes tutorials and comprehensive help
documentation. Additionally, individual or group training
is available on
request.

For a free demonstration licence and more information

about the STEPS software, or for further details about
our pedestrian modelling and design consultancy
service, please visit our website or contact us