Comparison of SimTraffic and VISSIM Microscopic Traffic Simulation Tools in Modeling Roundabouts (original) (raw)
Related papers
Simulation of Observed Traffic Conditions on Roundabouts by Dedicated Software
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012
This study presents a calibration procedure between observed performances of a roundabout and performances obtained by the use of simulation software. Two sets of scenarios different among them only for the traffic flow distribution were analyzed: Free Flow Condition (FFC), from which to derive the average speed profiles along a through movement; and Saturation Flow Condition (SFC), to determine the average stop-line delay along a branch. A multitude of scenarios for single-lane roundabouts has been composed and analyzed in order to evaluate the best combinations of software parameters in the simulation and to minimize errors between observed and simulated performances. 743 Vaiana R. et al. / Procedia -Social and Behavioral Sciences 53 ( 2012 ) 742 -754 represent local traffic conditions. For this reason, it is important for models users to know the real sensitivity of each package on the key input and output parameters which are of interest to the practitioners (researchers, engineers, planners, etc.).
Evaluation of Roundabout Performances Using a Micro-Simulation Software
The growing use of roundabout to solve traffic problems has given rise to a large number of models to predict the performances of a roundabout. Each of these ones allows estimation of several features, such as capacity, approach delays and queue lengths through probabilistic or statistical formulations. The restrictions of these models, as well as the difficulty of their use, especially during oversaturation conditions, have driven researchers to use software that can simulate roundabout users behavior. In this regard the Authors present an extensive campaign of research based on several scenarios of roundabout with the aid of VISSIM micro-simulation tool. So three separate sets of scenarios for single-lane roundabouts are composed and analyzed, in total, 288 scenarios, considering as variables both the geometric features (width of splitter island, external roundabout radius, width of circulatory roadway) and the characteristics of traffic flow (distribution and assignment) and the circulation rules (approach and circulatory speed, priority rules). The evaluation of approach delay for each scenario allows to show the results in terms of level of service offered according to HCM 2010.
Micro Simulation Of Traffic At An Intersection By PTV VISSIM
University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, 2015
The objective of this project is to improve the prevailing traffic congestion at IQRA Roundabout on University Road, Peshawar, Pakistan by implementing software-based microsimulation and modeling. The investigated roundabout comprises six links, which is currently facing heavy traffic congestion due to inadequate planning. To achieve project's goals, traffic data is collected at various links of the selected intersections. This data is then input into a modeling software called VISSIM, which enables the observation of real traffic issues during both peak and non-peak hours. Based on the simulation results, recommendations are made to address the traffic problems effectively. Capacity and delay analysis are also performed at the chosen intersections, with the delay analysis which helped estimate the level of service for each intersection. Furthermore, a comprehensive traffic impact studies are performed on the roundabout using micro-simulation operation tools to identify the predominant causes of congestion and slower vehicular movements. The results are expected to provide a roadmap for improved congestion studies at roundabouts.
The performance of roundabouts can affect urban transport systems in terms of environmental and operational impacts, safety and efficiency. The development of roundabout traffic management and control systems can be carried out through road traffic micro-simulation models which are computer models where the movements of individual vehicles travelling around road networks are determined by using simple car following, lane changing and gap acceptance rules. Unfortunately, despite the great diffusion of these tools, appropriate methods are still needed in order to validate and calibrate these models. In general, the calibration process can be defined in this way: the process of comparing model parameters with real-world data to ensure that the model realistically represents the traffic environment. The objective is to minimize the discrepancy between model results and measurements or observations. The aim of this paper is the presentation of a first comparative approach between observed performances and performances obtained by the use of popular microsimulation software, in particular urban intersections such as roundabouts. In particular, an experimental investigation is designed and carried out in order to acquire some vehicular parameters for a roundabout placed in an urban contest of southern Italy. The calibration process is carried out by an analysis of variance of the kinematic parameters of an n-tuple of roundabout scenarios. This calibration procedure has permitted to derive some important conclusions about the choice of the most significant input parameters for the output results of each simulation scenario. Outcomes of this study are expected to benefit both practitioners and researchers.
Analysis of Non-Conventional Roundabouts Performances through Microscopic Traffic Simulation
Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2014
This research is focused on the applicability, in particular contexts, of roundabouts characterized by a non conventional geometry configuration. The methodology is based on the microsimulation approach, validated through a series of surveys on real case studies and traffic conditions. A microsimulation model (VISSIM, PTV), was applied in order to reproduce roundabouts geometry and to define vehicle flow parameters. The research results allow to evaluate roundabouts level of service as a function of geometric features and to establish the limits connected to the employment of noncircular roundabouts in different traffic scenarios.
A comparative analysis of currently used microscopic and macroscopic traffic simulation software
The Arabian Journal for Science and …, 2009
The significant advancements of information technology have contributed to increased development of traffic simulation models. These include microscopic models and broadening the areas of applications ranging from the modeling of specific components of the transportation system to a whole network having different kinds of intersections and links, even in a few cases combining travel demand models. This paper mainly reviews the features of traditionally used macroscopic and microscopic traffic simulation models along with a comparative analysis focusing on freeway operations, urban congested networks, project-level emission modeling, and variations in delay and capacity estimates. The models AIMSUN, CORSIM, and VISSIM are found to be suitable for congested arterials and freeways, and integrated networks of freeways and surface streets. The features of AIMSUN are favorable for creating large urban and regional networks. The models AIMSUN, PARAMICS, INTEGRATION, and CORSIM are potentially useful for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). There are a few simulation models which are developed focusing on ITS such as MITSIMLab. The TRAF-family and HUTSIM models attempt a system-level simulation approach and develop open environments where several analysis models can be used interactively to solve traffic simulation problems. In Saudi Arabia, use of simulation software with the capability of analyzing an integrated system of freeways and surface streets has not been reported. Calibration and validation of simulation software either for freeways or surface streets has been reported. This paper suggests that researchers evaluate the state-of-the-art simulation tools and find out the suitable tools or approaches for the local conditions of Saudi Arabia.
Operating speed profiles approaching a roundabout: experiments and micro-simulation
It is well known that roundabouts performance can affect urban transport systems in terms of safety, environmental and operational impacts. Roundabout traffic management and control can be carried out by using road traffic microsimulation models. Unfortunately, for these tools appropriate methods are still needed in order to validate and calibrate these models. On the other hand, the operating speed-profile is a useful tool for the analysis of safety issues on existing roads or intersections. As far as a roundabout is present, models and tools are needed to estimate a reliable operating speed-profile on the road section along which driver speed behaviour is affected by the intersection. Consequently, the object of the paper is to analyse operating speed vs. geometry relationship and to calibrate a micro-simulation model, based on experimental investigations and simulations. In light of the above fact, driver speed behaviour (approaching and departing from roundabouts) was studied and a procedure to predict the operating speed-profile along a road section characterized by the presence of a roundabout was developed. A traffic micro-simulation model was used and its results were compared with experimental data. Micro-simulation outputs and data modelling permitted to derive some important conclusions about operating speed-profiles of each simulation scenario. Outcomes of this study are expected to benefit both practitioners and researchers.
2012
Nowadays, the functional design of a road junction is carried out by the use of the microsimulation models software, but it is important to underline that, despite the great diffusion of these instruments, there has not been the same improvement of appropriate methods in order to validate and calibrate these models. The main target to pursue is to know which and how many input parameters are most significant for the variation of output results that microscopic simulation software is able to provide. In this study, Authors present and complete a calibration procedure between observed performances of a roundabout placed in a city in province of Cosenza (ITALY) and performances obtained by the use of micro-simulation software (VISSIM). Two sets of scenarios different among them only for the traffic flow distribution were analyzed: Free Flow Condition (FFC), from which to derive the average speed profiles along a through movement; and Saturation Flow Condition (SFC), to determine the av...