Modeling influencing factors in a microscopic traffic simulator

Microscopic traffic simulation is an important tool for traffic analysis and dynamic traffic management as it enables planners to evaluate traffic flow patterns, predict and evaluate the outcome of various response plans and assists in decision making. It is a vital tool for traffic management centers and can be helpful in developing contingency plans to enhance the safety and security of the transportation system. This thesis investigates the current state-of-the-practice in traffic microsimulation tools. A survey was developed and administered to developers. Results of the survey indicate critical gaps in including influencing external factors beyond the interaction of vehicles, such as incidents, work zones, or inclement weather, in traffic simulators. This thesis introduces a framework for incorporating such factors in existing models. The nature of the influencing factors limits disaggregate trajectory data collection generally needed to estimate driving behavior models. Therefore, an approach using aggregate calibration to refine and enhance existing driving behavior models is formulated. The aggregate calibration methodology is illustrated with a case study incorporating the effects of weather in driving behavior models using a freeway corridor in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Sterzin, Emily D., 1979-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Moshe E. Ben-Akiva and Tomer Toledo.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29398

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/29398