Assessing the relationship between recurring and nonrecurring traffic congestion

This discussion develops an approach for using fractal geometry and diffusion limited aggregation to describe highway traffic flow. The formulation is platoon based and is most applicable for describing uninterrupted-flow facilities. The model explains empirical models in terms of fractal dimensions. The concepts of change in length of a platoon and a discrete spacing unit are described for the first time in this paper. Boundary values of various fractal dimensions are calculated for different HCM freeway LOS designations. A state of flow equation established in the model represents both microscopic and macroscopic aspects of a traffic stream. Using the same traffic flow model, recurring and nonrecurring types of congestion were quantified. A congestion evaluation index was developed to address the two types of congestion which can also be used as an performance-measure in monitoring a Congestion Management System (CMS). A few ideas were suggested for quantifying indirect benefits of CMS and furthering the present research trend.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Civil Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1994

Author dc:creator

• Kuchi, Mahathi B.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Drew, Donald R.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Walker, Richard D.
• Trani, Antonio A.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-06102009-063124

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/42984