An introduction to microsimulation

An introduction to microsimulation

An introduction to microsimulation

Image provided by Grontmij consultants working on behalf of ANWB

An introduction to microsimulation

Limitations of traffic models

Traffic models represent reality in the context of what is currently known Traffic models cannot be more reliable than their data inputs. They are capable of predicting future traffic flows with infinite precision but only if the input data is 100% accurate and 100% complete. This is impossible! Planning authorities collect as little information as possible, and never a full data set, because of the cost and disruption to traffic Traffic models can only be validated within current social and economic contexts

Limitations of traffic models

What does microsimulation deliver ?

Provides the means to fully test the likely traffic flow responses to proposed network changes at a detailed level Helps transport planners to design road networks, traffic management schemes and UTC systems Outputs 3D visual graphics as well as detailed numerical data Allows variation in traffic flows and conditions to be accounted for in assessments by undertaking and analysing multiple model runs

Allows operational and economic assessments of scheme options and comparison with reference network to be undertaken

How does microsimulation work?

o It works in the same way that road users think o Applies simple rules :

speed / car following

lane changing gap acceptance driver behaviour route choice

How does microsimulation work?

Drivers behave differently

To reflect this, microsimulation assigns parameters which influence:

Speed and overtaking Gaps to move into When to be in the right lane

How does microsimulation work?

Speed :

What speed do I want to do?

What speed can I do? What speed must I do? Do I maintain my speed, accelerate or decelerate?

How does microsimulation work?

Lane Changing :

What lanes can I use now?

What lane do I need to be in soon? Do I need to change lane? Can I change lane?

How does microsimulation work?

Consideration of other vehicles:

Car following : Am I too close? Lane behaviour : Should I slow to let someone else manoeuvre? Gap acceptance : Can I move out now?

How does microsimulation work?

Signals: To model wide area urban traffic flow in congested networks it is essential to include control systems in the simulation In simple networks this might just require the inclusion of fixed time signals In complex networks, because drivers react to changing conditions, signal optimisation and UTC systems can be included.

How does microsimulation work?

Vehicle routeing: Major and minor routes

How does microsimulation work?

Vehicle routeing: Find the quickest way Some drivers will avoid congestion, but others may not Waypoints for longer journeys Route choice advice from ITS Public transport fixed routes

How does microsimulation work?

Vehicle routeing:

Waypoints
strategic and local networks in one model

How does microsimulation work?

Organised chaos : Cause and effect is an important feature of congested road networks. Only microsimulation can model this.

How does microsimulation work?

Microsimulation model inputs

Hardly differ from other modelling system inputs : Principal difference is the dependence on data in smaller time intervals The source of trip demand data is common to all traffic flow models

Microsimulation model inputs

Hardly differ from other modelling system inputs : The development of trip demand matrices is crucial for any form of modelling

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?

Fuzzy modelling = Statistical estimates of outputs ie. no single number answers

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?

1. A platoon builds up behind a lorry (yellow arrow) heading north on the A77 from Stranraer.

2. The platoon approaches the WS2+1 section. The second blue car anticipates overtaking.

What does microsimulation deliver ?

3. The second blue car is the first to overtake.

4. The blue car clears the head of the platoon.

What does microsimulation deliver ?

5. Meanwhile, the maroon Mercedes (arrowed white in Fig.1) has also overtaken. This is the driver's view.

6. The blue car reaches the end of the overtaking section.

What does microsimulation deliver ?

7. The blue and maroon cars speed away from the head of the platoon, enjoying the downstream time benefit.

8. The rest of the platoon exits the overtaking section, heading north to the next one.

What does microsimulation deliver ?

What does microsimulation deliver ?