ANALYSIS OF URBAN ROAD TRAFFIC THROUGH SIMULATION

Abstract

Urban traffic flow on Indian roads is quite complex, to analyse. The main factor that can be attributed for this is the prevailing mixed traffic. The static and dynamic characteristics of the slow-moving vehicles like bicycles, cycle-rickshaws, bullock carts and fast-moving vehicles like cars, buses, trucks, auto-rickshaws, scooters vary widely. These vehfcles use the same roadway space without any physical segregation. Due to interactive nature of traffic, neither a mathematical model nor a physical model is amenable for carrying out experimental studies. Digital simulation models are better suited for studying traffic systems as they are more efficient, economic and flexible. In the present study an attempt has been made to develop a simulation model with the field data obtained from the urban mid-block sections in Delhi. The sections considered are of six lane divided highway type with three lanes in each direction. From the field data, a number of mathematical and logical algorithms have been developed as component models for the simulation. These component models are integrated to form an operational system which has been coded in 'C' language for dynamic processing on a high speed digital computer. The model is capable of incorporating five different type of vehicles, viz., car, HV, 3-W, 2-W and bicycle. The performance of the model has been validated both at micro and macro levels by comparing the output information from the model with the corresponding field data. Simulation runs are performed for uniform traffic at different volume levels and for mixed traffic consisting of two types of vehicles including passenger car and one of the remaining four types of vehicles. Speed-volume relationships have been derived for the above combinations. The results indicate that interaction between vehicles is a function of volume level, type and traffic composition. Variation in PCU values for different vehicle types with traffic volume and compositions have also been studied. It is possible to evaluate the effects of changing any traffic variable (i.e., volume, composition of traffic) on traffic performance. This information is of immense use. to decision-makers in the areas of traffic operations and urban road planning. iii