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Traffic simulation software has become increasingly more popular as a traffic analysis tool used in transportation analyses. One reason for this increase in the use of simulation is the need to model and analyze the operation of complex transportation systems under congested conditions. Where some analytical techniques break down under these types of conditions, simulation shines. However, despite the widespread use of traffic simulation software, there are a variety of conflicting thoughts and practices on how simulation should be used.
The purpose of the Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software is to provide a recommended process for using traffic simulation software in transportation analyses. The guidelines provide the reader with a seven-step process that begins with project scope and ends with the final project report. The process is generic, in that it is independent of the specific software tool used in the analysis. In fact, the first step in the process involves picking the appropriate tool for the job at hand. It is hoped that these guidelines will assist the transportation community in creating a more consistent process in the use of traffic simulation software.
This document serves as Volume III in the Traffic Analysis Toolbox. Other volumes currently in the toolbox include: Volume I: Traffic Analysis Tools Primer and Volume II: Decision Support Methodology for Selecting Traffic Analysis Tools.
The intended audience for this report includes the simulation analyst, the reviewer of simulation analyses, and the procurer of simulation services.
Jeffery A. Lindley,
P.E.
Director
Office of
Transportation Management
This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained in this document.
The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers' names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the object of the document.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement.
1. Report No. FHWA-HRT-04-040 |
2. Government Accession No. |
3. Recipient's Catalog No. | |
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4. Title and Subtitle Traffic Analysis Toolbox |
5. Report Date June 2004 | ||
6. Performing Organization Code | |||
7. Author(s) Richard Dowling, Alexander Skabardonis, Vassili Alexiadis |
8. Performing Organization Report No. | ||
9. Performing Organization Name and Address Dowling Associates, Inc. |
10. Work Unit No. | ||
11. Contract or Grant No. DTFH61-01-C-00181 | |||
12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
Office of Operations |
13. Type of Report and Period Covered Final Report, May 2002 to August 2003 | ||
14. Sponsoring Agency Code | |||
15. Supplementary Notes FHWA COTR: John Halkias, Office of Transportation Management | |||
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16. Abstract This report describes a process and acts as guidelines for the recommended use of traffic microsimulation software in transportation analyses. The seven-step process presented in these guidelines highlights the aspects of microsimulation analysis from project start to project completion. The seven steps in the process include: 1) scope project, 2) data collection, 3) base model development, 4) error checking, 5) compare model MOEs to field data (and adjust model parameters), 6) alternatives analysis, and 7) final report. Each step is described in detail and an example problem applying the process is carried through the entire document. The appendices to report contain detailed in information covering areas such as: a) traffic microsimulation fundamentals, b) confidence intervals, c) estimation of simulation initialization period, d) simple search algorithms for calibration, e) hypothesis testing of alternatives, and f) demand constraints. This is the third volume in a series of volumes
in the Traffic Analysis Toolbox. The other volumes currently in the Traffic
Analysis Toolbox are: | |||
17. Key Words Traffic simulation, traffic analysis tools, highway capacity, simulation guidelines |
18. Distribution Statement No restrictions. This document is available to the public through the National Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161. | ||
19. Security Classification (of this report) Unclassified |
20. Security Classification (of this page) Unclassified |
21. No. of Pages 146 |
22. Price |
Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
