Modeling and Simulation of Traffic Movements at Semiactuated Signalized Intersections
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 6
Abstract
This work presents a microscopic stochastic simulation model that emulates the traffic movements at signalized intersections with semiactuated signal operation. This model uses the Awesim simulation language to implement and facilitate the evaluation of numerous operating scenarios associated with vehicle-actuated control strategies at isolated signalized intersections. A validation procedure was carried out, field data were collected, and delays and green times observed in the field were compared with those estimated by the simulation program. The adequacy of this model to represent real-world systems is shown. The structure of the model and the steps that were followed for its implementation are described. The relationship between simulated delays and the delays obtained from applying the Highway Capacity Manual model is analyzed. The impact of the maximum green time and the unit extension of green time assigned by the actuated system to each phase is also assessed. The model outputs include measures of effectiveness such as total vehicular delay, average green time, and average cycle length.
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Acknowledgments
This paper reports the research developed under financial support provided by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal, and PRODEP III. The writers are grateful to the referees for their valuable comments and contributions that resulted in the improvement of the paper.
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© 2010 ASCE.
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Received: Mar 20, 2009
Accepted: Oct 12, 2009
Published online: Oct 14, 2009
Published in print: Jun 2010
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