Analytical Methods in Transportation: Digital Simulation of Traffic

A review of some of the recent work in the field of digital simulation is presented. The review includes a brief description of models that were developed to study (1) traffic control at intersections, (2) operation of merging areas of a freeway, and (3) traffic flow on a multi-lane freeway. A detailed description of a new freeway simulation model is presented. The model represents either a three or four lane freeway having either left-hand or right-hand ramps. Various combinations of passenger and commercial traffic can be generated in the computer. The model will be used in the study of traffic flow on a freeway. A second model for the study of rear-end collisions is also described. This model will be used to analyze the probability of an accident if an emergency braking situation occurs. This probability will be examined under various traffic volumes and mean velocities.