Saturation Flows at Signal-Group-Controlled Traffic Signals

1997 ◽  
Vol 1572 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarkko Niittymäki ◽  
Matti Pursula
Keyword(s):  
Field Measurements ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Lane Width ◽  
Traffic Composition ◽  
Saturation Flow

The main goal of this research was to update the basic saturation flow values of signalized intersections. The secondary goal was to analyze the effects of certain external factors (such as weather, road, and traffic conditions) on saturation flow. The updating is based on extensive field measurements and simulations. Altogether, about 39,000 queues were observed in this study. Field measurements at 30 locations were made according to the method described in the Highway Capacity Manual and simulations were done with the Helsinki University of Technology HUT-SIM simulator, which was calibrated and carefully validated for Finnish road conditions. A summary of calibration parameters is also presented. The new base value for straight-through lanes is 1, 940 vehicles per hour; the previous value was 1, 700 vehicles per hour. In general, the updated saturation flow values of different lane types are 5 to 20 percent larger than the previous base values. The saturation flow models of different lane types are described. The effects of geometric and traffic composition factors, such as percentage of turning vehicles, traffic composition, lane width, and approach grade, were examined and modeled. Effects of weather, road surface, light conditions, and speed level were also analyzed. The drop in saturation flow was about 20 to 30 percent under slippery road and snowy conditions. In rainy conditions, the drop was smaller, about 10 percent. The effect of speed on saturation flow is also described. The most important results of this 2-year project are the saturation flow values for different lane types, knowledge of the effect of external factors (especially during winter), and the large database, which can be used for other purposes. The possibility of using special signal control programs under bad road conditions is discussed. With these kinds of programs, better safety and higher capacity can be achieved.

Saturation Flow and Capacity of Shared Lanes: Comparative Evaluation of Estimation Methods

1996 ◽  
Vol 1555 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
G. A. Glannopoulos ◽  
Muhammad A. S. Mustafa
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Traffic Volumes ◽  
Saturation Flow Rate ◽  
Saturation Flow

The operation of shared lanes, especially in the case of permitted phasing control, is still considered a complicated task and one for which many procedures and methods have been introduced. Dealt with here is the complexity when left- or right-turn movements or both are made during the unsaturated part of the opposing traffic flow. Three main methods used for estimating the shared lane's saturation flow rate and capacity values—that used in the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and the Canadian methods—were analyzed and evaluated. The methodology for the comparative evaluation was based on two main approaches. In the first approach, example 1 of Chapter 9 of the HCM was used as a case study in which left through and left through right shared lanes exist in permitted phase control. In this case several computer runs were performed using the programs SIDRA and SINTRAL to estimate saturation flow and capacity values of the shared lanes opposed by different traffic volumes of the conflicting movements. Results of this approach showed that the 1985 HCM and ARRB methods are fairly close in estimating saturation flow and capacity, whereas the Canadian method gave considerably different results. Analysis showed that the sensitivity of the Canadian method to estimate saturation flow rates of the shared lane in cases of different levels of opposing traffic was an average of 10 times higher than the average of the two other methods, which were very close in their estimation of levels of opposing traffic volumes. In the second approach, field measurements of saturation flow rate values of shared lanes at different locations and operational conditions were compared with the values estimated by the three methods under the same conditions. Results, based on field observations, revealed that the Canadian method estimates of saturation flow were always lower than the measured values. At low saturation flow values, HCM estimates were slightly higher than the observed values; however, at higher saturation flow rate values. HCM estimates closely matched the observed ones. The ARRB method estimates were quite close to the observed saturation flow values under all of the different conditions considered in the field observation task.

Estimating Intersection Approach Delay Using 1985 and 1994 Highway Capacity Manual Procedures

1996 ◽  
Vol 1555 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Braun ◽  
John N. Ivan
Keyword(s):  
Field Measurements ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
New Technique ◽  
Adjustment Factor ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Left Turn ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
Saturation Flow

The current methods for determining average stopped delay at signalized intersections were studied. Field measurements of average stopped delay were obtained and compared with values computed using both the 1985 and 1994 editions of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). The 1994 HCM uses an equation to predict the progression adjustment factor (PF), a new technique for determining the left-turn adjustment factor for saturation flow rates, and a new set of equations for determining the uniform delay parameter for left-turn lane groups with primary and secondary phasing. Overall, the 1994 HCM produces better estimates of intersection stopped delay than the 1985 HCM.

scholarly journals Determination of Level of Service (LOS) on Different Roads in Kuching Area (A Case study)

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Chen K.C. ◽  
Larry S.T.
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Level Of Service ◽  
Heavy Vehicles ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Lane Width ◽  
Traffic Composition

The concept of Level of Service (LOS) is originated from the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). LOS is a qualitative assessment of the operational performance of a roadway facility based on quantitative performance measures. Many transportation infrastructure funding decisions are based on LOS analysis, and LOS designations are intended to represent user-perceived quality of service. This study has been carried out to determine the LOS on different roads. The profile of study area is in Kuching, Sarawak where five roads with different characteristics and posted speed of urban multilane with 80km/hr and 70km/hr, suburban two-lane two-way with 90 km/hr and 80km/hr had been selected for the studies. Substantial numbers of inputs are required for the LOS analysis and determination based on HCM procedures. These inputs are: a long list of traffic volume collected in different peak hours; traffic composition such as proportion of heavy vehicles in traffic; geometric characteristics such as number of lanes, lane width, shoulder width, and approach grades. Results of the study showed that LOS in the urban multilane is still in satisfactory range with LOS ranging from C to D except for most of the traffic congestion cases in urban multilane at the traffic light junctions and roundabouts. However, LOS in the suburban two-lane two-way is only satisfying in the range of LOS E; hence multilane should be introduced in such cases. Recommendations such as to provide various or multitude modes of transportation needs should be introduced in urban area. Furthermore, a suitable and efficient hierarchy in road system should be provided in suburban areas before turning into urban areas.

scholarly journals An Analysis of the Interactions between Adjustment Factors of Saturation Flow Rates at Signalized Intersections

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wang ◽  
Jian Rong ◽  
Chenjing Zhou ◽  
Xin Chang ◽  
Siyang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Percentage Error ◽  
Heavy Vehicles ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Left Turn ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Lane Width ◽  
Adjustment Factors ◽  
Saturation Flow

An insufficient functional relationship between adjustment factors and saturation flow rate (SFR) in the U.S. Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) method increases an additional prediction bias. The error of SFR predictions can reach 8–10%. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a comprehensive adjusted method that considers the effects of interactions between factors. Based on the data from 35 through lanes in Beijing and 25 shared through and left-turn lanes in Washington, DC, the interactions between lane width and percentage of heavy vehicles and proportion of left-turning vehicles were analyzed. Two comprehensive adjustment factor models were established and tested. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of model 1 (considering the interaction between lane width and percentage of heavy vehicles) was 4.89% smaller than the MAPE of Chinese National Standard method (Standard Number is GB50647) at 13.64%. The MAPE of model 2 (considering the interaction between lane width and proportion of left-turning vehicles was 33.16% smaller than the MAPE of HCM method at 14.56%. This method could improve the accuracy of SFR prediction, provide support for traffic operation measures, alleviate the traffic congestion, and improve sustainable development of cities.

Estimating the Effects of Urban Street Incidents on Capacity

2017 ◽  
Vol 2615 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidin Massahi ◽  
Mohammed Hadi ◽  
Maria Adriana Cutillo ◽  
Yan Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Network Performance ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Signalized Intersection ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Microscopic Simulation ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Urban Streets ◽  
Urban Street ◽  
Incident Duration

The effect of incidents on capacity is the most critical parameter in estimating the influence of incidents on network performance. The Highway Capacity Manual 2010 (HCM 2010) provides estimates of the drop in capacity resulting from incidents as a function of the number of blocked lanes and the total number of lanes in the freeway section. However, there is limited information on the effects of incidents on the capacity of urban streets. This study investigated the effects on capacity of the interaction between the drop in capacity below demand at a midblock urban street segment location and upstream and downstream of signalized intersection operations. A model was developed to estimate the drop in capacity at the incident location as a function of the number of blocked lanes, the distance from the downstream intersection, and the green time–to–cycle length (g:C) ratio of the downstream signal. A second model was developed to estimate the reduction in the upstream intersection capacity resulting from the drop in capacity at the midblock incident location as estimated by the first model. The second model estimated the drop in capacity of the upstream links feeding the incident locations as a function of incident duration time, the volume-to-capacity (V/C) ratio at the incident location, and distance from an upstream signalized intersection. The models were developed on the basis of data generated with the use of a microscopic simulation model calibrated by comparison with parameters suggested in HCM 2010 for incident and no-incident conditions and by comparison with field measurements.

Evaluating the Operational Effect of Narrow Lanes and Shoulders for the Highway Capacity Manual

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (10) ◽  
pp. 558-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Kondyli ◽  
David K. Hale ◽  
Mohamadamin Asgharzadeh ◽  
Bastian Schroeder ◽  
Anxi Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Flow Speed ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Lane Width ◽  
Adjustment Factors ◽  
Manual Methods ◽  
Width Reduction

Unnecessary traffic delays and vehicle emissions have adverse effects on quality of life. To solve the traffic congestion problem in the U.S.A., mitigation or elimination of bottlenecks is a top priority. Agencies across the U.S.A. have deployed several congestion mitigation strategies, such as lane and shoulder width reduction, which aim to adding lanes without significantly altering the footprint of the freeway. A limited number of studies have evaluated the operational benefits of lane narrowing. Although the Highway Capacity Manual does account for lane and shoulder widths, the adjustments that it provides are outdated. The goal of this research was to develop analytical models, compatible with the Highway Capacity Manual methods, to account for lane and shoulder width narrowing, using field data from across the U.S.A. This paper presents a new free-flow speed regression model, which accounts for lane and shoulder widths, and capacity adjustment factors depending on the lane width.

Effect of Bicycles on Capacity of Signalized Intersections

1998 ◽  
Vol 1646 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Patrick Allen ◽  
Joseph E. Hummer ◽  
Nagui M. Rouphail ◽  
Joseph S. Milazzo
Keyword(s):  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
Signalized Intersection ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Flow Adjustment ◽  
Conflict Zone ◽  
Pedestrian Traffic ◽  
Saturation Flow ◽  
The Impact

Although much is known about the operation of signalized intersections, little or no empirical research has been conducted regarding the effect of bicycles on signalized intersection capacity. The purpose of this study was to accurately quantify the effects of bicycles on signalized intersection capacity through the videotaping of several intersections that had significant bicycle traffic. Through the videotaping of intersections in Davis, California, and Gainesville, Florida, a relationship was determined between bicycle volumes and the percent of the green phase during which bicycle traffic occupies a conflict zone between bicycles and right-turning motor vehicles. It was also determined that one can ascertain the total net occupancy due to pedestrians and bicycles by taking the overlapping effects between bicycles and pedestrians into account. Using this total occupancy due to bicycles and pedestrians, one can calculate a saturation flow adjustment factor ( fRph) that reflects the reduction in saturation flow, and ultimately lane group capacity, for lane groups containing vehicles making permissive right turns in the presence of bicycles and pedestrians. The proposed procedure yields lower saturation flows and capacities than the current Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) procedure. In other words, on the basis of empirical data, when combined with pedestrian effects, the impact of bicycles on the saturation flow of lane groups containing right-turning vehicles is probably more detrimental than previously believed, and the capacities of intersections with significant bicycle and pedestrian traffic may be overestimated by using the current HCM procedures.

scholarly journals Effect of increasing rate of tricycles on saturation flows at signalized intersections in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-198
Author(s):  
I.N. Usanga ◽  
R.K. Etim
Keyword(s):  
Field Measurement ◽  
Signalized Intersections ◽  
P Value ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Traffic Condition ◽  
Transit System ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Departure Time ◽  
Saturation Flow

This study involves understanding the effect of tricycles on saturation flow rate at signalized intersections. The goal is to show that intersection dominated by tricycle experience congestion especially at peak periods (morning and evening). This was done by collecting vehicular traffic data, signal timing and geometric data from five (5) signalized intersections at ten (10) cycles. The period covered October, 2015 to June, 2016 for four working days of the week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), between the hours of 7:30 am–9:30 am and 4:30 pm– 6:30 pm. The duration of data collected covered both rainy and dry seasons. Average vehicular departure time during green time was determined and saturation flow obtained through field measurement by the ratio of average vehicular departure time to green time. Highway Capacity Manual method was also used to obtain saturation flow at each study approach. Saturation flow obtained through field measurement and Highway Capacity Manual were compared using independent t-test having t-value of 4.239 and P-value of 0.000 at 20 degree of freedom were obtained. The analysis indicated that P-value is less than 0.05, hence the mean of Highway Capacity Manual 2000 Model (5918.60) was significantly higher than the field measurement (4687.50). The result indicated that the increasing rate of tricycle with non-lane discipline causes congestion at signalized intersection. The findings suggest that the widely used Highway Capacity Manual is not appropriate for determining saturation flow for a mixed traffic with increasing rate of tricycle coupled with non-lane discipline traffic condition. From the analysis, it is recommended that Government should give priority to use of buses as a means of mass transit system so that it can accommodate more commuters than tricycle.

scholarly journals PROGRAMAÇÃO SEMAFÓRICA: UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DE ALGUNS MÉTODOS

TRANSPORTES ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Porto Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Technical Support ◽  
Traffic Signal ◽  
Traffic Intensity ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Saturation Flow

<p>O presente trabalho faz uma análise comparativa entre os métodos desenvolvidos por Greenshields, Maecke, Gleue, Pavel, Webster e pelo Highway Capacity Manual para a programação semafórica de tempo fixo em interseções isoladas. Estes métodos são classificados em dois grupos distintos: os que consideram o conceito do Headway de Saturação como referência e aqueles que preferem adotar o do Fluxo de Saturação. Todas as etapas relevantes do processo de programação semafórica são comentadas e referenciadas a cada um dos métodos citados. Como resultado da análise comparativa verifica-se que os métodos pertencentes ao grupo do Headway de Saturação são mais adequados a nossa realidade, uma vez que suas aplicações demandam menores recursos técnicos e financeiros. Entre os métodos deste grupo, o Método de Maecke demonstrou ser o mais elaborado, principalmente no que se refere a consideração da variação do volume de trafego e do cálculo do tempo entreverdes. Quanto aos fluxos de pedestres estes são considerados de forma superficial por todos os métodos. Isso significa que nenhum deles assegura o correto atendimento da demanda dos fluxos de pedestres.</p><p><strong>Abstract:</strong></p><p>This paper presents a comparative analysis of the methods developed by Greenshields, Maecke, Gleue, Pavel, Webster and the Highway Capacity Manual for fixed-time traffic signal settings for single intersections. These methods were classified according to two distinct groups: the first one considers the Saturation Headway concept as the basis for calculation, the second one takes the Saturation Flow as the main reference. All relevant aspects of each method have been investigated. The results of the comparative analysis have indicated that the methods which take into account the Saturation Headway are more adequate to Brazilian operation conditions, as their use require less resources and technical support. Among the methods in this group, Maecke´s has presented the best performance since it considers variation in traffic intensity and intergreen time. The treatment of pedestrian flows is considered to be superficial in all the methods which have been analysed. That means that none of these methods can assure that pedestrian flows demand is adequately satisfied.</p>

Identification of Operational Design Domain for Autonomous Truck Mounted Attenuator System on Multilane Highways

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110615
Author(s):  
Qing Tang ◽  
Xianbiao Hu ◽  
Hong Yang
Keyword(s):  
Discharge Rate ◽  
Design Domain ◽  
Highway Capacity ◽  
Highway Capacity Manual ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Effective Discharge ◽  
Discharge Rates ◽  
Operational Design ◽  
Traffic Flow Models ◽  
Key Indicators

The Autonomous Truck Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) vehicle system is a technology that leverages connected and automated vehicle (CAV) capabilities for maintenance of transportation infrastructure. Promoted by FHWA and state departments of transportation (DOTs), it is a niche CAV application in leader–follower style, intended to remove DOT workers from the following maintenance truck, to reduce fatalities in work zones. Because practicable guidance for deployment of this technology is largely missing in MUTCD, state DOTs have been making their own deployment criteria. In this manuscript, we focus on the operational design domain (ODD) problem—under what traffic conditions should ATMA be deployed. Modeling efforts are first focused on the derivation of an effective discharge rate that can be associated with a moving bottleneck caused by slow-moving ATMA vehicles on a multilane highway. Then, based on the demand input and discharge rates, microscopic traffic flow models calculate vehicle delay and density, which the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) suggests are key indicators of a multilane highway’s level of service (LOS). In this way, the linkage between AADT and LOS is analytically established. NGSIM data is used for the model validation and shows that the developed model correctly captures the effective discharge rate discount caused by moving bottlenecks. The modeling results demonstrate that roadway performance is sensitive to the K factor and D factor, as well as the operating speed of ATMA and, if LOS = C is a desirable design objective, a good AADT threshold to use would be around 40,000 vehicles per day.

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