Network
- Publication no: AP-R350-10
- ISBN: 978-1-921709-07-4
- Published: 1 January 2010
- PDF (free) Download
The evaluation of road network operation schemes often requires the use of modelling to forecast the performance of proposals. There is a variety of modelling techniques available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Certain modelling techniques are also more resource intensive than others. It is important that the modelling technique used is suitable and cost-effective in relation to the requirements and context of the scheme being evaluated. The selection of the wrong modelling technique could compromise traffic engineering decisions and/or resources spent on modelling could be wasted.
Concerns for the environment require that the evaluation of network operation schemes also includes indicators of emissions and fuel consumption. Modelling techniques therefore need to cover this aspect.
Austroadsproject NS1371 (Guidelines for Selecting Techniques for the Modelling and Analysis of Network Operations including Environmental Impacts) aims to address these issues.
- SUMMARY
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. MODELLING TECHNIQUES
- 2.1. Major Categories
- 2.1.1. Analytical Modelling
- 2.1.2. Simulation
- 2.2. Interface of Techniques
- 2.3. Alternatives to Modelling
- 2.4. Summary
- 3. FRAMEWORK OF TECHNIQUE SELECTION
- 3.1. Model Development in the Traffic Engineering Process
- 3.2. Modelling Technique Selection Guidelines
- 4. GUIDELINES APPLICATION
- 4.1. Illustrative Examples
- 4.1.1. Case 1: Bus Lane
- 4.1.2. Case 2: Intersection Improvement
- 4.1.3. Case 3: New Intersection Design
- 4.1.4. Case 4: Highway Section Improvement
- 4.1.5. Case 5: Ramp Metering and VSL
- 4.2. Comparison with FHWA Methodology
- 4.2.1. FHWA Decision Support Methodology
- 4.2.2. Comparison of Two Methodologies
- 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MODELS AND TRAFFIC MODELS
- 5.1. Types of Mobile Emission Models
- 5.2. Interface with Traffic Models
- 5.3. Limitations and Potential Research Directions
- 6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- REFERENCES
- APPENDIX A MODELLING TECHNIQUE SELECTIONWORKSHEET
- APPENDIX B DESCRIPTION OF TERMS IN THEWORKSHEET
- COMMENTARY 1 REVIEW OF MODELLING TECHNIQUES
- COMMENTARY 2 REVIEW OF INTERFACES OF MODELLINGTECHNIQUES