A Comparison of Microscopic Simulation Models: FRESIM, VISSIM and CELLSIM Based Weaving Model

Abstract

The objective of the paper is to compare the performance of VISSIM, FRESIM and CELLSIM based weaving model and to provide recommendation for calibration of these models. This paper analyzes a weaving section with these microscopic traffic simulation models and compares their results with the field data. The field data was collected on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, on a Type A ramp weave section, part of a cloverleaf interchange, at every second for individual vehicles using aerial photography. The comparison between field data and the results of simulation models is made for traffic volume, section density and average speed. Linear regression analyses (R-squares) are used to compare output of simulation models. The error tests are performed to evaluate which simulation model better fits the field data for a weaving section. The comparison shows that the CELLSIM based weaving model is the easiest to calibrate and validate and it provides the best fit to the field condition. The results of section density are closer to the field data compared with the results of average speed. The important variables which greatly influence the results of simulation programs are also provided in the paper.