Application of Catastrophe Theory in Traffic Flow of Highway Tunnel Group

Abstract

Based on the investigation of traffic flow in a typical highway tunnel group, the traffic flow characteristics were analyzed by catastrophe theory with the relationship of the speed, volume and density. The discontinuous leaping change phenomenon of the traffic data under large traffic volume is better explained by the catastrophe model than the traditional ways. The value of critical density can be obtained by analyzing the critical state of traffic flow. Then the traffic flow warning can be realized in highway tunnel group region. The data and results can be used for the reference of taking traffic control measures by highway management.