Calibration of Distributions of Commercial Motor Vehicles in CORSIM

Abstract

One of the most critical aspects of effective microscopic traffic simulation models is proper calibration for accurate replication of both supply and demand characteristics, as well as their interaction. Recent research has begun automating the calibration process by using intelligent transportation system data. This research, however, has targeted automobile traffic and has not generally included commercial motor vehicle (CMV) impacts. Because CMVs are a significant part of the traffic stream and tend to have a disproportionate effect on the transportation system, it is theorized that these vehicles should be included in the calibration process. The objective of this research, therefore, is (a) to outline calibration parameters and network properties available (including site-specific vehicle distributions with weigh-in-motion and automatic vehicle classification data) for a freeway simulation of both passenger cars and CMVs and (b) to apply these parameters and network properties on an urban freeway sys...