Driving cycle analysis to identify intersection influence zone for urban intersections under heterogeneous traffic condition

Abstract

A driving cycle is a speed-time profile which forms the basis of measurements of vehicle performance and characteristics. Vehicle performance varies in different conditions of temperature, altitude, road geometry and traffic. Driving cycle can be analysed for improving vehicle fuel utilisation and reducing emission level by changing driving patterns. It achieves through traffic engineering and management including road alterations and traffic signal control. At intersections, acceleration and deceleration activities of vehicles occur at high frequency. Driving through an intersection evokes stopping or slowing of vehicles, which results sharp acceleration and promotes high emissions. The methodology adopted in present study is to analyse driving cycle characteristics for five intersections of Vadodara city. Driving cycle profile has been collected to identify the intersection influence zone. Intersection influence zone is the location from which the vehicle forcefully involves under the activity of deceleration, stop and acceleration. It doesn’t have choice to move at desire speed, so it is the zone of high pollution, which needs implementation of control strategies to minimise the emissions.