KdV–Berger solution and local cluster effect of two-sided lateral gap continuum traffic flow model

Abstract

This study proposes a new nonlane-based continuum model derived from a two-sided lateral gap-following theory using the relation between microscopic and macroscopic variables. The model considers the effect of lateral gaps of the leading vehicles available on both sides of the following vehicle in multilane scenario. Linear stability analysis is performed to establish the neutral stability condition for the stable traffic flow. Nonlinear analysis is carried out at neutral stability line to derive the KdV–Berger equation, which describes density wave propagation. For that, one of the traveling wave solutions is also obtained. Numerical simulation results show that the two-sided lateral gap in the model improves the stability of the traffic flow by suppressing the traffic jams even at high-density conditions. The results implies that the proposed model is successful in replicating the properties of actual traffic jams in nonlane-based traffic environment.