VISSIM Software Research Articles

Signal Timing Optimization Algorithm for an Intersection Connected with an Urban Expressway

The off-ramps of urban expressways can assume various forms. Compared with other countries, many off-ramps in China have special Chinese characteristics; for example, the off-ramps are extremely short and connected to urban roads and intersections within a short distance. Thus, many foreign control methods may not be suitable for use in China. This paper provides a dual-phase signal timing optimization model for an intersection connected to the off-ramp of an urban expressway that has special Chinese characteristics. This model is solved by an improved genetic algorithm. To better evaluate traffic conditions, this paper also establishes methods by which stranded vehicles can be identified and the traffic flow at intersections can be predicted. The performance of the optimized signal timing is tested with PTV Vissim software, and the timing plan is calculated by MATLAB using an actual scenario in Xi’an, China. The optimized effect of the proposed model is tested under different flow conditions by changing the input traffic flow of the intersection. The results show that at the peak time, the stops, delays and queue lengths of the whole intersection are reduced by 29.0%, 27.8% and 23.7%, respectively, compared with the original plan and by 7.7%, 14.5% and 11.9%, respectively, compared with the plan from the single-phase model. This dual-phase model can prevent congestion from spillback onto urban expressways as well as reduce delays and stop times at intersections, especially in a supersaturated state. In general, this model can be used to address signal timing in ordinary urban intersections.

Microsimulation-based framework to analyse urban signalised intersection in mixed traffic

Microscopic traffic simulation is a powerful tool for studying complex traffic systems when analytical or empirical approaches cannot define response patterns adequately and accurately. The application of simulation techniques for evaluating the characteristics of controlled intersections is effective due to their quick and reliable outcomes. This paper presents a methodology for model development and a unique calibration process for mixed traffic streams using the widely used simulation software Vissim. An isolated signalised intersection was selected for the model development. Most of the calibration methodologies described in previous literature were based on informal practices based on a homogeneous traffic stream. This study frames a novel calibration process suitable for mixed traffic streams. The validity of the proposed methodology was evaluated using field data from another signalised intersection by means of a feasibility comparison of field data and simulation outputs. The calibrated parameters produced suitable simulation outputs, with the measure of effectiveness matching the result obtained from actual field conditions. In contrast, simulations with default or best-guess parameters resulted in significant discrepancies between the observed and simulated outputs.

Evaluation of Two Improved Schemes at Non-Aligned Intersections Affected by a Work Zone with an Entropy Method

The impact of work zones on traffic is a common problem encountered in traffic management. The reconstruction of roads is inevitable, and it is necessary and urgent to reduce the impact of the work zone on the operation of traffic. There are many existing research results on the influence of highway work zones, including management strategies, traffic flow control strategies, and various corresponding model theories. There are also many research results on the impacts of urban road and subway construction on traffic operation, including construction efficiency, economic impact, and travel matrix. However, there are few studies concerning the choice of work zone location, and most previous studies have assumed that the work zone choice was scientific and reasonable. Therefore, it is reasonable to choose the location of the work zone and to assess whether there is room for improvement in the road form of the work zone, but this remains a research gap. Therefore, we studied a seven-lane main road T-intersection in Xi’an, China, and investigated a work zone located at this intersection that caused a road offset, leading to the non-aligned flow of main traffic. We designed two road improvement schemes and multiple transition schemes, used VISSIM software to evaluate the traffic operation of the two schemes, and used the entropy method to choose the suitability of the two schemes under different conditions. According to the results, in the best case, the driving time, delay, and number of stops are reduced by 44%, 66%, and 92%.

Traffic simulation of connected and autonomous freight vehicles (CAV-F) using a data-driven traffic model of a real-world road tunnel

The study is based on the Dartford-Thurrock Crossing tunnel, Kent, UK. It analyses the impact of the tunnel closures necessary for monitoring the flow of Dangerous Goods Vehicles and Abnormal Load Vehicles as per The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road regulations. A traffic simulation model is developed using PTV Vissim software, based on real-world Dartford Crossing traffic data and validated against independent Motorway Incident Detection and Automatic Signalling data. The autonomous driving implementations of Dangerous Goods Vehicles and Abnormal Load Vehicles, defined as per CoEXist project in the PTV Vissim software, are compared against the conventional vehicles traffic simulations. The results show that if the tunnel closures are reduced to two or less per hour then significant improvements in road congestion and travel time are observed. Furthermore, the benefits of autonomous Dangerous Goods Vehicles and Abnormal Load Vehicles are observed in improving traffic queues and travel times, given that the Dartford Crossing tunnel is appropriately equipped with intelligent communication technologies. The study shows that even with a small proportion of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, the movement of road traffic can largely be influenced.

Travel Time and Congestion Assessment Along Ujala Circle S.G. Highway Ahmedabad

The approximately 25201084 (2018) vehicular citizenry in Ahmedabad city so it is very necessary to negotiate its movements and infirmity effects like as air and noise pollution & other environment effects, traffic congestion, time loss, and so on. S.G Highway has 44.5 km long stretch of Ahmedabad, an oldest and most substantial stretch which started from Ujala circle. For declamation the traffic congestion, classified volume count survey (by Video Graphic method), travel time and delay survey (by Moving Observer Method), and for speed-flow-density relationship Spot speed study at Ujala circle during Friday has been accomplished and analyzed. From the calculated data, graph of flow v/s density, speed v/s density and speed v/s flow relationship has been prosecute with the R2 value of each relationship. This analysis proved that current traffic situation at Ujala circle is highly congested, which leads to the higher travel time taken by vehicle compare to free flow condition. From all analyzed data, alternate invigorating measures are prospected. Based on those alternative invigorating measures best alternative is choose as well as bring off simulation and validation of Model in the VISSIM software, also design in AutoCAD for better illustration of issue.

Traffic parameter estimation and control system based on machine vision

With the rapid development of urbanization in the world, it has brought enormous pressure on urban traffic management and control such as traffic congestion. An excellent urban traffic management and control system consists of three critical aspects: obtaining traffic parameters, developing traffic control scheme, and evaluating traffic control scheme. Intersection signal timing is one of the most important parts in urban traffic control. This paper proposed an intersection signal timing system based on traffic video which consists of three parts: acquisition of video-based traffic parameters, calculation of traffic flow-based signal timing scheme, and evaluation of intersection signal timing scheme. In the first part, we used advanced techniques such as deep learning and image processing to obtain traffic parameters such as traffic flow, vehicle type, composition of different vehicle types, and speed of vehicles passing through a scene in a traffic video. In the second part, we calculated the signal timing scheme of the video at the traffic scene through the obtained traffic flow information with Webster method. In the third part, the detailed traffic parameters and signal timing scheme were input into the VISSIM software for traffic microscopic simulation, which was used to evaluate the signal timing scheme. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the detailed traffic flow information obtained by the proposed system can reach more than 90%, the accuracy of composition of different vehicle types can be achieved more than 98%, and the vehicle speed accuracy can reach more than 95%. Therefore, the system improves the reliability and adaptability of the whole signal timing network. At the same time, the simulation results show that the proposed system integrates the acquisition of traffic parameters and the calculation and evaluation of signal timing schemes, and provides a good solution for solving research problems and actual needs such as signal timing optimization.

A microsimulation-based analysis for driving behaviour modelling on a congested expressway

Recently, simulation models have been widely used around the world to evaluate the performance of different traffic facilities and management strategies for efficient and sustainable transportation systems. One of the keys factors for ensuring the reliability of the models in reflecting local conditions is the calibration and validation of microsimulation models. The majority of the existing calibration efforts focus is on the experimental designs of driver behaviour and lane-changing parameters. Towards this end, this paper describes the necessary procedure for the calibration and validation of a microscopic model using the VISSIM software, during peak hours. The procedure is applied on Muscat Expressway in the Sultanate of Oman. The calibration parameters and the measure-of-effectiveness are identified by using multi-parameter sensitivity analysis. The optimum values for these parameters are obtained by minimising errors between simulated data and field data. In our proposed model, we used traffic volume and travel speed for model calibration, as well as average travel time for validation of the calibrated model. The achieved results showed that driving characteristics significantly impacted the merging/diverging traffic flow ratio in the merging area, the link length and the distance between on-ramps and off-ramps, as well as the percentage of heavy vehicles. The results also showed that having both the advanced merging and cooperative lane-change settings active, along with safety distance reduction factor, necessary lane change, minimum headway (front/rear), and emergency stop, had a significant influence on simulation precision, especially at on-ramps and off-ramps. Finally, our proposed model can be utilized as a base for future traffic strategy analysis and intelligent transportation systems evaluation to help decision makers with long-term and sustainable development decisions.

Alternatives to Improve Operational Traffic in Roundabouts Using Microsimulation

Roundabout in urban arterials are likely to block roads or generate long queues of vehicles due to the constant changes on urban dynamics near to the interception. Several alternatives to modify the flow pattern or geometry and infrastructure need to be study previously to propose a final design solution of roundabout with traffic issues. In this study, a review of three alternatives to improve the operational traffic are discussed; signalized intersection, turbo-roundabouts and overpass/underpass. In addition, the application of these alternatives is evaluated in a “classic” roundabout located at Tunja city that has a maximum of 3691 Veh/h counted and it is operated in saturated condition. Microsimulation is used from a calibrated model with volume counted, vehicle composition and speeds in the VISSIM software. Results show that signalize the roundabout does not improve the operational traffic (with a reduction on 38% of approach speed) and, the turbo-roundabouts are a mid-term solution that meet the traffic demand on 15 years with a progressively loss of service (with a mean approach speed of 6.4 Km/h at 15 years). The constructions of underpass and overpass show to be the only solution that increase four times the travel speed throw the roundabout and keep acceptable speed at the end of cyclic live of intersection (18.7 Km/h at 20 years).

Design and evaluation of a new intersection model to minimize congestions using VISSIM software

AbstractTraffic modelling and simulation is one of the frequent tools used in road infrastructure design. Software tools designed for traffic simulations are an important supportive tool in decision-making and in choosing the optimal solution. The aim of this paper is to introduce the application of the VISSIM program, in the design and testing a model of the traffic-light-controlled intersection. The traffic on the selected congested intersection is modelled and simulated first for the current state, then for two models with modifications that are to increase the throughput of the intersection. The monitored criterion of the intersection throughput is the length of queues. Both adjustments have led to a significant reduction of the number of vehicles waiting in direction of the greatest congestions. In the first model, the average line length was reduced by 75%, and in the second model, the modifications lead to a fluent passage of right-turn vehicles and a significant reduction in vehicle lines for other directions.

The relationship of volume and headway on heterogen traffic conditions in Makassar City

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vehicle distance (gap) formed by the vehicle volume. For this reason, in this study, there were 16 (sixteen) roads that were used as objects of research. To get the values from the gap variable, the VISSIM software is used in the data processing. In the use of this software calibration and validation are done by trial and error to produce simulation results that can replicate the actual traffic conditions. The results of this study indicate that statistically from the coefficient of determination and F test conducted concluded that there is a significant relationship between vehicle volume and gap.

Study of noise level at roundabouts in Maminasata area

The rapid growth of a country affects one of many fields, such as transportation, which is important for development and as public facilities. This research was conducted at the Mandai Roundabout, Riburane Roundabout, and the Samata Roundabout. This study aims to analyze the noise level at 3 observation points, as well as noise prediction by using the CoRTN method (Traffic Noise Calculation) based on Vissim Software in 2019-2023. Data collected for 12 hours from 07.00 until 19.00 by taking samples for 10 minutes per hour using the Sound Level Meter (SLM) type TM-103. While for the prediction results, the number of vehicles and vehicle speed are used. For vehicle speed predictions, the number of vehicles are added by 7% per year then run the program Vissim. The results are divided into 3 locations, the Mandai Roundabout about 76.21 dB; Riburane Roundabout about 75.82 dB; and the Samata Roundabout about 80.09 dB where the noise level is higher than the standard from government, Minister of Environment No.48 on 1996 which stated the standard for noise level in trading and service area is 70 dB. The estimated result based on the CoRTN model on the roundabout in the Maminasata area using the Leq formula is 73.47 dB for the Mandai Roundabout; 70.07 dB for Riburane Roundabout; and 73.40 dB for the Samata Roundabout. There has been a difference in predicted results from 2019-2023. In 2019 there has been a difference of about ≥ 3 dB, which is 4.1 dB at the Mandai Roundabout so that improvements need to be made to this region.

Airport Taxi Dispatching Based on VISSIM and Multi-objective Programming Model

This paper solved the problem of how to manage the distribution of airport taxis and balance the revenue of long- and short-haul passenger taxis. In this research, we established a multi-objective programming model, which was solved using genetic algorithms to obtain a reasonable distribution scheme in airport with the highest riding efficiency: set up a pick-up location in the middle of the pick-up area, requiring all cars to leave uniformly when fully loaded, and release an average of 78 taxis per batch in every single boarding location. In addition, with the queuing theory we set the basic parameters of the road. Taking the income balance difference as the objective function, we used the VISSIM software to simulate the simulation. Then the short-term “priority” arrangement plan was: Calculate the ratio of the travel time of the short-distance taxi to the distance from the airport to the city center. If the ratio is less than 0.0659, the taxis that meet the conditions are allowed to be given priority after return. The results have some guidance and strong practical significance.

Traffic Guidance Self-Organization Method for Neighbor Weaving Segments Based on Self-Organized Critical State

Traffic congestion is usually caused by the frequent lane changing behaviour of vehicles in the weaving segments, especially in several adjacent weaving segments. In order to solve the problem of weaving congestion, this paper proposes a traffic guidance method based on self-organizing critical state, and designed a Nash equilibrium optimization scheme based on average traffic delay. Then VISSIM software carries on the simulation verification to the actual neighbor weaving segments. First, it validates the induced traffic organization method, keeps each information input consistent, and only changes the induced distance. Through the daily average traffic volume (4092 pcu / h), the traffic volume in the early peak period (5340 pcu / h), the traffic volume in the late peak period (4596 pcu / h) and annual average traffic volume (3276 pcu/h) of the two near neighbor weaving segments in Chongqing. The results show that the optimal lane change constraint distance is 60% of the length of weaving segment, and the corresponding average traffic delays are reduced by 57%, 73%, 63% and 72% respectively. Through the simulation and optimization of the whole day traffic operation, the average delay reduction rate is as high as 84%. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by integrating other output file evaluation indexes, which can be used as a reference for future research on self-organizing criticality optimization method of neighbor weaving segments.

The use of simulation when designing road junctions

The high level of motorization in most countries of the world is the reason for the increase in the number of car accidents. Currently, it is understood that a further increase in the number of cars without significant changes in the transport infrastructure will only aggravate the already difficult situation on roads. The article addresses the issues of road traffic injuries and statistical information on road accidents. The analysis of the work of leading transport engineers presents the results of studies on the use of computer modeling tools for designing road conditions at various levels. From the presented analysis, it is possible to conclude that the most suitable tool for assessing the safety of road junctions is the PTV VISSIM software package, which also allows to export vehicle trajectories to SSAM software. In the framework of the analytic survey of the intersection safety, based on the analysis of vehicle trajectories, the parameters of the future conflict of the planned road junctions were established. Studies have shown that a road junction at different levels makes possible to triple the safety of junctions in comparison with the roundabout. The use of simulation allows not to wait for emergency cases, but to evaluate hypothetical structures and alternative layout options for road junctions, where it is not possible to use traditional, statistical models for assessing the probability of car accidents.

Investigation of transport flow delay at unsignalized intersections with limited speed

Introduction. Many studies have argued that traffic delays at unregulated intersections depend on the intensity of the main flow and the intensity of pedestrian flow. Purpose. It is proposed to investigate traffic flow delays using the VISSIM software environment at unsignalized intersections at different flow rates. Results. Areas of the street and road network for experimental research were selected in the central part of Lviv. Triangles of visibility distance are calculated, problem places where it is necessary to establish a road sign 3.29 “Limitation of the maximum speed of movement” are defined. An analysis of existing methods for determining traffic delays at unregulated intersections is carried out at the paper. The method of estimating the average speed of traffic flow and the method of simulation modeling of transport flows in order to build a theoretical model are presented. The analysis of the dependence of the change of transport delays, obtained based on measured actual data and the method of modelling traffic flows, is carried out. The visibility distance for each intersection is calculated taking into account the speed mode. Graphical dependences of the change of the average and maximum length of the queue of vehicles under different modes of traffic light regulation in the secondary direction are given. It is determined that the average flow speed varies from 17 km/h to 38 km/h when changing the maximum speed limit from 15 km/h to 40 km/h. It is established that the lowest average traffic delay at unregulated intersections is observed at a traffic flow speed of 30 km/h. Conclusions. The substantiation of the introduction of the recommended speed regime on sections of streets with limited speed is given which takes into account transport delay, queue length, geometric parameters of the street, the presence of public transport stops and pedestrian crossings, traffic intensity and composition. The proposed method of controlling secondary traffic flows at unsignalized intersections, allows to increase traffic safety when traveling in secondary vehicles.

Evaluation of alternative Ramp Metering scenarios on freeway on-ramp with the use of microscopic simulation software Vissim

The main goals of this paper include the investigation and evaluation of alternative ramp metering scenarios on a freeway on-ramp and the development of a “smart” signal controller, with the use of PTV Vissim microsimulation software. A complex interchange on the Ring road of Thessaloniki was chosen for the implementation of this study and a drone was used to measure traffic volumes. Using the Vissim platform, a software model was created and its accuracy with respect to the existing situation was evaluated. Different scenarios were developed, and the function of the interchange was observed. In the first set of scenarios, the traffic volume was increased by certain percentage and the results were collected and examined. Next, two new scenarios with the use of ramp metering were developed and a traffic signal was placed on the on-ramp. In the first of these two scenarios, a traffic light with a fixed-time traffic program was placed, whereas in the second one, a vehicle-actuated signal light was created, with the use of the VisVAP add-on. A flow chart was generated and used to program the signal light, so that each time high traffic volume was detected by the detectors that were placed in the expressway, the red light was activated. After all the scenarios were created and examined, certain KPI’s were collected and used for the overall evaluation. The results from the use of the ramp meter, either the fixed-time or the vehicle-actuated, showed that a ramp meter can be very effective in the improvement of the traffic conditions and may have a positive environmental impact.

Identification of Effective Intersection Control Strategies During Peak Hours

Traffic congestion during peak hours is one of the major issues in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Drivers undergo a considerable delay during the peak hours especially in the city centres. There are several identified reasons for the congestion. Among them ineffective intersection control strategy used is one of the major causes. There are several levels of intersection controls available. In case of Sri Lanka during the peak hours most of the intersections in city centres are controlled by traffic police in major intersections and in some extreme traffic conditions grade separated intersections also provided. When the traffic police officers control the intersection, they mostly use the queue clearing approach. In such case their preference will be on the major road movements and lesser preference will be given to the minor road movements. This study tried to find out the effectiveness of the manual control by traffic police officers compare to traffic signals. Four Junctions which are controlled by Traffic police officers during the peak hours selected for the analysis. Traffic micro simulation software VISSIM has been used for the analysis and it has been calibrated and validated to local conditions before using it for the analysis. Junctions were modelled for the traffic police phase arrangement and cycle time, and for a designed traffic signal time. When the junction is undersaturated traffic signals gives lesser delay than traffic police officers control. When the junction is oversaturated traffic police officers become effective because they allow risky merging movements to reduce the critical flows.

Operational Performance Comparison between Conventional Intersections and Two Unconventional Alternative Intersection Designs (UAIDs) Under Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions in Cairo, Egypt

Although the wave of valuable research works and the numerous efforts done by researchers focused on studying, analyzing and evaluating the different types of UAIDs relying on the homogenous traffic conditions, the heterogeneous traffic conditions still underestimated. Thus, the driving force of this study is to investigate the UAIDs applicability under the heterogeneous traffic complexities. These complexities are characterized by the diversity of some static and dynamic properties of vehicles, and the aggressive driving behavior which results in non-lane based traffic systems. Hence, the purpose of this article is to compare the operational efficiency of existing conventional signalized intersections with two proposed UAIDs schemes namely; the Displaced Left-Turn (DLT) intersection and Superstreet Median (SSM) intersection. As a realistic case study of such traffic conditions, three existing intersections in an arterial corridor in Cairo, Egypt were selected. The microsimulation software VISSIM, as a time-step, stochastic and behavior based model was utilized to accomplish this study objective. The simulation results emphasized the outperformance of the proposed UAIDs over the conventional counterparts. The results indicated to the obvious improvement of the level of service (LOS) of the studied intersections. It was found that the proposed UAIDs schemes reduced the overall delay and the total travel time while the average speed was increased. On the other hand, it was concluded that the heterogeneous traffic influenced the proposed UAIDs efficiency. The main findings of this research may provide a guidance on presenting UAIDs in the developing cities.

Analysis of Speed Profiles at Speed Hump under Various Dimensions & Simulating their LOS Using VISSIM

Speed is an important parameter in transportation to attain the design principles. But a fast-moving vehicle can be a forbidding to other road users particularly in heterogeneous traffic. However, at some of the location’s speeds are controlled by different traffic calming devices to ensure safety. One of the most adopted traffic calming devices in India is speed hump. In this context an attempt is made to study various aspects related to speed hump in Indian context. The present study was done in two phases. The first phase of the study aims to focus on performance of speed hump of different dimensions for different vehicles and establishes a statistical relation between the dimensions of speed hump and vehicular speed using multilinear regression analysis. Calibrated results had shown that there is more than 70% of variation in speed reduction due to change in hump geometry. This study also describes practical geometric design guidelines of speed hump for the use of practicing road engineers. The second phase of the study aims to estimate the performance of vehicles at speed hump by evaluating the delays and level of service of the selected study areas in presence of humps and in absence of humps using micro simulation software VISSIM. Results had shown that due to more number of speed humps Level of Service (LOS) is affected to large extent. These results can be used as a tool for designing hump geometry.

Modelling of Seepage Behaviour Using Available Gaps at Signalized Intersection

Seepage behaviour is identified by the movement of two-wheelers from back of the queue in a signalized intersection to the front through small gaps between other vehicles. In mixed traffic, this is a common phenomenon when the signal turns red. This study attempts to model seepage using Cellular Automata (CA) based simulation. These interactions between the vehicles affect the safety and capacity of a facility. There are very few studies that include this behaviour in the CA based models. This study further calculates lateral and longitudinal gaps available between adjacent front and side vehicles to identify the forward movement possibilities. The study is compared with the simulation software VISSIM. It is evident that the software is unable to replicate the seepage behaviour, which is reflected in the trajectories.