Evaluating the effectiveness of signal timing optimization based on microscopic simulation evaluation

Authors

Patricio Alvarez Mendoza, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Civil Engineering

First Advisor's Name

Mohammed Hadi

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Albert Gan

Third Advisor's Name

Fang Zhao

Date of Defense

3-27-2008

Abstract

The optimization of the timing parameters of traffic signals provides for efficient operation of traffic along a signalized transportation system. Optimization tools with macroscopic simulation models have been used to determine optimal timing plans. These plans have been, in some cases, evaluated and fine tuned using microscopic simulation tools. A number of studies show inconsistencies between optimization tool results based on macroscopic simulation and the results obtained from microscopic simulation. No attempts have been made to determine the reason behind these inconsistencies. This research investigates whether adjusting the parameters of macroscopic simulation models to correspond to the calibrated microscopic simulation model parameters can reduce said inconsistencies. The adjusted parameters include platoon dispersion model parameters, saturation flow rates, and cruise speeds. The results from this work show that adjusting cruise speeds and saturation flow rates can have significant impacts on improving the optimization/macroscopic simulation results as assessed by microscopic simulation models.

Identifier

FI14031609

Comments

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Recommended Citation

Alvarez Mendoza, Patricio, "Evaluating the effectiveness of signal timing optimization based on microscopic simulation evaluation" (2008). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1271.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1271