The Use of Microscopic Traffic Simulation Model for Traffic Control Systems

A highway network model is constructed using a microscopic traffic flow simulation model, VISSIM, and is intended to provide an evaluation environment for advanced traffic control systems. Since the microscopic traffic flow simulation model can capture a greater level of details of the network, it can closely evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of a controller in a real transportation network before an actual implementation. The highway stretch is based on the Berkeley Highway Laboratory (BHL) and is validated with field data. The validation results show that the model properly captures the congestion characteristics of the BHL section. Also, based on the validated model, critical densities and other traffic flow characteristics in mixed manual and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) traffics are estimated.