Objectives:

To understand the fundamental microscopic and macroscopic traffic flow characteristics, define the present state of knowledge in traffic flow theory, explore theories for describing and explaining the motion of a single vehicle and groups of vehicles.

Prerequisite:

C E 423.

Text:

Course notes

References:

Introduction to the Theory of Traffic Flow, W. Leutzbach, 1998.
Traffic Engineering 2nd Edition, McShane, W. R. Roess, P. R., E. Prassas, 1998.
Traffic Flow Fundamentals, May, A. D., 1990.
Understanding Traffic Systems: Data, Analysis and Presentation, M. A. P. Taylor, W. Young, P. W. Bonsall, 1996.
Traffic Flow Theory, A monograph, TRB Special Report 165, D. Gerlough and M. Huber, 1975.

TOPICS

1. Introdution
   • Microscopic flow characteristics
2. Macroscopic flow characteristics
3. Microscopic speed characteristics
4. Equations of motion
5. Macroscopic speed characteristics
6. Microscopic density charateristics
7. Car following theories
8. Macroscopic density characteristics
9. Traffic stream models
10. Calibrating freeway models
11. Calibrating signalized intersection models
12. Shock wave analysis
13. Queuing analysis
14. Markov chains and probabilistic modeling