Calibration and Validation of Micro-Simulation Models of Medium-Size Networks

This paper describes a procedure for the calibration and validation of medium-sized traffic simulation network models, which are widely used to quantify the benefits and limitations of traffic control options. The authors emphasize that these models must be accurate and reliable in order for the resulting traffic control decisions to be useful and appropriate. Microsimulation traffic models have often been based primarily on driver behavior and lane-changing parameters. In contrast, medium and large scale models often included scant attention to the calibration of driver behavior parameters. The procedure that the authors present in this paper provides a comprehensive calibration of the micro-simulation model in a sequential manner. They offer a case study of a VISSIM model of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, which is an urban condensed grid network of more than 100 signalized intersections. The calibration procedure included origin-destination (OD) matrix estimation using recent traffic volumes, route choice calibration by manipulating link surcharges, and driver behavior parameters calibration using an experimental design and multiple runs. Real-life travel time data were collected to calibrate and validate the model. The authors conclude that the observed travel times were found to reasonably match simulation travel times of the calibrated model and is thus a valid model to use.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/18245463
• Authors:
  • El Esawey, Mohamed
  • Sayed, T
• Publication Date: 2011-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 57-76
• Serial:
  • Advances in Transportation Studies
  • Volume: 24
  • Publisher: University Roma Tre
  • ISSN: 1824-5463
  • Serial URL: http://www.atsinternationaljournal.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile drivers; Behavior; Calibration; Mathematical models; Microsimulation; Origin and destination; Real time information; Route choice; Signalized intersections; Traffic control; Traffic simulation; Traffic volume; Travel time; Urban areas; Validation
• Identifier Terms: VISSIM (Computer model)
• Geographic Terms: Vancouver (Canada)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01356090
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 31 2011 9:52AM