A Comparison Between Logic-Based and Optimization-Based Adaptive Signal Control Systems, Using Micro-Simulation

Adaptive signal control systems are widely used in big cities around the world. Most of the current systems decide based on a set of logics to extend or cut the current signal stage (phase) in order to maximize the road network use. With the advancements of computers and optimization methods, new systems have been designed. These systems optimize the timings by applying a heuristic optimization method to a target function that contains different traffic measures for each mode of transport. In this paper, a comparison is made in VISSIM traffic micro-simulator between the widely used system SCATS (Version 6.5) as a logic-based adaptive signal control and new developed BALANCE/EPICS as an optimization-based one. A part of the CBD of Tehran with three signalized intersections was modeled in VISSIM from 06:00 to 10:00 AM with around 44,000 veh-trips. Additionally 322 BRT vehicles cross the West intersection. The area was already equipped with the SCATS. To make the comparison, the signal timings of the SCATS in VISSIM were replaced with BALANCE/EPICS Signal Controllers.The results show significant improvement of the performance after applying the optimization-based system. The difference is more considerable during the peak time. Delay, queue length and fuel consumption are decreased by 37%, 45% and 24% respectively. The delay of the BRT vehicles is decreased by 48%. It should be clarified that there are some critiques to the methodology that are described in the paper.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB25 Standing Committee on Traffic Signal Systems. Alternate title: A Comparison Between Logic-Based and Optimization-Based Adaptive Signal Control Systems, Using Microsimulation
• Authors:
  • Raoufi, Mahmoud
  • Ahuja, Sonal
  • Hildebrandt, Robert
  • Weichenmeier, Florian
  • Lunardon, Domingo
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 16p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adaptive control; Heuristic methods; Microsimulation; Optimization; Signalized intersections; Traffic signal control systems; Traffic simulation
• Identifier Terms: BALANCE (computer program); EPICS (computer program); SCATS (Computer program); VISSIM (Computer model)
• Geographic Terms: Tehran (Iran)
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01657486
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-02001
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 24 2018 9:24AM