Simultaneous Estimation of Dynamic Origin–Destination Demand and Traffic Signal Timing

Calibration of simulation-based dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) models is often conducted on different supply and demand parameters independently. Since there is a complex interaction between these parameters, independent calibration approaches may result in over fitting and thus, less accurate simulation outcomes. In this paper, the authors focus on joint calibration of time-dependent origin-destination demand and traffic signal timing as two substantial demand and supply components of a DTA model. They formulate the calibration process as a stochastic optimization problem that aims to minimize the error between the simulated and observed traffic conditions. They develop and apply a Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) algorithm, as a well-known calibration solution algorithm that can properly deal with the stochastic nature of the simulation-based models. The method is first tested on a small benchmark network to obtain insights into its performance and effectiveness. Results suggest that the proposed method performs better in heavily congested networks in which the joint impact of the signal timing and dynamic OD demand is highly significant. The methodology is then applied to a real urban network in Melbourne, Australia. Overall, results demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method in simultaneous calibration of demand and supply parameters in simulation-based DTA models. However, the applicability of the process on very large-scale networks remains an open question.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ADB40 Standing Committee on Transportation Demand Forecasting.
• Authors:
  • Shafiei, Sajjad
  • Saberi, Meead
• 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; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 12p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Calibration; Dynamic traffic assignment; Methodology; Origin and destination; Stochastic processes; Traffic signal timing; Travel demand
• Geographic Terms: Melbourne (Australia)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01660412
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-03797
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 20 2018 9:28AM