Heterogeneous perimeter flow distributions and MFD-based traffic simulation

Abstract

This paper investigates how network and traffic heterogeneities influence the accuracy of a simulation based on the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD). To this end, the MFD modeling of a simple grid network is compared to the outputs of a mesoscopic kinematic wave model simulating traffic in the same network. Heterogeneous distributions of demand and supply at the boundaries are set to the local entries and exits of the mesoscopic model to generate heterogeneous network loadings. These boundary conditions challenge the MFD simulation, as significant discrepancies are observed between both modeling approaches in steady state. While the accurate calibration of the MFD and the average trip length can reduce the discrepancies for heterogeneous demand settings, no simple solution exists for heterogeneous supply settings, because they may drive very different internal congestion patterns in the network. We propose a correction method to adjust the MFD model outputs in such a case.

Sliding Mode Network Perimeter Control

“…Various researchers have tried to achieve this objective [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. Li et al [37] investigated a perimeter control strategy for an oversaturated network.…”

“…They optimized the green duration allocation in order to maximize the throughput using a genetic algorithm to minimize queues and delays by optimizing phase sequences and offsets. However, their method used fixed signal timings, which does not reflect typical real-time traffic conditions [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36].…”