01373009

Component

A continuum model that describes a disordered, heterogeneous traffic stream is presented. Such systems are widely prevalent in developing countries where classical traffic models cannot be readily applied. The characteristics of such systems are unique since drivers of smaller vehicles exploit their maneuverability to move ahead through lateral gaps at lower speeds. At higher speeds, larger vehicles press their advantage of greater motive power. The traffic stream at the microscopic level is disordered and defines a porous medium. Each vehicle is considered to move through a series of pores defined by other vehicles. A speed-density relationship that explicitly considers the pore space distribution is presented. This captures the considerable dynamics between vehicle classes that are overlooked when all classes are converted to a reference class (usually Passenger Car Equivalents) as is traditionally done. Model properties are demonstrated for a two and three class traffic streams. A finite difference approximation scheme is employed that shows traffic evolution that reproduces observable phenomenon in disordered systems.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHB45-1 Traffic Flow Theory and Characteristics Special Paper Review

01362476

12-3260

English

20p

2012

Transportation Research Board 91st Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References; Tables

Continuum (Mathematics); Developing countries; Heterogeneity; Mathematical models; Traffic characteristics; Traffic density; Traffic flow; Traffic speed; Vehicle dynamics

Heterogeneous traffic

Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I71: Traffic Theory

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2012 Paper #12-3260

TRIS, TRB

Feb 8 2012 5:15PM