Comparative Evaluation of Simulation Software for Traffic Operations

摘要

The objective of this research project was to perform a comparative evaluation of several traffic simulation software with the purpose of identifying their suitability for use on NDOT-sponsored projects. The evaluation was done for traffic conditions on freeway segments, freeway ramps and interchanges, and coordinated intersections on a surface street. The software that were evaluated included VISSIM, TSIS/CORSIM, and SYNHRO/SIMTRAFFIC. They were evaluated based on their ability to model different traffic operational conditions, and provide suitable measures of effectiveness. TSIS/CORSIM is the most developed and probably the most popular software. It can simulate most traffic situations, including special cases such as HOV lane operations, incident conditions, ramp metering, and transit operations. The output data has all the major MOEs in disaggregate and aggregate format, both link specific and network wide, such as vehicle-miles, vehicle hours of travel. VISSIM, on the other hand, is a fairly new software program with very frequent upgrades. It is potentially very powerful; allowing the user a lot more flexibility in network coding, input data and simulation of special situations such as roundabouts, interaction with light-rail systems, and intersection and midblock pedestrian crossing situations. However, it requires more effort in network building and setting-up of simulation situations. It also outputs several data that requires added effort to compile and post-process in order to provide aggregate and network-wide estimates.