Master's Thesis

Traffic lanes merging analysis and possible improvement measures

Final Thesis 3.61 MB

Author of thesis: Ing. Igor Mikolášek

Acad. year: 2016/2017

Supervisor: doc. Ing. Petr Holcner, Ph.D.

Reviewer: Mgr. Marek Ščerba

Abstract:

The presented thesis deals with lane merging at lane drops. The theory of traffic flow is briefly introduced and put into the perspective of lane merging. Forming of queues at lane drops, the capacity drop and traffic flow behaviour at lane merging is explained. A review of existing measures at lane drops at work zones and elsewhere is provided. Measurements of traffic flow from three different locations are presented. The locations are introduced, the methods used for analysis of the data are explained and the results are provided and discussed. The capacity drop is confirmed and the first proof of concept of the later introduced metering system is presented. The behaviour of the merging drivers was found to have a significant influence on the merging capacity during congestion. Further, an overview of existing applications of traffic light in traffic flow control is provided and ramp metering and mainstream metering is explained. The new metering system for lane drops is presented including several possible modifications and extensions. Finally, the proposed metering system is tested in microsimulation software Aimsun. The simulations further confirm the viability of such systems. It brings significant capacity improvements and consequently even greater improvements of delays and travel times due to shorter queues.

Keywords:

traffic flow, lane merging, lane drop, work zones, intensity, capacity, mainstream traffic flow control, mainstream metering, microsimulation

Date of defence

31.01.2017

Result of the defence

Defended (thesis was successfully defended)

znamkaAznamka

Grading

A

Language of thesis

Czech

Faculty

Department

Institute of Road Structures

Study programme

Civil Engineering (N-P-C-SI)

Field of study

Constructions and Traffic Structures (K)

Supervisor’s report
doc. Ing. Petr Holcner, Ph.D.

File inserted by supervisor Size
37070.pdf 294,19 kB

Reviewer’s report
Mgr. Marek Ščerba

File inserted by the reviewer Size
36820.pdf 232,46 kB

Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová