Simulation based optimization model for coordinated intersections: Isparta example

The technological and social developments of our era have increased the need for sustainable transportation, necessitating the swift and cost-effective movement of goods, people, and other living beings from one place to another. Despite the existence of various transportation modes, road transportation remains the most widespread due to its high accessibility. One of the significant challenges faced in road transportation is vehicle delays, particularly at signalized intersections. To efficiently meet the transportation needs of modern societies with minimal waiting times, it is necessity to develop methods that minimize delays and number of stops at these signalized intersections. Implementing modifications at these signalized intersections can enhance the overall performance of the entire road network and reduce the average travel time. In this thesis, a software has been developed using the Matlab programming language to calculate vehicle delays and the number of stops for use in signal optimization. With this software, it will be possible to reach the most optimal signal timings that can minimize waiting and stopping numbers for vehicles. To validate the effectiveness of the developed software, comparisons were made under different scenarios using a macro-simulation software commonly used in academic research called Synchro and a microsimulation program named SimTraffic, provided by the same company. As a case study, a highly congested corridor located in the North-South direction in Isparta province has been considered for optimizing signal timings. Within this scope, a total of 7 signalized intersections and 3 junction points were analyzed, and signal optimizations were conducted. Field measurements and counts were conducted to assess traffic flow, signal durations, management methods, and geometric conditions at these intersections. Subsequently, the existing situation was analyzed using software developed in the Matlab. Different signalization plans were then implemented, and the most successful results for the examined intersections were identified. With this thesis, both a completely original microsimulation program has been developed and signal optimization has been performed for 7 signalized intersections selected in the Isparta province using the developed microsimulation program. When the obtained data from the existing condition and the results of optimizations are examined, an improvement of 18% in delay durations and 12% in average stops has been observed. Within the scope of this study, the algorithms of the software developed in the Matlab programming language were formulated by reviewing existing models in the literature and creating new ones. In this context, new models have been derived for the topics of vehicle following gaps and acceleration behaviors of vehicles, which are crucial data in car following models. Consequently, these models have been incorporated into the algorithms of the developed software.