TRAFFIC ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

The analysis of traffic flow is the basis for the design of transportation system operating
strategies, traffic control systems, and certain physical features of transportation systems.

Techniques in analyzing traffic flow:

 Space and Time Relationship

 Direct Graphical Solutions
 Development of Analytical Solution
 Development of Simulation Methods

Space and Time Relationship

- Provide direct graphical solutions.

- In more complicated cases, they may be used as an aid in developing analytical

solutions to control problems, simulation models and theoretical models of traffic
flow.

- The figure represents a Simple Space- Time Diagram. The

curve A-A represents the position of a vehicle at all times
between t1 and t2. Such a curve is known as a Trajectory. In
cases in which distance is the vertical axis, the slope of the
trajectory is the speed of the vehicle; in cases in which
distance is the horizontal axis, the reciprocal of speed
(sometimes known as rate of travel) is represented by the
slope.

Development of Analytical Solution

Most space-time problems are complicated enough that it is not efficient to use graphical
methods for routine solutions. In this case, space-time diagrams are often used to derive
analytical relationships, which may then be used to produce a large number of solutions quickly
and accurately.

Development of Simulation Models

To solve even more complicated problems, space-time diagrams may be used to develop
simulation models. Such models represent the behaviour of a system in a step-by-step manner. It
is usually necessary to analyze both what is happening at the same location over time and what is
happening at different locations at the same time.

Development of a graphical solution is useful in determining the proper order of

calculations to move from what is known to what is unknown, and can be used as a basis for
developing a computer model of the behaviour of the system.

Two-Block, Three-Aspect System

It is the simplest system. Signal lights are either red,

yellow, or green. A red signal means stop and proceed at some
restricted speed (usually less than 7.5 km/h) prepared to stop
behind the train ahead, a yellow signal means reduce speed and
be prepared to stop at the next signal, and a green signal means
to proceed at full speed. Because it would be dangerous to have a
train entering an occupied block except after stopping, in this
simplest system blocks must be at least as long as the maximum
stopping distance of the trains.

THREE-BLOCK, THREE-ASPECT SYSTEM

 It is in which an extra block is added. This is common
on many subway lines. It permits a simple and reliable
automatic train stop device to be activated at the second red
signal behind a train, activating the brakes if the driver should
fail to do so. The distance between following trains is
increased, however, as can be seen from the Figure b, and
capacity is reduced.

THREE-BLOCK, FOUR-ASPECT SYSTEM

It can be devised by using double lights. In this case

red-red and green-green signals replace the red and green
signals of the simpler systems, and there are two intermediate
levels of restricted speed.

Since speed control becomes more precise as the

number of aspects increases, the size of the blocks can be
decreased. This, in turn, allows closer train spacing and greater
line capacity. Hence there is a trade-off between the
complexity of the control system and its effectiveness.
Simulation of the system is useful in order to determine how a
proposed signal system will affect the spacing of trains under a
variety of assumptions as to their speed patterns.