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Knowledge Compendium
Validation of micro-simulation models
- Authors: Not specified
- Document Reference: Not specified
- Publication Date: 02 September 2010 11:15
- Assessment Level: Addition to the evidence pool
- Peer Review Information: Not specified
-
Topics:
No related topics
Executive Summary
VALIDATION OF MICRO-SIMULATION MODELS
By FABER MAUNSELL
REF: Y201373
This report presents the findings of the brief review of the available micro-simulation software in terms of the current capabilities of the main packages used in the UK. The objective of this review report is to provide a database of information for use in the detailed technical analysis of the importance of individual parameters, within each software package and their influence on the results obtained.
The report identifies the main parameters available for the modelling of traffic behaviour, with an emphasis on motorway related modelling but also covering junction and urban area modelling. The sensitivity of the model outputs to changes in the parameters is to be tested using a series of models developed in each main software package. This bench testing of the packages will provide clear insights into the way in which the different software packages perform as parameters are changed and hence enable the HA to better understand how to assess models developed for HA applications.
The HA has previously undertaken reviews of available micro-simulation software in the late 1990’s and more recently in 2003/04. These reviews identified that a wide range of micro-simulation packages existed in the UK and abroad but recognised there were a limited number of packages in active use in the UK.
Consequently, at the outset it was agreed that the detailed technical review and testing would focus on the packages that were already in use, and will continue to be used in the near future, to assess Highways Agency schemes. Subsequently, following discussions with the HA, the detailed technical review and parameter testing will concentrate on the following traffic micro simulation packages:
Technical Report
The purpose of this report is two fold. The first is to provide the technical background for the development of guidance on the use of micro-simulation modelling on the Highways Agency’s network. The second is to provide the Highways Agency’s Traffic Appraisal Modelling and Economics (TAME) team with a document which can be referred to when reviewing models submitted in support of development proposals or road schemes. Tests have been undertaken to assess the effect of changes to key parameters in each of the software packages and the findings are presented in this document. While there are some parameters which are found in each package eg Random Seeds, each package was effectively developed in a unique way and hence different parameters were identified by the suppliers as important to their particular software. Consequently, no direct comparisons have been made between the various packages. The Report simply comments on the testing of each package.
This report presents the findings of the technical reviews which were undertaken based on the feedback from the Software Review reported on in February 2006. For the purposes of this Technical Review the modelling work has focussed on the software which had been recently used for modelling schemes on the Highways Agency network. This included:
- AIMSUN NG Professional Edition 5.0.8
- S-Paramics 2005.1
- SISTM V6-0-005; and
- VISSIM Ver. 4.10-12
When considering the content of this document in relation to any modelling it must be remembered that the content herein relates to models developed with the software described above. Each of the suppliers continuously and regularly update their specific package and models delivered subsequent to the release of this report may have used a new release of the software. Checks must be made to ensure which version of the software has been used for the model development.
Micro-Simulation Guidance
The aim of the guidance is to provide advice on the development, application and reporting of micro-simulation models used on the Highways Agency road network. The objective is to bring clarity to the main issues and to provide clear, and unambiguous, guidelines on the parameters that are considered most crucial in determining how well the model reflects reality, and which in effect dictate the outturn capacity and operational performance of the model. The advice is supplemental to the guidance given in DMRB and WebTAG particularly in regard to validation and calibration of the model
- Technical Review - Feb 2007 - 901.pdf (5.25mb pdf)
- Guidelines - 901.pdf (710kb pdf)
- Software Review - 901.pdf (410kb pdf)
- Software Review A3 tabs app 2 - 901.pdf (3.75mb pdf)
