Methods used to evaluate the capacity of highways, including flow rate, queue length, and delay.
Basic Traffic Flow Theory: Covers the basic principles of traffic flow including the relationships between flow, speed, density, and capacity, and how they impact highway capacity analysis.
Level of Service (LOS): LOS is a metric used to describe the quality of service provided by a highway facility based on how well it is able to meet the travel demand. It takes into account factors such as travel time, delays, and freedom to maneuver.
Traffic Characteristics: This involves the study of the types of vehicles using a highway, their distribution across different lanes, speeds, and directions, and their interactions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Traffic Data Collection: Understanding the different methods and tools for gathering traffic data, such as traffic counts, speed studies, and travel time surveys.
Vehicle Performance Characteristics: Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of different types of vehicles, such as cars, buses, and trucks, in terms of speed, acceleration, and deceleration.
Intersection Analysis: Intersection capacity analysis involves evaluating the performance of signalized and unsignalized intersections based on factors such as the number of lanes, signal timings, and phasing.
Capacity Analysis of Freeways and Arterials: This involves studying the capacity and performance of high-speed highways and major roads, taking into account factors such as geometric design, lane configurations, and control measures.
Microsimulation Modeling: Microsimulation tools can be used to create virtual traffic scenarios that help to evaluate different highway configurations, control measures, and traffic management strategies.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): This refers to the use of technology to manage and control traffic flow, such as traffic signals, variable message signs, and automated incident detection systems.
Emerging Technologies: Understanding the latest technological innovations in transportation, such as connected and autonomous vehicles, and their potential impact on highway capacity and performance.
HCM: Highway Capacity Manual: It is the most widely used methodology for highway capacity analysis. HCM calculates the capacity of a roadway segment, the average travel speed, and the level of service.
SIDRA INTERSECTION: Software tool for analyzing intersections, interchanges, and signalized and unsignalized crossroads. It is designed for quick evaluation, as well as detailed intersection design and planning.
CORSIM: Comprehensive simulation modeling software, used to simulate traffic flow in real-world scenarios. It helps to measure the capacity of roadways and the effectiveness of traffic control measures.
VISSIM: Dynamic traffic simulation software that models traffic flows, traffic accidents, and traffic management measures. It helps traffic engineers to design traffic signaling systems, traffic simulations, and traffic management strategies for various traffic scenarios.
SYNCHRO: Traffic analysis software that assists in the design and timing plan development of signalized intersections.
TRANSYT: Comprehensive traffic analysis software used to optimize the timing of signalized intersections.
Paramics: Microscopic simulation model that is used to study and optimize traffic flows, potential congestion, and transportation system operations.
Aimsun: Traffic modeling and simulation software for the plan development and operational analysis of transportation networks.
PEM (Peak Hour Factor method): It is an empirical method of traffic volume determination that calculates traffic volume during peak traffic hours. It is essential for traffic engineering purposes as peak hour traffic volumes are a significant contributor to traffic congestion.
INTipcd: Software tool used to evaluate the performance of unsignalized intersections. It helps to identify issues with the capacity and level of service of the intersection, and it provides recommendations for improvement.