Department Overview  

Copyright © 2001
Department of Transportation Studies
Texas Southern University

Evaluation and Combined Use of TRANSYT-7F and CORSIM in Traffic Signal Optimization and Simulation

Principal Investigator:    Dr. Lei Yu

Sponsoring Agency:    Southwest Region University Transportation Center

Period:    September 1, 2001 ~ August 31, 2002

Research Goal and Objectives:

The goal of this research is to maximize the usefulness of TRANSYT-7F and CORSIM, and to delineate features, advantages and disadvantages of two models in a comparative manner. The two models will be combined as an integrated tool for real-world applications in order to make the traffic signal timing analysis more reliable, and its results more defensible.

The goal of the research entails the following objectives:

1. To evaluate and compare the performance measures such as delays and stops of both models, and identify the differences of the formulas that are being used in the calculations.

2. To conduct sensitivity test and analysis by using such variables as platoon dispersion factor, link length, demand, splits and offset in both models.

To develop an integrated procedure that combines unique features of both TRANSYT-7F and CORSIM in real-world applications for traffic signal optimization and simulation.

 

Research Abstract:

TRANSYT-7F is a most widely used off-line tool and designed emphatically to optimize traffic signal for arterials and networks. The traffic simulation package CORSIM (CORridor SIMulation) is a most widely accepted model and a time-based microscopic tool with stochastic (random) simulation of individual vehicles for controlled urban networks and freeways.  Although these two models have been widely used by traffic engineers, there has never been an effort to evaluate the two models in a comparative manner, especially the measures of effectiveness that are produced by the two models.  The goal of this research is to maximize the usefulness of TRANSYT-7F and CORSIM, and to delineate features, advantages and disadvantages of two models in a comparative manner. The two models will be combined as an integrated tool for real-world applications in order to make the traffic signal timing analysis more reliable, and its results more defensible.   The findings of this study will have an immediate benefit to traffic engineers at state DOT’s and cities by providing a practical guideline with respect to using TRANSYT-7F and CORSIM models.     

Research Information

For further information about the research, please contact Dr. Lei Yu by telephone at(713) 313-7282 or by e-mail at yu_lx@tsu.edu.