Evaluation of the operational characteristics of heavy vehicles at signalised intersections in Queensland

Zeller, Karl (2011) Evaluation of the operational characteristics of heavy vehicles at signalised intersections in Queensland. [USQ Project]

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Abstract

Heavy vehicles are known to have a negative impact on roadway capacity. This can be attributed to the size of the vehicle and the operational characteristics such as
acceleration, deceleration, and manoeuvrability. The impact on roadway capacity is exaggerated at intersections where the heavy vehicles are forced to stop and accelerate
back up to operating speed.

Traditional traffic modelling often relies on an assumption of having a homogenous traffic flow. Effects of non-standard vehicles, such as trucks and buses or even bicycles
are accounted for by assuming they are equivalent to a fixed number of ‘standard’ passenger cars. A factor known as a passenger car equivalent is applied to the number
of heavy vehicles in the traffic stream to convert the mixed traffic volume to an equivalent flow of cars. The equivalent flow of cars can then be used to undertake
roadway capacity analysis.

This project has developed passenger car equivalent values at signalised intersections for the types of heavy vehicles in use on Queensland roads. The values derived for each
of the vehicle types analysed have been developed using a MATLAB model that simulates traffic flow through a signalised intersection. The values obtained have been determined for varying roadway and traffic conditions to provide a reference when undertaking traffic modelling at signalised intersections.

Recommendations for areas of future research have also been given. This project has been shown to lead to a number of areas where more in-depth analysis could provide greater insight into the behaviour of heavy vehicles on the roadway.

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Item Type:	USQ Project
Refereed:	No
Item Status:	Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - Department of Agricultural, Civil and Environmental Engineering (Up to 30 Jun 2013)
Supervisors:	Somasundaraswaran, Soma
Date Deposited:	14 Jan 2013 02:59
Last Modified:	14 Jan 2013 02:59
Uncontrolled Keywords:	heavy vehicles, operational characteristics, signalised intersections
Fields of Research (2008):	09 Engineering > 0905 Civil Engineering > 090502 Construction Engineering 09 Engineering > 0905 Civil Engineering > 090507 Transport Engineering
Fields of Research (2020):	40 ENGINEERING > 4005 Civil engineering > 400504 Construction engineering 40 ENGINEERING > 4005 Civil engineering > 400512 Transport engineering
URI:	https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/22714

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