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CE- 454
Traffic Studies and Pavement
Design Sessional

(Speed and Volume study)

Md. Shaharul Islam

Lecturer, CE Dept., MIST

Traffic Volume Study

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Volume data are needed in research, planning, designing and regulation phases of traffic engineering
and are also used in establishing priorities and schedules of traffic improvements. The traffic
engineer must acquire general knowledge of traffic volume characteristics in order to measure and
understand the magnitudes, composition, and time and route distributions of volume for each area
under his jurisdiction.

The purposes for carrying out traffic volume count are as follows:

 Design purposes
 Improvement purposes
 Planning purposes
 Dynamic Traffic Management Purposes
 Economic feasibility evaluation
 Computation of accident rates - accidents/100m vehicle-miles

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Related Definitions
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Traffic Volume is defined as the number of vehicles that pass a particular point along a roadway or traffic
lane per unit of time. Volume is a measure to quantify the traffic flow and is commonly measured in units
of vehicles per hour, vehicles per day and so on.

ADT stands for Annual Daily Traffic and is defined by the average number of vehicles that pass a particular
point during a period greater than one day and less than one year. It is determined by dividing the total
number of vehicles within a period by the number of days.

Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) is represented by the total number of vehicles passing a particular
point, averaged over one year data. AADT is a very important factor for geometric design of highways.

The Peak Hour Factor(PHF): is defined as the ratio of total hourly volume to the maximum rate of flow
within the hour. Typical peak-hour factors for freeways range between 0.80 and 0.95.

Directional distribution refers to the percentage of traffic flow in one direction during a particular time of
day. This factor is particularly important in the case of commuter roads, where maximum flow occurs in
one direction in the morning and the other in the evening.

Data Collection Method

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Volume counting methods can be classified into two broad categories:

 Manual Counting Method
Direct Method - data is collected by using hand tally and manual counters/enumerators
Indirect Method - data is collected using video camera

 Automatic Counting method.

Contact system - viz tube, loop, piezo detectors/sensors
Contact-less system - based on electrical/optical actuation, ultra sound imaging, infra red
imaging

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Composition of Traffic Volume, PCU

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Different types of vehicle within the traffic stream makes it difficult to express flow in terms of vehicle.
Flow value is calculated by converting all the vehicles to a common type usually the passenger ‘car’.
One car is considered as one unit. In respect of its road occupancy and operational requirements each
type of vehicle is equivalent to a number of passenger cars and this is called the Passenger Car
Equivalent/Unit (PCE/PCU). PCE is directly related to capacity value.

Determination of Traffic Volume

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In 15 mins Vehicle passes

20 buses
8 truck
25 car
2 Lane 2 way 8 CNG
16 Motor-cycle

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Determination of Traffic Volume

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In 15 mins vehicle passes-
20 buses x 3 = 60
8 truck x 3 = 24
25 car x 1 = 25
8 CNG x 0.75 =6
16 Motor-cycle x 0.5 =8

Total = 123 PCU/15 min

= 492 PCU/hr in one direction
= 984 PCU/hr in both direction

How to calculate ADT and AADT from this short counts?

Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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If traffic data are collected continuously for a long period and presented for a number of consecutive
days, weeks, months, years etc. then the repetitive nature of the variation will be observed, since the
pattern of the hourly, weekly, monthly variations will be similar for all years, although the actual volumes
may not necessary be the same.

There are two approaches for the estimation of ADT, AADT from short counts:
1. Factor approach - previously established expansion factors from continuous count are used.
2. Regression approach

𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝟐𝟒 − 𝒉𝒓 𝒗𝒐𝒍.
𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓, 𝑯𝑬𝑭 =
𝒗𝒐𝒍. 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒉𝒓.

These factors are used to expand counts of durations shorter than 24 hr. to 24-hr vol.

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Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌𝒍𝒚 𝒗𝒐𝒍.
𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓, 𝑫𝑬𝑭 =
𝒂𝒗𝒈. 𝒗𝒐𝒍. 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒚.

Theses factors are used to determine weekly vol. from counts of 24-hr duration.
ADT = Total weekly volume/7

𝑨𝑨𝑫𝑻.
𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒚 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓, 𝑴𝑬𝑭 =
𝑨𝑫𝑻 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉.

These factors are used to determine AADT from the ADT for a given month.

Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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Traffic data was collected for a 30 min duration (1015 hrs. to 1045 hrs.) at a 5 min interval
on 3rd October 2021. From the collected data calculate flow rate, ADT and AADT.

Vehicle Time interval (mins)

type
0-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30
Bus 8 5 4 6 8 5
Mini-Bus 10 12 15 20 18 14
Car 95 105 98 85 100 80
CNG 10 8 6 7 12 6
Motorcycle 25 30 35 40 20 24
Rickshaw 3 2 5 8 4 3
Bi-cycle 6 4 5 3 7 4

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Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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Traffic data was collected for a 30 min duration (1015 hrs. to 1045 hrs.) at a 5 min interval
on 3rd October 2021. From the collected data calculate flow rate, ADT and AADT.

Vehicle Time interval (mins) PCU Total

type factor PCU in PCU/hr
0-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 30 min
Bus 8 5 4 6 8 5
Mini-Bus 10 12 15 20 18 14
Car 95 105 98 85 100 80
CNG 10 8 6 7 12 6
Motorcycle 25 30 35 40 20 24
Rickshaw 3 2 5 8 4 3
Bi-cycle 6 4 5 3 7 4

Total =

Estimation of ADT, AADT from Short Counts

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Flow rate = X PCU/hr. on 3rd October i.e. Sunday
DEF for Sunday = Y
Total weekly volume = X * Y
ADT = (X*Y)/7
MEF for October = Z
AADT = ADT * Z

We have calculated flow rate in veh/hr. unit. This is the present traffic demand.
Does the road capable enough to take this traffic volume?

The capacity of a roadway is its ability to accommodate traffic. It is usually expressed

as the number of vehicles that can pass a given point in a certain time at a given
speed.

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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The capacity of roadway under uninterrupted flow condition can be obtained by modifying the capacity of the
roadway under ideal conditions. Table 7.1 shows capacity of highway under ideal conditions according to
Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)-1994 (USA).

These ideal conditions comprise uninterrupted flow, with no interference by side traffic or
obstructions, a vehicle stream composed solely of passenger vehicles, 12 ft. wide traffic lane,
and should be capable of providing operation at 70 mph, with no restriction of passing sight
distance.

Roadway Type Capacity (passenger Vehicle/hr)

Multi-lane Free Flow 2000 per lane
Two lane, two way 2000 total both direction
Three lane , two way 4000 total both direction

Determination of Roadway Capacity

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The adjustment factors used in modifying the capacity under ideal
conditions to give capacity and service volumes under prevailing
conditions may be grouped under

1. Roadway factors
2. Traffic factors
Factors we have to be considered to modify capacity-
Operating speed, Passing sight distance, Lane width, Shoulder width

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Shoulder

Lane width

2 Lane 2 way

Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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Capacity of two lane two way road = 2000 veh/hour

Actual roadway capacity = 2000 x 0.68 x 0.88 x 0.92 veh/hour
= 1101 passenger vehicle/hour in both direction

Speed Study
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Speed – The rate of movement of a vehicle, generally expressed in fps, kph or mph.
The main objectives of speed studies are:
Capacity studies
Geometric design
Accident analysis
Economic studies
Performance study of a traffic control measures (before & after studies)
Planning and designing traffic control measures viz:
 Traffic signal design
 Designing road signs
 Designing parking crossings
 Establishing speed limits
 Speed zoning
 Placing speed breaker etc.

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Speed Study
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Time-mean speed: The speed obtained when the sum of all values is divided by the number
of observation. It gives arithmetic mean of the spot speeds vehicles passing a point.
Space mean speed: The speed obtained when speeds are averages over space. It gives the
harmonic mean of the speeds of vehicles passing a point, on a highway, during an interval.

𝟐
𝒔
𝐭 𝒔
𝒔

vt = individual speeds s = space distance

n = no. of observation t = mean travel time.

Speed Study
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 Spot speed : instantaneous speed of a vehicle at a pt.
 Running speed : average speed while in motion
 Journey speed : overall speed including stops
 Operating speed : the highest overall speed

 Safe speed: 85th percentile speed

 Design speed: 98th percentile speed
 Median speed: 50th percentile speed
 Modal speed: speed at the highest frequency
 Pace: is a range of speed; usually taken in 10 mph or 15 kmph increment
 Speed limits: upper limit at 85th percentile speed
lower limit at 15th percentile speed

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Spot Speed Calculation

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Spot/Time-mean speed - measured at free flow/unobstructed conditions by using:
Manual method - measuring travel time over a short distance.
Automatic methods- Radar speed meter, Pressure contact strip, video camera method

speed , v = s/t

Table for Spot Speed Study

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Vehicle type No. of Distance Time Speed Avg Speed Avg Speed
vehicle (ft) (sec) (ft/sec) (ft/sec) (mph)

5
Bus

5
Car

CNG 5

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Travel Speed / Space mean speed

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Travel/Space-mean speed - measured at existing operating condition by using:
 License plate method
 Floating car method - by use of test vehicle

Vehicle type No. of Reg. Plate Entry Exit Travel Traveled Avg travel
vehicle No. Time time time distance speed
10420 10:30 10:35 5 min 1 km

5
Car

5
Bus

Presentation of Speed Data

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Graphically in the form of
 Histogram & frequency curve
 Cumulate frequency distribution curve
 Statistical distribution
Speed No. of Mid speed, % of cumulative %
Range Vehicle V (mph) frequency of frequency
observed (f)
0-5 2.5
5-10 7.5
10-15 12.5
15-20
20-25

60-65

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Presentation of Speed Data

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Presentation of Speed Data

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Determination of Roadway Capacity

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In 15 mins vehicle passes-
20 buses x 3 = 60
8 truck x 3 = 24
25 car x 1 = 25
8 CNG x 0.75 =6
16 Motor-cycle x 0.5 =8

Total = 123 PCU/15 min

= 492 PCU/hr in one direction
= 984 PCU/hr in both direction

Calculation of Operating Speed

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Vehicle No. of No. of Equivalent Total Speed
type vehicle in vehicle in PCU PCU in 1 (mph)
15 mins 1 hour hour
Bus 20 80 3 240 40
Truck 8 32 3 96 35
Car 25 100 1 100 30
CNG 8 32 0.75 24 25
Motor-cycle 16 64 0.50 32 35

Total 492

Operating speed = (240 x 40 + 96 x 35 + 100 x 30 + 24 x 25 + 32 x 35 )/ 492 mph

= 35.93 mph

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 Shopnochura-3 building project

 14-storied, 169-195 flats
 Each flat of 1100 sft.

Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Traffic Impact
Assessment (TIA) for
the development of
the Shopnochura-3
building.

Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Growth Factor (1+r)n

r = Growth Rate
n= Number of years
Growth Rate, r= 4%

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Traffic movement at peak hour in study area

Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Coded network in VISSIM

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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LOS for the Road Segments at Peak-Hour With and Without Project

Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Queue Length (m)

2022 2027 2032

Without Shopnochura-03 Project With Shopnochura-03 Project

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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450
400
350
Delay (sec)

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2022 2027 2032
Without Shopnochura-03 Project With Shopnochura-03 Project

Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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2%
1% 0% Utility
7% (Jeep/SUV/
Pajero)
Private Car
43% 18%

Bicycle
2%

Rickshaw/
27%
Battery
Rickshaw/Van
Existing Modal Share of Filling Station Road

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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LOS for different roads if rickshaw is restricted during the peak-hour
Improve walking facility
which will motivate the
users to make a modal
shift form rickshaw to
walking.

Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Recommended Traffic Flow Pattern of Shopnochura-3 at Peak Hours

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Case Study: Shopnochura-3 Building Project

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Flaring at the T-junction connecting Proyash School Road and Cantonment Main Road

Case Study: Osmany Hall Intersection

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1. Road condition Survey – Capacity

2. Volume study – Demand, Traffic Data
3. Speed study – Operating speed etc.
4. Code network in VISSIM
5. Result and Analysis
6. Recommendation

Submission:
Formal Report
Power point presentation

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