TrafficVolumeStudy Ashok
TrafficVolumeStudy Ashok
Traffic engineering uses engineering methods and techniques to achieve the safe and time efficient
movement of people and goods on roadways. The safe and time efficient movement of the people
and goods is dependent on Traffic flow, which is directly connected to the traffic characteristics.
The three main parameters of a traffic flow are volume, speed and density. In the absence of
effective planning and traffic management of the city, the current road infrastructure cannot cater
the future needs of the city. Pedestrian and vehicle volumes have increased significantly in the last
decade due to the change of the economics of the middle-class families. The current work studies
traffic characteristics in the town of Yemmiganuru at Shiva circle and Y.S.R circle and M.G
petrolbunk . In this work emphasis was given on traffic volume and the analysis was carried out
through primary traffic flow surveys at three Circles. Traffic flow is studied by manual methods.
For better understanding of the present status of traffic flow at the junction, traffic survey is
conducted. Calculation of Passenger Car Units (PCU’s) for different vehicle types was provided
by our respected course co-coordinators of the course CE452. With the help of the data collection,
an attempt had been made to understand the traffic patterns during different time periods. Traffic
control at that junction is also dependent on the traffic flow characteristics. Hence the results from
the present study are helpful in controlling the traffic at the intersection and also in suggesting
some of the remedial measures to improve the traffic safety in the region. Remedial measures such
as widening the road, changing 2-lane or by providing more public transport can be recommended
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We extend our sincere and heartful thanks to Mr.V.Giridhar Kumar M.E,, Head of the Civil
Engineering Department for giving this opportunity to do the project work.
We extend our sincere and heartful thanks to Dr. V. VEERANNA, Ph.D Principal for giving
this opportunity to do the project work.
We take this occasion to express our acknowledgement to all the faculty members and Non-
teaching staff of Civil Engineering Department for their co-operation and encouragement
throughout our post-graduation and to all our friends who have helped in one way or the
other.
Finally, we are greatly thankful to our beloved parents for their motivation and
encouragement during the project work and made a part in our success.
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DECLARATION
We hereby declare that this report is our own work and effort and that it has not been submitted
anywhere for any award. All the contents provided here is totally based on our own labor
dedicated for the completion of the laboratory experiment of volume study of the road lying near
to our university.
Where other sources of information have been used, they have been acknowledged and the
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CONTENTS
Page no
Abstract ii
Acknowledgements iii
Declaration iv
Contents v
List of Figures x
List of Tables xi
Abbreviations xii
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Objectives 2
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Page No.
2.5 Definitions: 8
2.5 a. Volume/flow: 8
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2.8 a. Purpose 15
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Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY 32
Group 4 Calculation 35
Chapter 5 CONCLUSION 42
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Page No.
5.4 Recommendations 43
5.5 Limitations 44
References 45
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LIST OF FIGURES
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LIST OF TABLES
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ABBREVIATIONS
xii
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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Only now did I recognize the reciprocal relationship which exits between manufacturing power
and the national system of transportation, and that the one can never develop to its fullest without
the other.
- Frie
This quote describes almost everything about the importance of transportation. Transportation is
carrying civilization to a brighter future. Now a day’s transportation is one of the most burning
issues in every territory of the world. Every country is approaching differently according to their
needs and solving their transportations problems within their capabilities. In designing buildings
we need to determine loads coming to the structure to calculate reinforcement to be provided for
safe functioning of the structure. Here in transportation volume serves the same purpose. For
planning, designing and operation of transportation system the first and foremost requirement is
volume. Volume is simply the number of vehicles passing a section of a roadway. Expressing
traffic volume as number of vehicles passing a given section of road or traffic lane per unit time
will be inappropriate when several types of vehicles with widely varying static and dynamic
characteristics are comprised in the traffic. The problem of measuring volume of such
heterogeneous traffic has been addressed by converting the different types of vehicles into
equivalent passenger cars and expressing the volume in terms of Passenger Car Unit (PCU) per
hour. The interaction between moving vehicles under such heterogeneous traffic condition is
highly complex. Again volume is not constant. It increases with time. So a continuous method of
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calculating volume is a matter of great importance for smooth functioning of transportation
system. If volume data is not found on a continuous basis then the transportation system may fail
1.1 OBJECTIVES
To measure traffic volumes and note other related traffic characteristics (e.g. flow
To compare the results with standard design service volumes and identify remedies.
The report has been documented in the following manner. The first chapter gives the primary
understanding of the problem statement and objectives of the study. The second chapter has been
devoted to review of earlier studies to set the guidelines for the present work. The criteria for site
selection, method of data collection and theory on traffic volume while the methods we adopted in
our data collection system have been discussed in chapter three. Analysis and discussion of results
are given in fourth chapter. The specific conclusions drawn from this study and recommendations
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1.3 Scope of Traffic Volume Studies:
The traffic volume count study is carried out to get following useful information:
Magnitudes, classifications and the time and directional split of vehicular flows.
predefined classes based on vehicle size and capacity. In a two-way road, vehicles
moving towards two directions are counted separately to get the proportion. Time and
or private transport dominates the traffic system. It also indicates the choice of road users.
Hourly, daily, yearly and seasonal variation of vehicular flows. These variations are
needed to establish expansion factors for future use. Using expansion factors, AADT can
system.
Structural and geometric design of pavements, bridge, and other highway facilities.
Structural design is based on repetition of wheel load on the pavement in entire design
life. AADT is needed with traffic growth rate to compute design wheel repetition.
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Intersection design including minimum turning path, channelization, flaring, traffic
control devices viz. traffic signs, markings, signals based on approach volume and turning
proportions.
Pedestrian volume study is useful for designing sidewalks, pedestrian crossing etc.
volume carried by a particular roadway section in order to decide the importance of the
In order to improve the roadway operating condition, it is important to know the traffic
volume.
Accurate information on the amount of traffic on the roads is vital for the planning of both
Improvement
Expansion in terms of construction missing links, by-pass, alternative road etc.
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1.3 d. Dynamic Traffic Management Purposes:
Estimation of trends
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Chapter Two
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The main problem in developing the analytical speed-flow relationship is heterogeneity of traffic
stream. The vehicles in the mix produce different impedance due to their varied static and
dynamic characteristics. Hence simply adding the number of vehicles does not give the authentic
speed flow relationship. For this reason, the vehicles are normally presented in terms of standard
type of vehicle using certain conversion factors. Generally, passenger car is adopted as standard
vehicle and this factor is known as passenger car unit (PCU). Many researchers have developed
methods to estimate PCU for a vehicle type. The interesting point to note is that each of these
studies has resulted into different PCU values for the same type of vehicle. There exists large
Traffic engineers and planners need information about traffic. They need information to design
and manage road and traffic system. They use the information for planning and designing traffic
facilities, selecting geometric standards, economic analysis and determination of priorities. They
use this to justify warrant of traffic control devices such as signs, traffic signals, pavement
markings, school and pedestrian crossings. The also use this information to study the effectiveness
of introduced schemes, diagnosing given situations and finding appropriate solutions, forecasting
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Transportation system is a dynamic system. Information about traffic must be regularly updated to
keep pace with ever-changing transportation system. Data must be collected and analyzed
Traffic surveys are the means of obtaining information about traffic. This is a systematic way of
The main purposes of traffic survey are: traffic monitoring, traffic control and management, traffic
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2.4 Traffic Volume Study
Traffic 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 magnitude, composition, and time and route distribution of volume
2.5 Definitions:
2.5 a. Volume/flow:
The total number of vehicles that pass over a given point or section of a lane or roadway during a
given time interval is called volume. It is the actual number of vehicle observed or predicted to
The equivalent hourly rate at which vehicles pass over a given point or section of a lane or
The average 24-hr volume at a given location over a defined time period less than one year. The
common application is to measure an ADT for each month of the year. Others are:
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2.5 d. Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT):
Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT): The average 24-hr volume at a given location over a full
365 days year, estimated as the number of vehicles passing a site in a year divided by 365 days
In 1992, AASHTO released the AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs, which identified
averages." For every month and day-of-week, a Monthly Average Day of Week (MADW) is
calculated (84 per year). Each day-of-week's MADW is then calculated across months to calculate
an Annual Average Day of Week (AADW) (7 per year). Finally, the AADWs are averaged to
calculate an AADT. The United States Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has adopted this
*AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs. American Association of State Highway and
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2.6 Types of Volume Counts
Different types of traffic counts are carried out, depending on the anticipated use of the data to be
When information is required on vehicle accumulation within an area such as the central business
district (CBD) of a city, particularly during a specific time, a cordon count is undertaken. The area
for which the data are required is cordoned off by an imaginary closed loop; the area enclosed
within this loop is defined as the cordon area. Figure 1.1 shows such an area where the CBD of a
city is enclosed by the imaginary loop ABCDA. The intersection of each street crossing the
cordon line is taken as a count station; volume counts of vehicles and/or persons entering and
leaving the cordon area are taken. The information obtained from such a count is useful for
planning parking facilities, updating and evaluating traffic operational techniques, and making
Fig.2.1 Example of Station Locations for a Cordon Count (Traffic Highway Engineering)
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2.6 b. Screen Line Counts
In screen line counts, the study area is divided into large sections by running imaginary lines,
known as screen lines, across it. In some cases, natural and manmade barriers, such as rivers or
railway tracks, are used as screen lines. Traffic counts are then taken at each point where a road
crosses the screen line. It is usual for the screen lines to be designed or chosen such that they are
not crossed more than once by the same street. Collection of data at these screen-line stations at
regular intervals facilitates the detection of variations in the traffic volume and traffic flow
Intersection counts are taken to determine vehicle classifications, through movements, and turning
movements at intersections. These data are used mainly in determining phase lengths and cycle
times for signalized intersections, in the design of channelization at intersections, and in the
Volume counts of pedestrians are made at locations such as subway stations, midblock, and
crosswalks. The counts are usually taken at these locations when the evaluation of existing or
overpasses or underpasses. Pedestrian counts can be made using the TDC-12 electronic manual
counter described earlier and shown in Figure 1.2. The locations at which pedestrian counts are
taken also include intersections, along sidewalks, and mid-block crossings. These counts can be
used for crash analysis, capacity analysis, and determining minimum signal timings at signalized
intersections.
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Fig2.2 TDC-12 electronic manual counter
In order to obtain certain traffic volume data, such as AADT, it is necessary to obtain data
continuously. However, it is not feasible to collect continuous data on all roads because of the cost
basis, different types of periodic counts, with count durations ranging from 15 minutes to
continuous, are conducted; the data from these different periodic counts are used to determine
values that are then employed in the estimation of annual traffic characteristics. The periodic
Continuous
Control
Coverage counts.
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2.6 e. i) Continuous Counts.
These counts are taken continuously using mechanical or electronic counters showed in Figure1.3.
Stations at which continuous counts are taken as permanent count stations. In selecting permanent
count stations, the highways within the study area must first be properly classified. Each class
should consist of highway links with similar traffic patterns and characteristics. A highway link is
defined for traffic count purposes as a homogeneous section that has the same traffic
characteristics, such as AADT and daily, weekly, and seasonal variations in traffic volumes at
each point. Broad classification systems for major roads may include freeways, expressways, and
major arterials. For minor roads, classifications may include residential, commercial, and
industrial streets.
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2.6 e. ii) Control Counts.
These counts are taken at stations known as control-count stations, which are strategically located
so that representative samples of traffic volume can be taken on each type of highway or street in
an area-wide traffic counting program. The data obtained from control counts are used to
determine seasonal and monthly variations of traffic characteristics so that expansion factors can
be determined. These expansion factors are used to determine year-round average values from
short counts.
Hourly, daily, and monthly expansion factors can be determined using data obtained at continuous
These factors are used to expand counts of durations shorter than 24 hour to 24-hour volumes by
multiplying the hourly volume for each hour during the count period by the HEF for that hour and
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2.7 b. Daily expansion factors (DEFs) are computed as
These factors are used to determine weekly volumes from counts of 24-hour duration by
AADT
MEF=
ADT for particular month
The AADT for a given year may be obtained from the ADT for a given month by multiplying this
2.8 a. Purpose
The main objective of reconnaissance survey is of examine the general character of he area for the
purpose of determining the most feasible routes, or routes, for further more detailed investigations.
Data collected should be adequate to examine the feasibility of all the different routes in question,
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The survey should also help in determining any deviations necessary in the basic geometric
(a) Study of topographical survey sheets, agricultural, soil, geological and meteorological
(c) Ground reconnaissance (including another round of aerial reconnaissance for inaccessible
Photogrammetry technology is also useful to the highway engineer in many ways. Large scale
maps on scales of 1:2,000 to 1:25,000 can be very precisely produced through photogrammetric
process. The contouring can also be produce, the common intervals depending on the height of the
camera. Very minute and precise measurements amounting to sub-mere accuracy can be obtained.
In other words, profile (with height values) and cross-sections across highway center-line can be
This technique is used with the help of satellites. At present, it gives resolution of the order of 6
metres. Photographic products of imagery are available from National Remote Sensing Agency,
Hyderabad on scales of 1:12,500, 1:25,000 and 1:50,000. Digital products are also available in
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floppy cartridges and tapes. The cartridge/tape can be digitally processed in the computer and the
image on the monitor can be interpreted with the possibility of enhancement of quality through
repeatability as orbiting satellites visit the same spot on earth every few weeks. Thus, the latest
information regarding the physical features (like, the extent of a town or urban area, etc.) can be
obtained to update on available map. The information on natural resources namely, geology,
geomorphology, land use, soil status (waterlogging, erosion, etc.), drainage, forest extent, etc. as
available may be most useful input for the planners of highway alignment.
In case of large projects with mapping as one of the main objectives conventional aerial
photography in traditional format (23 cm x 23 cm) may also be useful. There are at least there
known agencies in India for such aerial photography, namely he National Remote Sensing Agency
(NRSA), Hyderabad, Air Survey Company, Calcutta and the India Air Force. All aerial
photography work requires clearance from the Ministry of Defence. The major advantages of
SFAP are:- Very large scale true colour photography can be done in scales upto 1:1,000 to 1:2,000
(upto scales of 1:10,000). Acquisition plan alongside highways can be suitably made in scale of
1:4,000. Monitoring of urban areas, villages and environment along the corridor are possible at
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2.8 f. Aerial Reconnaissance
An aerial reconnaissance will provide a bird’s eye view of eh alignments under consideration
along with the surrounding area. It will help to identify factors which call for rejection or
modification of any of the alignment. Final decision about the alignments to be studied in detail on
The various alternative routes located as a result of the map study are further examined in the field
by ground reconnaissance. As such, this part of the survey is an important link in the chain of
General reconnaissance consists of general examination of the ground walking or riding along the
probable route and collecting all available information necessary for evaluating the same. In
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the case of hill sections, it may sometime be advantageous to start the reconnaissance from the
obligatory point situated close to the top. If an area is inaccessible for the purposes of ground
While carrying out ground reconnaissance, it is advisable to leave reference pegs to facilitate
level/Altimeter, Pedometer, Aneroid barometer, Clinometer, Ghat trace, etc. Walkie-talkie sets,
mobile phone and pagers are useful for communication, particularly in difficult terrain. Use of the
instruments mentioned above to obtain ground slopes, maximum gradients, elevation of critical
summits or stream crossing, and location of obligatory points, serve as a check on the maps being
used. In difficult hilly and forest terrain assistance of new technology, like Global Position System
(GPS) or Differential GPS (DGPS) may also be taken where the magnitude and importance of the
work justify their provision. GPS is a comparatively new technology which utilizes the satellites
orbiting around the earth. A minimum of four satellites are needed to indicate the coordinates (X,
Y, Z) on the ground at any time of day and night with accuracy of a few centimeters, two geo-
receivers are sued and this mode of using two GPS is known as differential GPS (DGPS).
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2.9 METHODS FOR VOLUME SURVEY
There are two major methods of counting vehicle for volume survey. They are-
In this method, vehicles are counted manually. There are two methods of manual counting:
ii)Indirect Method.
Advantages: By this method traffic volume as well as vehicle classification and turning
proportions can be obtained. Data can be used immediately after collection. Disadvantages: This
method is not practicable for long duration count and when flow is high. Error is common
especially when volume is high. Count cannot be cross checked. Count cannot be done in bad
weather.
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2.9.a. ii)Indirect Method:
In this method, data is collected using video camera. Video is captured for long time and data is
Advantages: Besides traffic volume, several traffic parameters can be obtained from
recorded film. Data can be cross checked and quality can be ensured. This method is
applicable when volume is high. It is suitable for non-lane based traffic operation.
Disadvantages: A suitable elevated place is required for filming operation. Data cannot be
used immediately after collection. Data must be manually transcripted of recorded film.
This process is time consuming and tedious. Because of limitation of capacity of film, it is
not suitable for long duration counts. Quality of video recorded on film is dependent on
In this method, vehicles are counted automatically without any human involvement. There are two
radar, micro wave, CCTV/video image processing method etc. Advantages: This method is
suitable for long duration or continuous count. It is used as permanent counting station. It does not
need manpower and is free from human error. Data is obtained in usable format. It is less
expensive as manpower is not needed. Count is not affected by bad weather condition.
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Disadvantages: It requires strict lane discipline. Non-motorized vehicles are hard to detect by this
method. Detailed classification of vehicle is not possible. Accuracy is less than manual method.
Vehicles can be counted for any duration. Duration of count depends on the objective of data
collection. For traffic control and management or operational studies short duration count at peak
period is conducted. For planning and design purpose, long duration count is conducted. For our
study purpose we collected volume data for 15 minutes, spot speed data for 30 minutes and travel
speed data for 30 minutes. In total we spent 1 hour 15 minutes for collecting data.
The minimum sample size depends on the precision level desired. The commonly used precision
level for volume counts is 95–5. When the sample size is less than 30 and the selection of
counting stations is random, a distribution known as the student’s t distribution may be used to
determine the sample size for each class of highway links. The student’s t distribution is
unbounded (with a mean of zero) and has a variance that depends on the scale parameter,
The degrees of freedom (v) is a function of the sample size; v N 1for the student’s t
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Assuming that the sampling locations are randomly selected, the minimum sample number is
given as
2
t2 (S )
n /2,N 1 d2
1 ( 1 )t2 (S2 )
N /2,N 1 d2
where,
t = value of the student’s t distribution with (1 - α/2) confidence level (N-1 degrees of freedom)
α = significance level
The present study is essentially about the importance of traffic volume in traffic engineering of
urban and suburban road links, in particular the literature on effect of traffic volume, speed-flow
relationships, passenger car equivalents, peak hour factor, flow variations and traffic capacity and
Van Aerde (1995) presented a generic speed-flow-density relationship, which was successfully
applied and calibrated for both freeways and arterials in both the micro and the macro domains.
The model is a single regime model, but appears to be able to describe both congested and un-
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congested traffic conditions. The model described by Van Aerde, however, is flexible enough to
allow speeds at capacity to be set in excess of Greenshields value of half the free-flow speed
and to allow jam density to be specified. In other words, the Greenshields model can be
described as being a special case of the more general Van Aerde model. Various curves for a
Figure 2.5 Van Curves to Freeway Data (Twin Cities, USA) (van Aerde, 1995)
Satyanarayana (2012) studied the effect of traffic volume, its composition and stream speed on
passenger car equivalents . Method proposed by Chandra is used for developing the PCU factors
and found that For two axle trucks PCU values are found to increase with an increase in
compositional share of respective vehicle types in the traffic stream. The PCU of two wheelers
practically remains unaffected by its compositional share in the traffic stream. Compositional
share of 2W at different locations were observed in the range of 31.69% to 34.23% whereas
increase in PCU values are 1.1% only and it may be attributed due to high maneuverability. In
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slow moving traffic PCU values of bullock carts are increasing with the decreasing in the
V.T Hamizh Arasan and Krishnamurthy (2008) provided an insight into the complexity of the
vehicular interaction in heterogeneous traffic. The PCU estimates, made through microscopic of
simulation, for the different types of vehicles of heterogeneous traffic, for a wide range traffic
volume and roadway conditions indicate that the PCU value of a vehicle significantly changes
Ahmed Al-Kaisy (2005) found that the HCM suggested PCU factors for heavy vehicles is
applicable only under free-flow conditions and hence, attempted to derive passenger car
equivalents for heavy vehicles during congestion. It is found from the review of the literature that
several studies on estimation of PCU values of vehicles in heterogeneous traffic have been
conducted.
Lum K.M, Fan H.S.L, Lam (1998) observed traffic volume and travel time data at a number of
arterial roads in Singapore to analyse the speed-flow relationships for radial and ring arterial
roads. The general speed-flow model incorporating "minimum delay perintersection" and
Maitra (1999) proposed 10 levels of services with 9 in a stable flow zone (conventional LOS A to
E region) and one representing the unstable flow (presently LOS F), as a means of quantifying
congestion on urban roads. They estimated capacity values of study locations on urban roads as
3,500 and 4,500 PCU per hour for road widths of 7.0 and 10.3 m respectively in one direction.
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Marwah and Bhuvanesh (2000) suggested level of service classification for urban heterogeneous
traffic. They considered journey speed of cars, journey speed of motorised two wheelers,
Chandra.S and Prasad N.V (2004) found that the PCU factors calculated at different sections of
urban roads vary substantially across the sections. Capacity varies with physical and traffic
conditions and traffic composition. Capacity of a multilane divided urban road increases linearly
with increase in the proportion of two-wheelers in traffic stream. It is estimated that capacity of an
urban road section increases by approximately 9 percent for every 10 percent increase in the
proportion of 2-wheeler. The capacity of a section with side friction is approximately12 percent
Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), (1988) New Delhi to determine the PCU value for
different types of vehicles comprises of linear regression of the speed of cars with volume of
different categories of vehicles. The method suggests collection of large amount of data on speed
of cars under traffic volume and composition and fitting multiple linear regression equations.
Ramanayya (1988) developed a computer simulation model relating average speeds of the traffic
stream, the traffic volume and composition of traffic stream. The model could recognize eight
different categories of vehicles in the stream and it could be run for any combination of slow and
fast moving vehicles. Traffic stream models, relating speed of vehicle type with flow and
percentage of slow moving vehicles, were developed for each vehicle type. The models, so
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Vcar = 101.42 - 21.48 log Q – 30.38P
Where,
The above relationships indicate that proportion of slow moving vehicles has negative effect on
speed of a vehicle type. Using the above relationships, design vehicle units (DVU) were derived in
terms of western passenger car and these are given in Table 2.1.
10 30 50 10 30 50 10 30 50
Car 4.26 8.22 15.7 3.94 7.58 14.2 3.28 6.28 12.0
Bus 1.26 8.22 9 4.07 8.00 9 3.51 6.88 0
Truck 3.57 6.52 15.7 3.27 5.56 15.6 3.38 4.93 13.5
Auto 2.26 3.43 9 2.48 3.75 3 2.44 3.69 1
Scooter 2.17 4.11 15.0 1.94 3.69 10.0 1.56 2.98 7.77
From Table 2.1 it is seen that DVU of truck is consistently less than the corresponding value for
bus. Also, the design vehicle unit for scooter is more than that for auto rickshaw. The physical
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size of auto is 3 times more than the projected rectangular area of a scooter and therefore, more
Tanaboriboon and Aryal (1990) studied the effect of vehicle size on capacity of multilane
highway in Thailand. All vehicles moving on the road were classified in to three major categories;
small, medium and large. Headway was observed for different combinations of leading and
trailing vehicles and the basic capacity was determined by considering the reciprocal of the
average minimum time headway adopted by small vehicle. Medium sized vehicles were not found
to have affected the lane capacity in any way, but the presence of large vehicle, had an adverse
impact on the traffic stream. The average headway was found to have increased with an increase
in the percentage of large vehicles in stream. This in turn, led to reduction in capacity of the traffic
lane.
Chandra S, Kumar V and Sikdar (1995) made a comprehensive study on capacity of urban
roads. It was emphasized that PCU values for vehicle type is dynamic in nature and depends on all
factors affecting the behavior of vehicle in the traffic stream. Data collected at various at various
mid-block sections of Delhi were used to study the dynamic nature of PCU for a vehicle type.
They observed that the PCU for a vehicle type decreases with increase in its own proportion in the
traffic stream.
Parker (1996) observed that knowledge of traffic composition plays an important role in
determining capacity. It was found that the percentage of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) within
traffic stream has a major effect on capacity due to length, limited maneuverability, lower desired
speed and engine power to weight ratio. As the presence of HGV’s in the traffic stream increases,
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Chandra and Sikdar (2000) observed that PCU for a vehicle type is mainly controlled by
homogeneity/ heterogeneity of the traffic stream, which in turn, depend upon the relative
proportion of different types of vehicle. The basic philosophy involved in the development of
concept of dynamic PCU was that capacity estimation in a common unit must be same irrespective
of stream composition under given physical and control conditions. They developed a computer
Golias (2003) examined the influence of taxi behavior on urban traffic conditions. Using
computer simulation and the Taxi Equivalence Factor (TEF), a concept similar to the passenger
car equivalents for heavy vehicles, the impacts of taxi traffic on the capacity, and delays at urban
road sections is quantified. The taxi equivalence factor is based either on capacity or on delay.
Simulated and field data were used to derive TEF and sensitivity analysis is carried out in relation
to a variety of traffic parameters. The findings suggest that the most important factor influencing
the TEF related to traffic conditions is the number of traffic lanes. In particular, increase in vehicle
travel time increases for one lane roadways in the presence of taxis may exceed those
corresponding for two lane road by up to about 40%. An increase in the v/c ratio from 0.8 to 1.0
causes increases in the delay-based TEF values that may reach up to about 90%. The TEF
decreases again, indicating that as the system becomes saturated, the effect of taxis on traffic
decreases.
Basu D, Maitra S.R (2006) studied the effect of traffic volume and its composition on Passenger
Car Equivalency (PCE). Taking the stream speed as Measure of Equivalence (MOE), a
methodology is demonstrated for the estimation of PCE. The reduction in stream speed caused by
marginal increment in traffic volume by a vehicle type is compared with that of caused by an
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old technology car, which is taken as the reference vehicle for the estimation of PCE. The study
reveals that PCE is affected by traffic volume and its composition. For all vehicle types, PCE
values are found to increase with an increase in traffic volume, but the effect is predominant for
heavy vehicles. The PCE of two wheelers practically remains unaffected by its compositional
Arkatkar (2011) studied the effect of variation of traffic volume, road width, magnitude of
upgrade and its length on PCU value; by using traffic-flow simulation model HETEROSIM. Field
data collected on traffic flow characteristics are used in calibration and validation of the
simulation model. The validated simulation model is then used to derive PCU values for different
types of vehicles and it indicate that the model is capable of replicating the heterogeneous traffic
flow on mid-block sections of intercity roads, for different roadway conditions, to a satisfactory
extent.
Andrew P, Tarko and Rafaell (2005) investigated the variability of PHF over time and across
locations. The day-to-day variability of PHF was found to be as strong as the site-to-site
variability. This finding prompts for estimating the PHF based on multiple field measurements or,
where measurements are not possible, for using a model that return s the average value of PHF.
This paper presents such a model, which links PHF with hourly volume, population, and time of
day, and demonstrates that a large portion of the variability in the sample of observations can
either be explained with the model or be attributed to the day-to -day fluctuation.
The Highway Capacity Manual advises that in the absence of field measurements, reasonable
approximations for the PHF may be made as follows: 0.95 for congested conditions, 0.92 for
urban areas, and 0.88 for rural areas. General guidelines for determining future peak hour factors
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can be found in the Development Review Guidelines, and are summarized as follows: 0.85 for
Minor Street inflows and outflows, 0.90 for Minor Arterials, 0.95 for Major Streets, unless better
information is available.
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Chapter Three
Methodology
Location: Location of the spot for traffic volume survey was chosen to be from Shiva Circle in Yemmiganuru.
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Location: Location of the spot for traffic volume survey was chosen to be from Y.S.R Circle
in Yemmiganuru
Location: Location of the spot for traffic volume survey was chosen to be from M.G petrol
We stood by the side of the road and different vehicles were counted by different persons. We
selected one enumerator among us who was in charge of time. She commanded us when to
jump from current time step we were working to next time step.
Date: Data for volume study was collected on 20 June 2013. It was Thursday and it was a
weekday.
Time: Time of data collection for volume study was different for different groups however for
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Weather Condition: It was initially a sunny day but afterwards it became cloudy.
Equipment: Stop watch, Tally sheet, Clip board, video camera etc. (A blank tally sheet is
Before going for the actual work we have conducted a reconnaissance survey on the previous
day of actual work. Due to lack of instruments we could not adopt any of the methods
described in section 2.9. We just visited the spot of study and divided the whole road length
into five equal sections. And then we have selected the reference points where we collected
volume data. And on the day of operation we went directly to the spot and collected volume
data. But if we could conduct the actual reconnaissance work then we would have good
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Fig 3.2: A real time snapshot of the road while counting vehicles
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46
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48
Chapter Four
DATA ANALYSIS
TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY DATA
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TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY DATA
50
TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY DATA
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
4.6 Flow fluctuation:
24
23 23.16
22.059
22
21.794
21.054
21
21.416520.774
20.413
% ADT
20 19.575
16
9:00-10:00 10:00-11:00 11:00-12:00 12:00-13:00 13:00-14:00
Time
. Flyover to Shatrasta Shatrasta to Flyover Average
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Chapter Five
Vehicle composition shows that most of the vehicles in the traffic stream were light vehicles.
Only twenty seven percent (27%) was buses. The reason for high proportion of light vehicle is
the proximity of the location to residential area of high income group people. The light
vehicles were not highly occupied. But buses were almost fully occupied and people were
travelling by standing due to lack of seat in them. It can be assumed that, more people were
travelling by bus though their occurrences were low. We were settled on a suggestion that if
the number of busses could be increased then the traffic system would become more efficient.
Again we saw that the busses were very much old and some of them did not have smooth front
53 percent of traffic flow was towards flyover which indicates tidal flow towards Mohakhali.
It was morning rush hour. So flow was higher towards the city center. Only 47 percent of
traffic was flowing towards Shatrasta. If another vehicle count was done in evening rush hour,
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5.3. Discussion on flow fluctuation:
To draw flow fluctuation curve, it was assumed that volume for five continuous hours were
counted, although all vehicles were counted within one hour and fifteen minutes. Each group
counted vehicles for 15 minutes. Flow rate was calculated from that short count data and
plotted. The average flow fluctuation curve shows two peaks at 10:00-11:00 hrs and 12:00-
13:00 hrs.
5.4 Recommendations
1. Optimum vehicle composition of a traffic flow consists of 40% public transport or BUS
while there was only 27% public transport in our study road.
2. The buses we observed on the road were too much old that they could not maneuver easily
although the maneuverability of buses is originally low. So replacing these old buses with new
3. Bicycle should have specific lanes of their own which typically is placed beside the
footpath/shoulder. But there was not any specific lane in the road we studied. So it is
recommended that a lane system should be introduced to increase efficiency of the road at the
4. NMT or electrical low speed vehicles should not be permitted in this type of arterial road.
Although they typically travel on the left lane but they create a drag force which slows down
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5. There were some large container trucks observed on the road. Congestion can be slightly
5.5 Limitations
1. The major limitation of this volume study was the survey was conducted for 15 minutes
only, whereas for proper results the survey should be conducted for at least 3 hours
2. Number of enumerators was 5 to 6 persons per group where for complete and precise
3. We collected data for representative portion of traffic stream. However if it was possible to
collect data for each and every type of vehicle then a better scenario could have been
presented.
The present study is focused mainly on traffic volume only. Speed-flow studies are useful to
evaluate the more parameters. There is a scope on speed flow studies on urban road links for
future work.
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