Development of traffic micro-simulation for on-street parking facilities

Purnawan, P

Abstract

Observations at several on-street parking areas showed that parking and imparking
processes could produce severe traffic interruptions if parking locations were not designed
properly. This study is aimed to develop an on-street parking simulation model to
investigate traffic performances adjacent to on-street parking areas during parking
operations.
A microscopic simulation model has been developed to investigate those cases. The model
was used to represent parking and imparking behaviours and its interactions with adjacent
traffic. Four types of on-street parking layouts were included i.e. parallel with marking,
parallel with no marking, angle 45° and angle 90°. Site surveys have been conducted using
video camcorder within the Greater Manchester area for model development, as well as for
calibration and validation. Data extractions were carried out using video playbacks with
personal computer. The simulation model was developed mainly based on car-following
rules, gap acceptance rules and parking and unparking behaviour.
Verification, calibration and validation of the simulation model have been conducted. The
capability of simulation model to produce free flow and congested traffic has been
examined. Parking and unparking operation have also been verified. Spot speed
distributions have been used to calibrate and validate the parameters of vehicle movements
and the effects of parking and unparking interactions. It can be concluded that the
simulation model could mimic parking and unparking operations. For a case study of on-
street parking simulations, four schemes of on-street parking designs and behaviours have
been simulated sneli as (lie effects of parking stall geometric designs, different parking
durations, different parking manoeuvres with different parking durations, and development
of parking prohibition criteria. In general, it was shown that on-street parking operations
would affect severely adjacent traffic flow when the level of traffic volume was high. The
traffic How at upstream of parking areas will be more congested than at downstream.

Citation

Purnawan, P. Development of traffic micro-simulation for on-street parking facilities. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2005