AH2174 Traffic Simulation Modelling and Applications 7.5 credits

• Educational level

  Second cycle

• Academic level (A-D)

  D

• Subject area

• Grade scale

  A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• Course page on KTH Social

Learning outcomes

In this course, students obtain fundamental knowledge on the principles and applications of transport simulations.

Transport simulators are complex computer programs that solve complex model systems. The models describe real transport phenomena, such as traffic flow dynamics in urban networks. They are typically solved through mathematical techniques, in particular stochastic simulation methods. Real transport problems are analyzed with free or commercial software implementations of these models and solvers.

After successful completition of the course, students should be able to

•       understand and apply the basic principles of simulation;
•       interpret and analyze stochastic simulation results;
•       select application-specific models and simulation methods;
•       collect and use real data to calibrate and validate transport simulators;
•       deploy simulations for scenario analysis, prediction, and optimization.

Course main content

This is an advanced course on transport simulation. It consists of lectures and exercises. The lectures are structured in two blocks of roughly equal size.

The first half of the lectures teaches fundamental concepts of simulation and its application in transport. This comprises: taxonomy of simulation approaches, scientific principles and mathematical simulation framework, input data preparation, computer simulation techniques, analysis of simulation outputs. These lectures provide a solid foundation to understand and use transport simulations.

The second half of the lectures treats a selection of more specific topics. This comprises: calibration and validation of simulators, experimental design, on-line simulation, simulation-based optimization. Students will have the opportunity to influence what topics the course focuses on. These lectures provide the ability to solve complex, real transport problems with simulation.

The exercises investigate several case studies of increasing realism with an operational traffic simulator. The largest part of the exercises is hands-on work with the simulation software. Intermediate classroom-type exercises deepen the understanding of concepts taught in the lectures and clarify their relation to the case studies. The exercises give students practical experience with a real simulation software.

Eligibility

A completed Bachelor´s degree in Engineering, Science, Economics or Planning and documented proficiency in English B or equivalent.

For program students:

AH2171 Traffic Engineering and Management

AH2177 Transport and Geodata Analysis or equivalent background

Literature

•  S. M. Ross, Simulation, 4th edition, Elsevier, 2006
•  A. M. Law and W. David Kelton, Simulation Modeling and Analysis, 4rth edition,McGraw Hill, 2006.
•  R. Dowling, A. Skabardonis, and V. Alexiadis, Traffic Analysis Toolbox Volume III: Guidelines for Applying Traffic Microsimulation Modeling Software, FHWA-HRT-04-040.
•  R. Roess, E. Prassas, and W. McShane, Traffic Engineering, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 2004.
•  S. Washington, M. Karlaftis, and F. Mannering, Statistical and Econometric Methods for Transportation Data Analysis, Chapman & Hall/CRC, 2003.
•  Selected papers and class notes
•  Manuals of traffic simulation software to be used for projects and case studies

Examination

• PRO2 - Project Assignments, 3.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• TEN2 - Oral Examination, 4.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

        PRO1 - Assignments, 3.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

        TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

A mandatory oral examination equivalent to 4.0 ECTS credits on the A-F grading scale and a mandatory project assignment equivalent to 3.5 credits with grading scale A-F. The course will be determined by the grade of both

Offered by

ABE/Transport and Logistics

Contact

Gunnar Flötteröd, gunnar.flotterod@abe.kth.se

Examiner

Gunnar Flötteröd <gunnar.floetteroed@abe.kth.se>

Harilaos Koutsopoulos <hnk@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 12.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 13.