Open AccessOptimising total entry delay at roundabouts with unbalanced flow: a dynamic strategy for smart metering
Author(s) -
Duan Yuzhou,
Qu Xiaobo,
Easa Said,
Yan Yadan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iet intelligent transport systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.579
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-9578
pISSN - 1751-956X
DOI - 10.1049/iet-its.2018.5180
Subject(s) - metering mode , vissim , roundabout , traffic flow (computer networking) , signal (programming language) , engineering , automotive engineering , traffic simulation , simulation , computer science , signal timing , transport engineering , real time computing , traffic signal , intersection (aeronautics) , mechanical engineering , computer security , programming language
Modern roundabouts are widely used at intersections with light traffic, generally providing safety and other advantages. However, large entry delays are often observed at roundabouts with unbalanced flow patterns, even though the entry traffic flow is not high. A metering signal‐based strategy is examined to mitigate the above problems. A mathematical optimisation model is formulated firstly with the objective of minimising the total entry delay, subject to the metering signal thresholds. Then a solution algorithm based on VISSIM simulation is developed. Finally, a case study is carried out to testify the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model. Extended scenarios analyses under different levels of approach volume, different demand combinations and different proportions of right‐turn vehicles (left‐side driving) are also conducted. Results show that the methodology can effectively improve the operational performance, and a delay reduction of up to 25.7% can be expected using the metering signal‐based strategy. This can provide a criterion for the use of metering at the roundabout.