9. Fundamental parameters of traffic flow
Traffic engineering involves analyzing traffic behavior and designing facilities for safe and efficient operation. Understanding traffic flow requires knowledge of key parameters like speed, flow, and density, which vary by location and time. The chapter presents fundamental traffic stream parameters and their relationships, laying a foundation for effective traffic management and design.
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What we have learnt
- Traffic flow is influenced by individual driver and vehicle behavior.
- Key parameters of traffic include speed, flow, and density.
- Understanding variations in traffic volume is crucial for effective planning and design.
Key Concepts
- -- Traffic Flow
- The movement of vehicles on a roadway over a specific period.
- -- Speed
- The rate of motion in distance per unit of time, with various definitions including spot speed and journey speed.
- -- Flow
- The number of vehicles passing a point on a highway during a defined time interval, expressed in vehicles per hour.
- -- Density
- The number of vehicles occupying a given length of roadway, typically expressed as vehicles per kilometer/mile.
- -- Headway
- The time or distance between two successive vehicles at a given point.
- -- Timespace Diagram
- A graphical representation showing the trajectory of vehicles over time, useful for analyzing traffic flow.
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