Micro-Simulation of the Roundabout at Idrottsparken Using Aimsun : A Case Study of Idrottsparken Roundabout in Norrköping, Sweden

Abstract: Microscopic traffic simulation is useful tool in analysing traffic and estimating the capacity and level of service of road networks. In this thesis, the four legged Idrottsparken roundabout in the city of Norrkoping in Sweden is analysed by using the microscopic traffic simulation package AIMSUN. For this purpose, data regarding traffic flow counts, travel times and queue lengths were collected for three consecutive weekdays during both the morning and afternoon peak periods. The data were then used in model building for simulation of traffic of the roundabout. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) method is used to get the optimal parameter value between queue length and travel time data and validation of travel time data are carried out to obtain the basic model which represents the existing condition of the system. Afterward, the results of the new models were evaluated and compared to the results of a SUMO model for the same scenario model. Based on calibrated and validated model, three alternative scenarios were simulated and analysed to improve efficiency of traffic network in the roundabout. The three scenarios includes: (1) add one free right turn in the north and east sections; (2) add one free right turn in the east and south sections; and (3) addition of one lane in roundabout. The analysis of these scenarios shows that the first and second scenario are only able to reduce the queue length and travel time in two or three legs, while the third scenario is not able to improve the performance of the roundabout. In this research, it can be concluded that the first scenario is considered as the best scenario compared to the second scenario and the third scenario. The comparison between AIMSUN and SUMO for the same scenario shows that the results have no significance differences. In calibration process, to get the optimal parameter values between the model measurements and the field measurements, both of AIMSUN and SUMO uses two significantly influencing parametersfor queue and travel time. AIMSUN package uses parameter of driver reaction time and the maximum acceleration, while SUMO package uses parameter of driver imperfection and also the driver rection time.