The link transmission model with variable fundamental diagrams and initial conditions

Journal Article (2018)
Author(s)

JPT van der Gun (TU Delft - Transport and Planning)

Adam Pel (TU Delft - Transport and Planning)

Bart Van Arem (TU Delft - Transport and Planning)

Transport and Planning
Copyright
© 2018 J.P.T. van der Gun, A.J. Pel, B. van Arem
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1080/21680566.2018.1517060
More Info
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Publication Year
2018
Language
English
Copyright
© 2018 J.P.T. van der Gun, A.J. Pel, B. van Arem
Related content
Transport and Planning
Issue number
1
Volume number
7 (2019)
Pages (from-to)
834-864
Reuse Rights

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Abstract

The link transmission model is a macroscopic network traffic flow simulation tool based on Lighthill–Whitham–Richards theory. While its efficiency and accuracy are superior to the well-known cell transmission model, applications of its current numerical formulations are limited by the inability to apply changes to the fundamental diagrams of links within a simulation and the need to start the simulation with an empty network. We resolve both limitations by developing a methodology for initialising the discrete-time link model with a non-empty initial condition and for computing within-link densities during the simulation, which can then serve as an initial condition for continued simulation with a new fundamental diagram. Since the computation of within-link densities is algebraic, no new numerical errors are introduced. Optional support for multiple commodities, subcritical delays and platoon dispersion, are retained. The resulting model is demonstrated on a motorway corridor network with variable speed limits and dynamic lane management.