1

VISSIM Protocol

ITE Oregon Traffic Simulation RoundtableMay 31, 2012

Chi Mai

2

Presentation Overview Background of VISSIM Use at ODOT Process for Protocol Development Chapter by Chapter of Protocol Resources for VISSIM Model Development Questions and Feedback

3

BackgroundJune 2005 – ODOT purchased VISUM and VISSIM package license through Metro

June 2011 - ODOT Updated VISSIM Protocol – Expanded to Include Arterials and for Statewide Use

October 2007 - ODOT Developed VISSIM Protocol for Freeways

First Project Submittal Using VISSIM

Since Adoption of Updated VISSIM Protocol - Sketch level analysis for I-5 Rose Quarter Project - Corridors Bottleneck Operations Study

Use of VISSIM Increased - CRC - Airport Way Interchange - Sunrise - OR43 Streetcar - Milwaukie Light-Rail - Operational Corridors - Beltline Hwy Ramp Meter Study

4

Development Process in Updated Protocol

Review lessons learned

5

Lessons Learned from First Protocol

More detail on the process of developing VISSIM projectsIs VISSIM the right tool?Project scoping detailsCheck-in points

Wanted to develop something that was consistent with FHWA guidelines

ODOT could benefit from protocols specific to arterials and for statewide use

6

Development Process in Updated Protocol

Review lessons learned Interview other government agencies

7

Lessons Learned about VISSIM Don’t work in parallel Review process should include as many

check-in points as possible Software is always evolving and

consultants are learning VISSIM along with agencies

VISSIM has vast capabilities, however, budget and schedule are often the contraint

8

Development Process in Updated Protocol

Review lessons learned Interview other agencies Researched for similar documents

9

Development Process in Updated Protocol

Review lessons learned Interview other agencies Researched for similar documents Researched FHWA’s guidelines

10

Objective of Protocol Use VISSIM at the right time for the right

projects Clear understanding of the project

between agency and consultant from the beginning of the project

Minimizing a project from evolving throughout the development

Minimize back and forth

11

Development Process in Updated Protocol

Review lessons learned Interview other agencies Researched for similar documents Researched FHWA’s guidelines One-day brainstorming session

12

VISSIM Project Development

One-day brainstorming session led to

concept of VISSIM project development

process

13

Putting Together the Updated Protocol

Developed outline – 10 chapters Chapter by chapter review Full draft review Final submittal of protocol All-day training on VISSIM and use of

protocol

14

Note VISSIM protocol is not aimed at being a

training document Intended to be a Guidance document to

help ODOT develop successful VISSIM projects

15

Ch 1 - Project Understanding Stimulates thoughts and understanding on

project between ODOT and consultants up-front

Gives ODOT the means to help determine the appropriate analysis tools for projects

Smooths process for both ODOT and consultant

The result of this chapter is the Project Problem Statement

16

Ch 2 – Project ScopingThe result of this chapter is the development of the Project Methods and Assumptions document which outlines: Project Boundary/Study Period Analysis Tools Being Used Scheduling/Staffing Plan Data Collection Plan Calibration Targets Measures of Effectiveness

17

Ch 3 - Data Collection What data is needed and how it should be

collected? Data check-in points were added based on

previous experience of lack of providing it soon enough

Provides an idea of essential data and project specific additional recommended data

18

Project Specific Data Collection Streetcar Project (arterial) – Detailed Transit DataDetailed Bike and Pedestrian DataSignal Timing Data

Freeway Model – Spot Speed DataRamp Meter RatesBottleneck Locations

19

Ch 4 - Model Development Develop standards for overall model

development Allow for modeler the ability to deviate from

the guidelines (need to document deviations) More detailed standards for ramp meters More detailed standards for roundabouts Standards for vehicle fleet setup (AASHTO

standard vehicles) Provide a better understanding of conflict

points vs. priority rules

20

Model Development CHECK-IN POINTS! Identify problems before too far into the project:

Geometry Volumes Control Coding Data Collection Points

21

Ch 5 - Error Correction Checklist to help modeler Review animation Error files

22

Ch 6 - Calibration Essential calibration and project specific

calibration parameters to use Calibration targets outlined in the beginning

of the project and those targets are fixed! Minimum number of simulation runs

formula Deliverables:Base calibrated modelCalibrated Methodology and Results Report

23

Ch 7 - Additional Base Year Scenarios

Additional base year model with different time period can be developed at this time

Ensure that work is not done in parallel

24

Ch 8 - AlternativesSpecifies the following order of work delivery: Future No-Build traffic volumes Future No-Build model with corresponding

documentation Future Build scenarios traffic volumes Future Build models with corresponding

documentation

25

VISSIM Project Development

26

Ch 9 - Reporting Guidance of what both ODOT and

consultant are expected to do with model output data

Post processing details and examples Guidelines to help both consultant and

ODOT where needed:95th Percentile QueueV/C Ratio – not typical output from VISSIMEmissionDelay and HCM complianceSample Report Format

27

Ch 10 - Reviewing How do we minimize the back and forth? ODOT wanted a check-list Helps consultant know what will be reviewed

and how it will be reviewedHelps ODOT know what to look forHelps both have an understanding of level of

effort and time frame that will be needed

28

VISSIM Protocol ODOT Analysis Procedures Manual

Addendum Chttp://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/APM.shtml Consistent with FHWA’s Traffic Analysis

Toolbox Manuals Provides ODOT expectations, guidelines,

and requirements when considering use of VISSIM as an analysis tool

Shall be followed on all VISSIM analysis for ODOT studies and projects

29

Resources for VISSIM Model Development

Metro DTA Model Traffic Simulation Roundtable INRIX Data

30

INRIX Data Another source of data for VISSIM

calibration ODOT purchased 2008-2010 Data Can be shared with other public agencies Available to consultants for work on ODOT

projects Data is very rich inside Metro area ODOT looking into purchasing more data

and the Analytics Suite

31

Questions and Feedback?