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Microscopic Modelling and Simulation of Traffic Operations
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:37
Abstract
The course introduces basics of microscopic modelling and simulation of traffic operations, including model design and development, calibration, validation, data analysis, identification of strategies for improving traffic flow performance, and evaluation of such strategies.The aim is to provide the fundamentals for building a realistic traffic-engineering project from beginning to end.
Objective
The objective of this course is to conduct a realistic traffic engineering project from beginning to end. The students will first familiarize themselves with microscopic traffic models. Students will work in groups on a project that includes a base scenario on a real traffic network. Throughout the semester, along with theoretical concepts, the students will build the base scenario (design, calibration and validation) and will develop alternative scenarios regarding modification on the infrastructure, simulation of in-vehicle technologies and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Simulations will be implemented in Aimsun software. The students will be asked to understand, analyze, interpret and present traffic properties. Evaluation of alternative scenarios over the same network will be performed. Finally, students will be asked to design, implement, analyze and present a novel proposal, which will be compared with the base scenario. Upon completion of the course, the students will: • Understand the basic models used in microsimulation software (car-following, lane changing, gap acceptance, give ways, on/off-ramps, etc.). • Design a road transport network inside the simulation software. • Understand the basics behind modeling traffic demand and supply, vehicle dynamics, performance indicators for evaluation and network design for a realistic road transport network. • Understand how to design a complete study, implement and validate it for planning purposes, e.g. creating a new road infrastructure. • Make valid and concrete engineering proposals based on the simulation model and alternative scenarios.
Content
In this course, the students will first learn some microscopic modelling and simulation concepts, and then complete a traffic-engineering project with microscopic traffic simulator Aimsun. Microscopic modelling and simulation concepts will include: 1) Car following models 2) Lane change models 3) Calibration and validation methodology Specific tasks for the project will include: 1) Building a model with the simulator Aimsun in order to replicate and analyze the traffic conditions measured/observed. 2) Calibrating and validating the simulation model. 3) Redesigning/extending the model to improve the traffic performance through Aimsun and with/without programming in Python or C++. The course will be based on a project that each group of students will build (design, calibrate, analyze and presentation) across the semester. A mid-term and final presentation of the work will be asked from each group of students. It consists of weekly 2-hour lectures. The students work in pairs on a group project that completes in the end of the semester. The modelling software used is Aimsun and lectures (theory and hands on experience) are taking place in a computer room. The course Road Transport Systems (Verkehr III), or simultaneously taking the course Traffic Engineering is encouraged. Previous experience with Aimsun/Python/C++ is helpful but not mandatory.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The lecture notes and additional handouts will be provided before the lectures.
Literature
Additional literature recommendations will be provided at the lectures.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Microscopic Modelling and Simulation of Traffic Operations |
|
2 h weekly |