Traffic Operations Laboratory

Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation

The Traffic Operations Laboratory (TOL) at the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Virginia and the Virginia Transportation Research Council, the research arm of the Virginia Department of Transportation, conducted research in the development of a systematic procedure on microscopic simulation model calibration and validation.

Products:

§ Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation Handbook:

In the first part of the handbook, each step in the calibration and validation procedure is explained with examples, and each technique used is presented with definitions and directions for its use. At the end of each step, examples are included. The second part of the handbook consists of four case studies using a proposed calibration and validation procedure with two simulation models: VISSIM and CORSIM. These four case studies include (1) an actuated isolated signalized intersection, (2) an actuated signalized corridor, (3) a highway basic segment with a work zone, and (4) a highway merging segment. With these case studies, detailed techniques that can be used for the calibration and validation procedure are provided.

§ Hands-on Short Course Slides:

Microsoft Powerpoint slides were developed for use as short-course material during the hands-on short course as well as for future reference for the calibration and validation procedure. Short course material consists of two major parts: (1) tutorials on the calibration and validation method with examples, and (2) a case study using the calibration and validation prototype program developed in the previous task. Before conducting the formal short course, the project team held an informal mini-short course with several key simulation modeling experts. Based on the comments and suggestions from these participants, the short course material and handbook were updated. The first microscopic simulation model calibration and validation short course was held on June 27, 2006, at the Knowledge Management Division in Charlottesville, Virginia.

§ A Prototype Program:

This program can conduct calibration and validation of VISSIM and CORSIM simulation models. The program allows the users to:

· Conduct multiple runs for a specific simulation model.

· Display simulation outputs in histogram format.

· Generate an experimental design for the calibration parameter combinations using Latin Hypercube Design (LHD).

· Conduct multiple runs for the combinations of parameter sets from the experimental design.

· Generate an X-Y plot of performance measure versus each calibration parameter that can be used for the feasibility test.

· Optimize selected calibration parameters using a genetic algorithm (GA).

· Watch animations of simulation models for visualization purpose.

Related Reports:

. Park, B. and H. Qi. Development and Evaluation of a Calibration and Validation Procedure for Microscopic Simulation Models. FHWA/VTRC 05-CR1, Virginia Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville, 2004

. Park, B., and J. Won. Simulation Model Calibration and Validation: Phase II: Development of Implementation Handbook and Short Course. FHWA/VTRC 07-CR5, Virginia Transportation Research Council, Charlottesville, 2006

Related Publications:

. Park, B., J. Won and I. Yun. Application of Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation Procedure: A Case Study of Coordinated Actuated Signal System. Journal of the Transportation Research Board, in press.

. Park, B. and H. Qi. Development and Evaluation of Simulation Model Calibration Procedure. Journal of the Transportation Research Board 1934, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 2005, pp. 208 – 217.

. Park, B., and J. D. Schneeberger. Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation: A Case Study of VISSIM for a Coordinated Actuated Signal System. Transportation Research Record 1856, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 2003, pp. 185-192.

. Park, B. and H. Qi. Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation for Freeway Work Zone Network – A Case Study of VISSIM. Accepted for presentation and publication at the IEEE ITSC 2006, Toronto, Canada, September 17 – 20, 2006

Research Team:

Dr. Byungkyu “Brian” Park
Mr. John D. Schneeberger (M.S., May 2003)
Ms. Hongtu “Maggie” Qi (M.S., May 2004)
Mr. Jongsun Won (M.S., August 2006)

If you have any questions regarding the microscopic simulation model calibration and validation or are interested in attending a hands-on short course, please contact Dr. Brian Park at bpark[at]virginia.edu or 434-924-6347.