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Module

CEG8432 : Transport Modelling and Traffic Flow

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Dilum Dissanayake
  • Lecturer: Prof. Margaret Carol Bell, Mr Roger Bird
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module intends to cover
•       the techniques used by transport planners for modelling transport systems across the scales and the theory underlying them and the relevant themes in the context of the Four-step Planning Model
•       the application of theory related to transport modelling as well as hands on experience of software packages that play a major role when it comes to decision-making in transport planning, policy evaluation, project appraisal and impact assessment.
•       the basic principles of traffic flow and control, network capacity and congestion. It will include development of signal control as a provider of data which coupled with environment monitoring can diagnose network problems, causes, design of solutions and inform policy, and
•       how traffic flows can be managed and controlled to address air quality with particular attention to reduce emissions

Outline Of Syllabus

WEEK 1
Traffic flow theory (RNB)
•       Traffic Flow Theory (SMS, TMS, Headway, Spacing, flow, density) Speed / flow / density curves, shockwaves
•       Develop understanding of how the junction turning movement flows and the built environment govern the need for design of a priority, a roundabout or isolated signal control junction.


Designing for signal co-ordination, Signal Control, Pollution Monitoring and Air Quality Management (MCB)
•       Basics of fixed time area signal control; defining traffic signal plans; plan change methods; limitations of fixed time area signal control; ageing of traffic signal plans; fundamentals of demand responsive control
•       Introduction to pollution measurement using precision and low-cost pervasive monitoring systems.
•       Integration of data available as a by-product of intelligent transport systems, to improve the performance and assessment of networks.
•       Environment modelling in an Integrated Database.
•       Case studies of tactical and strategic traffic management and control to address poor air quality.


Transport appraisal (DD, RNB and External)
Transport appraisal – Guest lecture (applications) (external)
Theory (DD, RNB and external)

WEEK 2
4-Step Transport Planning Model (DD):
•       Travel demand forecasting process,
•       the Four-step transportation planning model;
•       Trip-end forecasting (The lectures followed by computer practical and in-class tutorials)
•       Trip distribution forecasting (The lectures and in-class tutorials)
•       Mode choice forecasting (The lectures and in-class tutorials)
•       Traffic assignment (The lectures followed by computer practical and in-class tutorials)

•       Traffic simulation theory and a practical (external)

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture14:004:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture53:0015:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture32:006:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture53:0015:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture1133:00133:00Coursework exercise 1 (covering the 4-step model) Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical14:004:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical43:0012:00PiP Microsimulation based practical.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical32:006:00PiP. Students will be provided with relevant study materials.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk11:001:00PiP. Intro to module & practical sessions.
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge, understanding and skills are primarily imparted via lectures. Students carry out travel planning activities to reinforce these skills. In addition to the formal lectures, field visits, workshops and several guest lectures will be included to cover the practical implementation of transport plans.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1201A60Examination covers the lecture content: traffic flow (RNB), signal control (MB), traffic simulation (PG) and 4-step model (DD)
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M40Summative assessment - This coursework is based on 1st-3rd of the 4-step model
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module is assessed by written examination and coursework. The examination tests students' knowledge and understanding of underlying issues in the module through written communication.

Reading Lists

Timetable