Platoon Interactions and Real-World Traffic Simulation and Validation Based on the LWR-IM

Abstract

Platoon based traffic flow models form the underlying theoretical framework in traffic simulation tools. They are essentially important in facilitating efficient performance calculation and evaluation in urban traffic networks. For this purpose, a new platoon-based macroscopic model called the LWR-IM has been developed in [1]. Preliminary analytical validation conducted previously has proven the feasibility of the model. In this paper, the LWR-IM is further enhanced with algorithms that describe platoon interactions in urban arterials. The LWR-IM and the proposed platoon interaction algorithms are implemented in the real-world class I and class II urban arterials. Another purpose of the work is to perform quantitative validation to investigate the validity and ability of the LWR-IM and its underlying algorithms to describe platoon interactions and simulate performance indices that closely resemble the real traffic situations. The quantitative validation of the LWR-IM is achieved by performing a two-sampled t-test on queues simulated by the LWR-IM and real queues observed at these real-world locations. The results reveal insignificant differences of simulated queues with real queues where the p-values produced concluded that the null hypothesis cannot be rejected. Thus, the quantitative validation further proved the validity of the LWR-IM and the embedded platoon interactions algorithm for the intended purpose.

Model‐based control strategy for oversaturated traffic regimes based on the LWR‐IM traffic model

“…Previous works had validated the application of the LWR‐IM on the system in Fig. 8 revealed that simulations based on the LWR‐IM closely resemble the real world [23, 24]. Hence, the comparison of the INT‐CONTROL timing plans and existing FT timing plans can be compared using simulations by setting certain ‘test’ scenario.…”

“…1, the NET‐PREDICT utilises measured data from traffic detectors (or simulated inputs) to provide network‐wide predictions of platoon dynamics such as platoon flow, platoon sizes, arrival time, and queues for a future time horizon. All predictions are based on the LWR‐IM traffic model that could enable the estimation of platoon size, arrival time, and estimates performances of queues [23, 24]. The functions of the NET‐PREDICT are further explained in Section 3.1.…”

“…The LinkExecutor operates based on the LWR‐IM traffic model. The algorithm can be referred in [23, 24, 30]. Subsequently, VTD for all destination links is calculated and updated (see Line 14).…”

“…Here, the authors aim to present a new model‐based control strategy (MCS) for oversaturated regime based on another traffic model, called the Lighthill‐Whitham‐Richards–integrated model (LWR‐IM) traffic model [23, 24]. This traffic model which was developed by the authors is based on the integration of Rakha vehicle dynamics model [25] and the LWR shockwave model [26, 27] that could describe traffic dynamics and saturation flow of queues in urban traffics.…”

Expression of Concern: Platoon Interactions and Real-World Traffic Simulation and Validation Based on the LWR-IM

“…After publication of this article [ 1 ], concerns were raised about similarities of this work to previously published articles [ 2 – 6 ], reuse of equations and figures from those articles, and whether these related works were sufficiently discussed in the article so as to place the new work in the PLOS ONE article [ 1 ] into context.…”