Analysis of traffic network flow relations and two-fluid model parameter sensitivity.

TLDR: Moving traffic interference, which is represented by stochastic short-term lane blockages of varying duration and frequency, is shown to be a key determinant of the traffic character of an urban street network and of the behavior described by the two-fluid theory and verified operationally.

Abstract: Presented in this paper is a systematic exploration, using microscopic simulation, of the sensitivity of network-level traffic flow descriptors and relationships, particularly those of the two-fluid theory of town traffic, to network features, traffic control, and traffic-interfering urban activity levels. Moving traffic interference, which is represented by stochastic short-term lane blockages of varying duration and frequency, is shown to be a key determinant of the traffic character of an urban street network and of the behavior described by the two-fluid theory and verified operationally. In addition, the sensitivity of the two-fluid model parameters to a change in traffic control strategy, in this case the coordination of signals to achieve progression, is demonstrated. Furthermore, keeping the same network configuration, the effect of network topology on traffic flow is examined by changing the identical length of the links.