Calibration of VISSIM to the traffic conditions of Khobar and Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Simulation modeling is an increasingly popular and effective tool for analyzing transportation problems with the least cost. Recent advancements in computer technology have led to the development of high fidelity microscopic simulation models. For any simulation study, model calibration is a crucial step for obtaining any representative results from the analysis.; The main objective of this study is to calibrate and validate the microscopic traffic simulation model VISSIM to the traffic conditions of Khobar and Dammam, Saudi Arabia. VISSIM is a German microscopic simulation model that is beginning to see increased use within the United States and in many other major countries. It is one of the few comprehensive microscopic traffic simulators covering a wide range of traffic situations including traffic and transit on urban roads and motorways.; To achieve this main objective several default values for the parameters such as number of observed vehicles, additive and multiplicative part of desired safety distance, amber signal decision and distance required in changing lane were modified to replicate field conditions. The results with these modified values showed no discrepancy between the model simulation MOE's and the field observed MOE's.; In order to validate the calibrated model, it has been applied on another network chosen in Dammam city using a different data set. Model validation was regarded as a final stage to investigate if each component adequately reproduces observed travel characteristics and overall performance of the model is within an acceptable error. The results of the validation showed that the difference between the field observed MOE's and the VISSIM simulation results are within the acceptable range.