A slot model for highway flow optimization through entry, exit, and flow control

The objective of this thesis is to optimize performance of Automated Highway Systems through management of space accounting for interaction between entrance and exit processes. To accomplish this objective, we develop a comprehensive framework, including a new integrated highway model called the moving slot model, and operational strategies, called slot/lane assignment rules. The model manages highway space to maximize capacity accounting for safety and vehicle maneuvers. Operational strategies minimize space requirements by forming vehicles into specific patterns of destinations through entry and lane-change control such that vehicles can exit successfully. This research aims to expedite the application of Automated Highway Systems without significantly altering system configurations while optimizing performance in terms of capacity and travel time.;This research provides an efficient and effective design for the operation of highway systems, especially under heavy traffic conditions, to minimize travel time by operating vehicles at a maximum speed and to double the capacity of conventional highways (i.e. 4000 vehicles per hour per lane or more). Slot assignment rules minimize ramp space by allowing only one maneuvering process per slot passing a ramp. Lane assignment rules minimize the number of lane changes such that ramps can be closely spaced and throughput is increased.;In the moving slot model, an operational unit, called a slot in a one-lane highway and a stack in a multi-lane highway, contains the minimal space for accommodating vehicles and supporting necessary maneuvers without affecting other units. This design provides independence among operational units and can vary with system parameters such as number of vehicles in a platoon. This not only reduces the complexity of system control but also makes the framework adaptable to various system requirements. We provide both theoretical and simulation results for system performance of a simplified highway under the framework as well as simulation results for varied system configurations.