MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC FLOW IN COMPLEX TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS (UNIFIED, HIGH ORDER MODEL, MACROSCOPIC, SIMPLE CONTINUUM, HIGHWAY COMPLEXITY)

This thesis addresses the problem of macroscopic modelling of traffic stream flow in complex transportation networks including analysis of the traffic dynamics at intersections and freeways. A new, systematic, rigorous and unified modelling which describes the complexities most frequently encountered in the field is developed. Implementation of this modelling is made possible through both finite difference and finite element schemes which are developed for solving the system's govering equations. Subsequently, models and methodology are implemented to a number of situations representing uninterrupted and interrupted flow conditions to assess their effectiveness. This is accomplished by comparing model results with a data base generated through a detailed microscopic simulation program named INTRAS and with field data collected by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Using the effective models and methodology, a microcomputer based freeway simulation program is developed that allows practicing engineers to analyze complex freeway sections.