REVIEW OF ROAD TRAFFIC NETWORK SIMULATION MODELS

Proposals for computer traffic simulation data from 1951, and the first actual documented simulation was performed in 1955 on an analog computer. Since that time, many simulation models have been developed as knowledge of traffic principles has increased and computer facilities have improved. Such traffic simulation models may be placed in three groups: single road, single intersection, and traffic network. This paper discusses only the last. Nineteen network simulation models are discussed. These are grouped into ten obsolete models, six traffic network models suitable for current computers, and the simulation portions of three signal optimization programs. A brief description of the operating principles and unique features of each model is given, and the level of modeling detail, model flexibility, and usefulness of the output are assessed. Validation efforts on the model are considered, and, where known, computer language, type of machine, core requirements, and speed of execution are given. /Author/