Traffic Flow Modeling and ITS: Urban Congestion Solutions

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of traffic flow theory, including basic traffic variables such as flow, density, and speed. It covers the relationships between these variables under equilibrium conditions, known as the fundamental diagram. Students will also learn about graphical tools like time-space diagrams and input-output diagrams for visualizing traffic flow.

This module provides an overview of different families of traffic models (micro, meso, macro, network). It focuses on the LWR (Lighthill-Whitham-Richards) models, which represent the dynamics of traffic streams through the continuity equation and an assumed equilibrium flow-density fundamental diagram.

This module introduces various car-following models and explores the Cell Transmission Model (CTM) for macroscopic traffic flow simulation. It covers space and time discretization techniques and discusses the concept of ramp metering in highway traffic applications.

This module focuses on network-level aggregated models, particularly the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD). It explores how these models describe congestion changes over time and space in different city zones, and examines the properties and dynamic characteristics of MFD models.

This module covers established control techniques and their integration with MFD models to provide large-scale traffic control for congested networks. It explores traffic management strategies for both single- and multi-region systems, focusing on improving urban mobility.

This module introduces the basics of traffic signal control and methods to optimize traffic light settings. It covers fixed-time signal plans, traffic-responsive systems, semi-actuated and fully-actuated control logic, and real-time adaptive strategies. The module also discusses variable speed limits (VSL) as a measure to improve highway network mobility.

This final module introduces the concept of User Equilibrium and its application in predicting and steering behavioral adjustments following long-lasting perturbations. It explains fundamental concepts and assumptions required for such analyses, illustrated through applications in route and departure time choice.