Research project CP/40 (Research action CP)
Context
We wish to study the use of advanced traffic management systems (ATMS) in order to expand the capacity of the Belgian road network. ATMS consist of actuators that interact with the traffic stream or the road and of control strategies. These control strategies are specifically developed in order to maximise the sustainability. By using the correct optimisation techniques and simulation models, which find the balance between accuracy and computation time, the result, which will take the form of a control strategy, will be seriously improved. At a national scope, the developed traffic models can be implemented for the Belgian traffic situation, which will give rise to more optimal flowing of traffic, in view of certain characterisations of sustainability.
Project description
Objectives
This project is situated around the concept of ‘sustainable traffic control’. A more detailed consideration learns us that traffic is dynamic in nature. It is based on demand and supply, of which the demand is formed by the travellers who wish to move themselves (the transport) and of which the supply is characterised by the available road infrastructure. The dynamic behaviour is described through the use of mathematical models. Using these, we can develop adaptive control strategies for the Belgian road network that take into account the dynamic effects. The main goal is to establish a sustainable traffic pattern, in which sustainability is accomplished through the implementation of different technologies (such as mathematical models, control theory...).
Methodology
A major component in the context of this traffic research consists of the characterisation of the concept ‘sustainability’. To this end, several objectives concerning sustainability are elaborated (such as accessibility, safety, environmental effects…) and bundled in a mathematical cost function. Besides this, we will also determine which traffic network infrastructure to use (the highway road network, which is at certain locations complemented by the secondary regional road network). The characterisation of the demand pattern (which is dynamic in time) is also an important part. The starting point is formed by gathering several traffic measurements (collected by loop detectors in the road, cameras, GSMC...). Finally, the traffic situation is optimised (using the cost function) with the help of computer simulation models, resulting in optimal flowing of traffic, keeping an eye on the different sustainability aspects.
Interaction between the different partners
In this research, an initial planning was developed, based on the presented proposal. During the course of the project, the different partners convene on a regular basis, possibly leading to the modification and rectification of the project’s planning. Each partner is assigned several tasks, based on his individual appraisement in various research areas. Some of these tasks may overlap with other partners, resulting in an extra stimulation of internal co-operation.
Expected results and/or products
An important result will be formed by gaining a deeper insight into the processing of traffic measurements. Besides this, the research will result in the development of a working dynamic traffic model which allows for the tuning of the used mathematical models, the estimation of the dynamic traffic pattern and the evaluation of the cost function. The most relevant results will consist of the optimal flowing of traffic, this by means of certain measures such as ramp metering, speed harmonisation, eventually route guidance... An intended valorisation will be formed by the practical application of the traffic model to the Belgian road network, which will result in the improvement of the already existing road transport system.
Partners
Activities
KULeuven, Departement Elektrotechniek ESAT, research group SCD (SISTA), Bart De Moor
- project co-ordination, inventarisation of the measurement data, estimation of the demand patterns, developing the models, optimisation and control
KULeuven, Departement Burgerlijke Bouwkunde, research group Verkeer en Infrastructuur, Ben Immers
- inventarisation of the measurement data, estimation of the demand patterns, developing the models
KULeuven, Departement Economie, Centrum voor Economische Studies, research group Energie, Transport en Ecologie, Stef Proost
- developing the cost function
UCL, Département d’ingénierie mathématique, Center for Systems Engineering and Applied Mathematics (CESAME), Georges Bastin en Guy Campion
- integration of the different models
RUG, Elektrische Energietechniek, research group SYSTeMS, René Boel
- inventarisation of the measurement data
Contact Information
Promoter
Bart De Moor
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven)
Departement Elektrotechniek ESAT - Onderzoeksgroep SISTA
Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, B-3001 Heverlee
Tel: +32 (0)16 32 17 09; Fax: +32 (0)16 32 19 70
bart.demoor@esat.kuleuven.ac.be
http://www.esat.kuleuven.ac.be/sista-cosic-docarch
Partners
Ben Immers
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven)
Departement Burgerlijke Bouwkunde - Onderzoeksgroep Verkeer en Infrastructuur
Kasteelpark Arenberg 40, B-3001 Heverlee
Tel: +32 (0)16 32 16 69; Fax: +32 (0)16 32 16 89
ben.immers@bwk.kuleuven.ac.be
http://www.esat.kuleuven.ac.be/traffic/indexnl.htm
Stef Proost
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven)
Departement Economie - Centrum voor Economische Studiën
Onderzoeksgroep Energie, Transport en Ecologie
Naamsestraat 69, B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 (0)16 32 68 01; Fax: +32 (0)16 32 67 96
stef.proost@econ.kuleuven.ac.be
http://www.econ.kuleuven.ac.be/ew/academic/energmil
Georges Bastin
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
Département d’ingénierie mathématique - Center for Systems Engineering and Applied Mathematics - Onderzoeksgroep CESAME
Bâtiment Euler, 4, avenue Georges Lemaître, B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve
Tel: +32 (0)10 47 80 38; Fax: +32 (0)10 47 21 80
bastin@auto.ucl..ac.be
http://www.csam.ucl.ac.be
Guy Campion
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
Département d’ingénierie mathématique - Center for Systems Engineering and Applied Mathematics - Onderzoeksgroep CESAME
Bâtiment Euler, 4, avenue Georges Lemaître, B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve
Tel: +32 (0)10 47 25 91; Fax: +32 (0)10 47 21 80
campion@auto.ucl..ac.be
http://www.csam.ucl.ac.be
René Boel
Universiteit Gent (RUG)
Research group SYSTeMS
Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 9, B-9052 Zwijnaarde
Tel: +32 (0)9 264 56 58; Fax: +32 (0)9 264 58 40
rene.boel@rug.ac.be
http://www.systems.ugent.be
Users Committee
Mr Reginald Keygnaert - Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap - LIN - Mobiliteitscel
Mr Jos Verbeeck - Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap - Afdeling Wegen Antwerpen
Mr Dirk Engels - Tritel
Mrs Tania Van Mierlo - Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap - AMINAL - Departement Leefmilieu en Infrastructuur
Mr Ensch-Famenne - Adviseur bij het Bestuur van Wegverkeer en Infrastructuur - Dienst veiligheid
Mr Georges Jamart - Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs (OSTC)
Mrs Hilde Van Dongen - Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs (OSTC)
Mr Eric Kenis - Ministerie van de Vlaamse Overheid - Departement verkeersstudies en verkeersmanagementcentrum
Sustainability effects of traffic management systems : final report
De Moor, Bart - Bellemans, Tom - Maerivoet, Sven ... et al Brussels : Belgian Science Policy, 2006 (SP1723)
[To download]
