Methodology for modeling highly heterogeneous traffic flow

This paper describes a modeling methodology adopted to simulate the flow of heterogeneous traffic with vehicles of wide ranging static and dynamic characteristics. The simulation framework for the traffic-flow model was prepared in such a way that the absence of lane discipline in mixed traffic flow conditions is taken into account. A detailed structure of the proposed model is presented. Common issues related to traffic simulation such as vehicle generation, logics for vehicular movement, etc., are described in detail in the context of heterogeneous traffic conditions. The paper also discusses the procedures adopted for validation of the proposed model and their outcomes. Finally, the details of application of the model to study the traffic flow characteristics on urban roads are also presented.