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     CE 702 Traffic Flow Theory
 

Stream flow, shock wave, queuing, and other macroscopic theories;car following, gap acceptance, and other microscopic theories; distributions of traffic stream parameters; building traffic simulation models. 3 credit hours

  
     

Prerequisite
  

The expectation is that a graduate student would have taken an introductory course on statistics, and has knowledge of basic traffic engineering principles (CE 305 or equivalent). Desirable to have had a senior/ graduate student course on traffic operations (CE 502 or equivalent). Course will require readings from the text and other assigned readings, writing academic papers, and leading class discussions. Some minimal data collection will be needed for model development purposes. The course will provide prospective students with the theoretical underpinnings upon which most traffic operations guides that exist today are based upon.

 
Course Objectives  

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Understand the difference between macroscopic and microscopic models.
  • Characterize the statistical distributions of principal traffic flow parameters.
  • Model and characterize congestion using shock wave and queuing theories.
  • Acquire the foundation for many traffic operational models found in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and other national guides.
  • Conduct small scale simulation experiments using general and specific purpose software.

 
Course Outline  
  • Macroscopic traffic flow theory
  • Microscopic traffic flow theory
  • Traffic impact models  

 
Course Requirements  

HOMEWORK: Yes; 3-4 in the course of the semester

EXAMINATIONS: One Midterm exam and Final exam.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: No special computer software requirements, but knowledge of EXCEL STAT+ advanced math routines is desireable.

PROJECTS: Yes, but will be tailored for individual students.

 
Textbook  

Traffic Flow Fundamentals  - http://www.civilbooks.com/index/book/0139260722.html
In addition, the following web document, which contains a number of .pdf files will be used as a companion reference. http://www.tfhrc.gov/its/tft/tft.htm

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

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Instructor  

Dr. Nagui M. Rouphail, Professor
Dept. of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering
North Carolina State University
423 Mann Hall
Campus Box 7908
Raleigh, NC 27695-7908

Phone: (919) 515-1154
Fax: (919) 515-7908
E-mail: rouphail@ncsu.edu
Instructor Website: http://www.ce.ncsu.edu/faculty/rouphail/