Traffic Volume Study

COURSE NO COURSE NAME

CE - 452

_{Transportation Engineering Lab -}

2

Assignment no: - 01

Name of the Assignment: - Flexible & Rigid Pavement.

.

.

Date of

Perform: -

18-10-09

Date of

Submit:-

01-11-09

Section: - A Year: - 2nd Semester: - 2nd Session: - 2006, Spring Md. Mohiduddin Roll no:- 06.01.03.019 Section: - A Year: - 4th Semester: - 2nd Session: - 2009, Fall

Acknowledgments

First of all, I would like to thank Almighty Allah for creating me and let me finish this report successfully. I am very much proud to be a student of Civil Engineering Department of AUST.

I am deeply grateful to Ms. Ashfia Siddique, Lecturer of CE, AUST and for permitting me to under take this report. I am thankful to her for this most constructive suggestion through class lectures. I would also like to thank Mr. Rezaul Karim, Vice President IEB, and my honorable Thesis supervisor for his suggestions, directions and proper guide lines and also thanks to my friend Md. Zia Uddin Mobarak Bablo for his earnest help.

I also express my gratefulness to my parents and my family members who encouraged me all the times.

Content

1. Introduction 1

2. Literature Review 1

2.1 Definition 1

2.2 Counting Method 2

2.2.1 Manual Count Method 2

2.2.2 Automatic Count Method 3

3. Methodology 4

4. Data Collection & Analysis 5

5. Conclusion 8

6. Recommendation 8

7. References 8

Appendix 9

List of Figures

Figure – 1: Mechanical Counting Board

Figure – 2: Electronic Counting Board

Figure – 3: Automatic Road Tube and Recorder Figure – 4 New Market to science Lab % traffic Figure – 5 New Market to science Lab % traffic

Figure – 6 Flow Rate in PCU

1. Introduction:

Traffic volume studies are conducted to determine the number, movements, and classifications of roadway vehicles at a given location. These data can help identify critical flow time periods, determine the influence of large vehicles or pedestrians on vehicular traffic flow, or document traffic volume trends. The length of the sampling period depends on the type of count being taken and the intended use of the data recorded. For example, an intersection count may be conducted during the peak flow period. If so, manual count with 30-minute intervals could be used to obtain the traffic volume data.

2. Literature Review:

A traffic study is conducted to evaluate the transportation system serving an area and to identify any improvements necessary to accommodate existing or projected traffic volumes. The study consists of data collection, including existing traffic volumes and turning movement counts, projected traffic volumes, and the identification of required improvements such as traffic calming devices. Any identified improvements may include a feasibility analysis, including identification of impacted properties, impacted structures, alternate alignments, physical constraints and roadway design criteria to be used.

2.1 Definitions:

ADT: Average daily traffic or ADT, and sometimes also mean daily

traffic, is the average number of vehicles two-way passing a specific

point in a 24-hour period, normally measured throughout a year. ADT is the standard measurement for vehicle traffic load on a section of road,

and the basis for most decisions regarding transport planning, or to the

environmental hazards of pollution related to road transport. Road authorities have norms based on ADT, with decisions to expand road capacity at given thresholds.

AADT: Annual average daily traffic, abbreviated AADT, is a measure

used primarily in transportation planning and transportation

engineering. It is the total volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road

for a year divided by 365 days. AADT is a useful and simple measurement of how busy the road is. It is also sometimes reported as "average annual daily traffic".

Daily Expansion Factor (DEF): _Avg.Avg. _volume total weekly vo_{for particular}lume_day Monthly Expansion Factor (MEF) : _{ADT for particular}AADT _month

2.2 Counting Method:

Two methods are available for conducting traffic volume counts: (1) manual and (2) automatic. Manual counts are typically used to gather data for determination of vehicle classification, turning movements, direction of travel, pedestrian movements, or vehicle occupancy. Automatic counts are typically used to gather data for determination of vehicle hourly patterns, daily or seasonal variations and growth trends, or annual traffic estimates.

The selection of study method should be determined using the count period. The count period should be representative of the time of day, day of month, and month of year for the study area.

2.2.1 Manual Count Method

Most applications of manual counts require small samples of data at any given location. Manual counts are sometimes used when the effort and expense of automated equipment are not justified. Manual counts are necessary when automatic equipment is not available. Manual counts are typically used for periods of less than a day. Normal intervals for a manual count are 5, 10, or 30 minutes.

Manual Count Recording Methods: Manual counts are recorded

using one of three methods: tally sheets, mechanical counting boards, or electronic counting boards.

Tally Sheets: Recording data onto tally sheets is the simplest means of

conducting manual counts. The data can be recorded with a tick mark on a pre-prepared field form. A watch or stopwatch is necessary to measure the desired count interval.

Mechanical Counting Boards: Mechanical count boards consist of

counters mounted on a board that record each direction of travel. Common counts include pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle classification, and traffic volume counts. Typical counters are push button devices with

three to five registers. Each button represents a different stratification of type of vehicle or pedestrian being counted. The limited number of buttons on the counter can restrict the number of classifications that can be counted on a given board. A watch or a stopwatch is also necessary with this method to measure the desired count interval. See Figure - 1 for an example mechanical counting board.

Electronic Counting Boards: Electronic counting boards are battery-operated, hand-held devices used in collecting traffic count data. They are similar to mechanical counting boards, but with some important differences. Electronic counting boards are lighter, more compact, and easier to handle. They have an internal clock that automatically separates the data by time interval. Special functions include automatic data reduction and summary. The data can also be downloaded to a computer, which saves time. See Figure - 2 for an example electronic counting board.

There are three steps to a manual traffic volume count:

1. Prepare. Determine the type of equipment to use, the field procedures to follow, and the number of observers required. Label and organize tally sheets. Each sheet should include information about the location, time and date of observation, and weather conditions.

2. Select observer location(s). Observers (data collectors) should be positioned where they have a clear view of traffic and are safely away from the edge of the roadway.

3. Record observations on site. 2.2.2 Automatic Count Method

The automatic count method provides a means for gathering large amounts of traffic data. Automatic counts are usually taken in 1-hour intervals for each 24-hour period. The counts may extend for a week, month, or year. When the counts are recorded for each 24-hour time period, the peak flow period can be identified.

Automatic Count Recording Methods : Automatic counts are recorded using one of three methods: portable counters, permanent counters, and videotape.

Portable Counters: Portable counting is a form of manual observation. Portable counters serve the same purpose as manual counts but with automatic counting equipment. The period of data collection using this method is usually longer than when using manual counts. The portable counter method is mainly used for 24-hour counts. Pneumatic road tubes are used to conduct this method of automatic counts (see Figure 3).

Permanent Counters: Permanent counters are used when long-term counts are to be conducted. The counts could be performed every day for a year or more. The data collected may be used to monitor and evaluate traffic volumes and trends over a long period of time. Permanent counters are not a cost-effective option in most situations. Few jurisdictions have access to this equipment.

Videotape: Observers can record count data by videotaping traffic. Traffic volumes can be counted by viewing videotapes recorded with a camera at a collection site. A digital clock in the video image can prove useful in noting time intervals. Videotaping is not a cost-effective option in most situations. Few small jurisdictions have access to this equipment.

There are three steps to a traffic volume study using automatic counting equipment:

1. Prepare. Coordinate data activities with appropriate state and local officials. For example, you may need to coordinate traffic control activities. Assemble and inspect tools, supplies, and equipment. Test all equipment.

2. Deploy and calibrate data collection equipment. Provide traffic control to protect workers in lanes of traffic. After the equipment is placed, make sure it is functioning properly. Secure it in place.

3. Check data and retrieve equipment.

3. Methodology:

There are two ways of counting system

• Long term count

• Short term count

We use the short term method in this traffic study. This method also divided into two methods

• Direct Method.

• Indirect method.

We use the direct method dummy on the traffic volume study survey. We were divided in two group. One were counting the vehicles which were passing from New Market to Science Lab, and that is group no 1,2,3 from 9 am to 11:30 am and the other group numbered 4,5,6 counted the vehicles which were passing from science lab to new market from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

4. Data Collection & Analysis:

• General Traffic Volume study

Table 1: New Market to science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %

9:00-9:30 13 2 365 129 0 55 564 29.027% 10:00-10:30 17 0 479 181 3 54 734 37.777% 11:00-11:30 13 0 373 230 0 29 645 33.196% Total 43 2 1217 540 3 138 1943 % 2.213 % 0.103% 62.635% 27.792% 0.154% 7.102%

Fig: Science Lab To New Market

Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC F ig : N e w Market to S cien ce L ab B us Truc k LV A R S P T M C

Table 2: science Lab to new Market

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Tota

l % 12:00-12:30 24 2 344 169 1 41 581 27.380% 01:00-01:30 17 0 379 180 0 45 621 29.265% 02:00-02:30 26 0 584 252 4 54 920 43.355% Total 67 2 1307 601 5 140 212 2 % 3.157 % 0.094% 61.593% 28.322% 0.236% 6.598%

• Traffic Volume considering PCU unit Bus = 1.99

Truck = 2.12

Light Vehicle = 1.53 Auto rickshaw = 0.41

Small public transport = 0.51 Motor cycle = 0.03

Table 3: New Market to Science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %

9:00-10:00 51.74 8.48 1116.9 105.78 0 3.3 1286.2 29.515% 10:00-11:00 67.66 0 1465.74 148.42 3.06 3.24 1688.12 38.738% 11:00-12:00 51.74 0 1141.38 188.6 0 1.74 1383.46 31.747% 4357.7 8 Table 4: Science Lab to New Market

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %

12:00-1:00 95.52 8.48 1052.64 138.58 1.02 2.46 1298.7 27.164% 1:00-2:00 67.66 0 1159.74 147.6 0 2.7 1377.7 28.817% 2:00-3:00 103.48 0 1787.04 206.64 4.08 3.24 2104.48 44.019% 4780. 88 Surface flow rate (New Market to Science Lab) = 1688.12 PCU Surface flow rate (Science Lab to New Market) = 2104.48 PCU % flow rate in PCU (New Market to Science Lab) =

% 51 . 44 % 100 48 . 2104 12 . 1688 12 . 1688 = × +

% flow rate in PCU (Science Lab to New Market) = 100% 55.49%

48 . 2104 12 . 1688 48 . 2104 _{× =} +

Fig: Flow Rate in PCU

44.51

55.49

New Market to Science Lab

Science Lab to New Market

Figure - 6: Flow Rate in PCU Calculation of AADT: 24 hrVolume (Monday) = 3 ] HEF PCU HEF PCU HEF [PCU _Grp1 × _9-10am + _GRP2 × _10-11am + _GRP3× _{11-12 Pm} = 3 52 . 18 46 . 1383 11 . 17 12 . 1688 8 . 18 2 . 1286 × + × + × = 26228.66

Total 7 day volume = 24 hr volume × DEF Monday

= 26228.66 × 7.012 = 183915.3

Average 24 hour volume =

7 day volume 7 Total = 7 183915.3 = 26273.6 AADT = Avg. 24 hr volume × MEF April

= 26273.6 × 1.482 = 38937.5 PCU Calculation of ADT: Time % ADT 09:00-10:00 29.515% 10.00-11:00 38.738% 11:00-12:00 31.747% 12:00-01:00 27.164% 01:00-02:00 28.817% 02:00-03:00 44.019%

Fig: %ADT vs Time

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 9.00 - 10.00 10.00 -11.00 11.00 -12.00 12.00 - 1.00 1.00 - 2.00 2.00 - 3.00 Time % A D T % ADT

Figure - 7: % ADT vs Time 5. Conclusion:

The results of the first post-study indicate that the traffic volume within the neighborhood has generally improved. We determined the vehicle proportion of these roads and also to understand what is the tidal flow occurs. Though we have done the survey manually there is possibility of some mistakes which were not done intentionally. It would be more accurate if video camera is used. Basically the survey time recommended is 24 hours but it is not possible. So we convert 30 minutes survey to 1 hour survey. Because it provides effective and helpful information, so such information is needed for traffic system improvement in our country.

6. Recommendation:

The traffic survey can be efficiently used for traffic monitoring, traffic control & management, traffic enforcement, traffic forecasting, model calibration and validation. The result of the study indicates that traffic control system have to improve as well as using canalization, signal, sign etc. The survey data & result may be used for further future survey.

7. References:

http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/pw/traffic/default.htm

http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/LTAP/Tech_News/2004/nov-dec/data_collection.htm

APPENDIX Monthly Expansion Factor Month MEF January 1.756 February 1.976 March 1.635 April 1.482 May 1.395 June 0.948 July 0.578 August 0.521 September 0.632 October 0.948 November 1.186 December 1.355