The cumulative arrival and departure curve of one cycle of an approach...
The Cumulative Arrival and Departure Curve
The cumulative arrival and departure curve provides information about the traffic flow at a signalized intersection. It shows the cumulative number of vehicles arriving and departing from the intersection over time. By analyzing this curve, we can determine the average delay experienced by vehicles at the intersection.
Given Information
- Cycle Time: 50 s
- Effective Red Time: 30 s
- Effective Green Time: 20 s
Understanding the Cumulative Arrival and Departure Curve
The cumulative arrival and departure curve consists of two parts:
1. The ascending portion represents the arrival of vehicles at the intersection.
2. The descending portion represents the departure of vehicles from the intersection.
The slope of the ascending curve represents the arrival rate of vehicles, while the slope of the descending curve represents the departure rate.
Calculating the Average Delay
To calculate the average delay, we need to follow these steps:
1. Determine the effective green time per cycle: The effective green time is the time when vehicles can pass through the intersection. In this case, the effective green time is 20 s per cycle.
2. Calculate the departure flow rate: The departure flow rate is the slope of the descending curve. It represents the rate at which vehicles are leaving the intersection. In this case, the departure flow rate is 1 vehicle/s.
3. Calculate the arrival flow rate during the effective green time: The arrival flow rate during the effective green time is the slope of the ascending curve during the green time. In this case, the arrival flow rate during the effective green time is 1.5 vehicles/s.
4. Calculate the excess arrival flow rate: The excess arrival flow rate is the difference between the arrival flow rate during the green time and the departure flow rate. In this case, the excess arrival flow rate is 0.5 vehicles/s.
5. Calculate the average delay: The average delay is the excess arrival flow rate multiplied by the cycle time. In this case, the average delay is 0.5 vehicles/s * 50 s = 25 vehicles.
Conclusion
Therefore, the average delay at the intersection is 25 vehicles. This means that, on average, each vehicle experiences a delay of 25 vehicles during a cycle. By analyzing the cumulative arrival and departure curve, we can determine the traffic conditions and the level of delay at a signalized intersection.
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