Application of Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration and Validation Procedure

Abstract

In the application of microscopic simulation models, the importance of model calibration and validation cannot be overemphasized. A recent study proposed a systematic approach for conducting a simulation model calibration and validation procedure on the basis of experimental design and optimization and applied it to an isolated intersection with a VISSIM simulation model. The present study further evaluates the previously developed simulation model calibration and validation procedure by applying it to an urban arterial network consisting of 12 coordinated actuated signalized intersections. Both VISSIM and CORSIM simulation models were used. Travel time was used for the calibration measure, and maximum queue length was used for the validation measure. Study results showed that calibrated and validated simulation models were able to represent field conditions adequately, whereas default parameter–based models could not. As such, the previously developed simulation model calibration and validation procedure was proved effective for an arterial network under both VISSIM and CORSIM simulation models.