Research

Project Number:
03-25

Research Project:
Development of An Artificial Intelligence Based Traffic Simulation Model Using the Discrete Element Method

P.I. Name & Address:
Emelinda M. Parentela
Department of Civil Engineering
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90840-5101
Tel:(562) 985-4932
Fax:(562) 985-2380
Email: parent@csulb.edu

Co-P.I.s:
Andrew Ronnau

Project Objective:
Traffic congestion in the Los Angeles area encumbers transportation of trade goods, and slows movement of urban populations.It is hypothesized that a change in how the existing road and freeway system is utilized may increase the effectiveness of the existing traffic infrastructure.

An artificial intelligence based discrete element method for traffic simulation is proposed.The novel form of the inter-element interaction laws would allow extraction of key parameters in driver behavior.The effect of changes in certain transportation policies could also be determined as part of the analysis.

By using the proposed model, it may be possible to identify changes in driver behavior and public policy that would facilitate increased effective capacity of the existing traffic infrastructure.With this approach, it may be possible to increase the efficiency of the current roads and freeways through policy, strategy, and driver education.

Such an approach to improved infrastructure utilization could be cheaply implemented and easily modified for changes in the economic and urban environment.

Task Descriptions:
1. Develop and validate model and software (6 months)
2. Analyze effect of changes in driver behavior logic (3 months)
3 Analyze effect of changes in public transportation policy (3 months)

Milestones, Dates:
June 1, 2003 - May 31, 2004; final draft report 5/31/04

Total Budget:
$85,423

Student Involvement:
One Student @ 50% time, 12 mos.; One Student @ 25% time, 12 mos.

Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Part of mobility of urban population focus area

Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report posted on the website

Potential Benefits of the Project:
Transportation system management