Computer Simulation Modeling of Driver Behavior at Roundabouts

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) has constructed four roundabouts in the State of Connecticut within the past ten years. VISSIM traffic simulation software was utilized to analyze these roundabouts during their design phase. The objectives of this project are to: identify VISSIM input variables most critical to accurate modeling; and, provide other recommendations for roundabout traffic operations modeling. Cameras were set up at these roundabouts to capture vehicle circulating activity and entry behavior for two weekdays. The data extracted from the videos include: vehicle circulating speed; critical gap estimated by Maximum Likelihood Method; peak hour volume; follow-up headway; travel time; and, vehicle queue length. A VISSIM simulation of existing roundabouts was built to compare both queue length and travel time predicted from simulation with measured in the field. The research investigated a variety of simulation parameters as calibration factors for describing driver behaviors at roundabouts. Among them, critical gap is the most effective calibration variable in roundabout simulation. The results will improve the design of future roundabouts in Connecticut and provide decision makers with insights on the relationship between various choices and future performance.