A simulation assessment of shockwave detection and damping algorithms based on magnetometers and probe vehicle data

Abstract

Nowadays, connected cars are uncommon on our streets, but their percentage is expected to grow uninterruptedly. These devices would provide a lot of data in real-time that can be used for road operators to improve the traffic. This research is focused on one of these applications, which is shockwave damping on freeways. This work evaluates two shockwave detection methods that use probe vehicle data and fixed sensors data and one mitigation algorithm that uses variable speed limits to resolve shockwaves. This paper analyses through microscopic traffic simulation the performance of the selected algorithms and how their parameters affect them in several scenarios. Also, the effect of the penetration rate of probe vehicle data is evaluated. Finally, the best algorithm with the best parameters configuration is applied to a realistic model of the AP7 freeway in Girona (Spain). The obtained results show that the algorithms applied greatly reduce the total travel time in this network.