Report on Traffic Volume Study

Ahsanullah University of Science

and Technology

Md. Tahmidul Islam Farabi

06 02 03 031
4th Year 2nd Semester
Department of Civil Engineering
 Table of Contents

Content Page no

1. Introduction 3

2. Literature Review 3

2.1 Definition 3

2.2 Counting Method 4

2.2.1 Manual Count Method 4

2.2.2 Automatic Count Method 6

3. Methodology 8

4. Data Collection & Analysis 9

5. Conclusion 15

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 List of Tables
No. of the table Name of the table Page no.

Table-1 General Traffic Volume study from New Market 9

to Science Lab
Table-2 General Traffic Volume study from Science Lab 10
to New Market
Table-3 Traffic Volume Considering PCU from New 11
Market to Science Lab
Table-4 Traffic Volume Considering PCU from Science 11
Lab to New Market
Table-5 Percentage (%) of flow rate 12
Table-6 AADT Calculation of New Market to Science Lab 13
Table-7 AADT Calculation of Science Lab to New Market 13
Table-8 ADT Calculation 14

List of Figures
No. of the Name of the figure Page no.
figure

Figure-1 Mechanical Counting Board 5

Figure-2 Electronic Counting Board 6
Figure-3 Percentage (%) of traffic from New Market to 9
Science Lab
Figure-4 Percentage (%) of traffic from Science Lab to New 10
Market
Figure-5 Percentage (%) of Service Flow Rate 12
Figure-6 Flow Fluctuation Curve 14

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1. Introduction
Traffic volume studies are conducted to determine the number,
movements, and classifications of roadway vehicles at a given location. These
data can help identify critical flow time periods, determine the influence of large
vehicles or pedestrians on vehicular traffic flow, or document traffic volume
trends. The length of the sampling period depends on the type of count being
taken and the intended use of the data recorded. For example, an intersection
count may be conducted during the peak flow period. If so, manual count with 30-
minute intervals could be used to obtain the traffic volume data.

2. Literature Review
A traffic study is conducted to evaluate the transportation system serving
an area and to identify any improvements necessary to accommodate existing or
projected traffic volumes. The study consists of data collection, including existing
traffic volumes and turning movement counts, projected traffic volumes, and the
identification of required improvements such as traffic calming devices. Any
identified improvements may include a feasibility analysis, including identification
of impacted properties, impacted structures, alternate alignments, physical
constraints and roadway design criteria to be used.

2.1 Definitions

ADT: Average daily traffic or ADT, and sometimes also mean daily traffic, is the
average number of vehicles two-way passing a specific point in a 24-hour period,
normally measured throughout a year. ADT is the standard measurement for
vehicle traffic load on a section of road, and the basis for most decisions regarding
transport planning, or to the environmental hazards of pollution related to road
transport. Road authorities have norms based on ADT, with decisions to expand
road capacity at given thresholds.

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AADT: Annual average daily traffic, abbreviated AADT, is a measure used
primarily in transportation planning and transportation engineering. It is the total
volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road for a year divided by 365 days.
AADT is a useful and simple measurement of how busy the road is. It is also
sometimes reported as "average annual daily traffic".

Total 24 hours volume

Hourly Expansion Factor (HEF): Volume for particular hour

Avg . total weekly volume

Daily Expansion Factor (DEF): Avg . volume for particular day

AADT
Monthly Expansion Factor (MEF) : ADT for particular month

2.2 Counting Method

Two methods are available for conducting traffic volume counts: (1) manual
and (2) automatic. Manual counts are typically used to gather data for
determination of vehicle classification, turning movements, direction of travel,
pedestrian movements, or vehicle occupancy. Automatic counts are typically used
to gather data for determination of vehicle hourly patterns, daily or seasonal
variations and growth trends, or annual traffic estimates.

The selection of study method should be determined using the count period. The
count period should be representative of the time of day, day of month, and
month of year for the study area.

2.2.1 Manual Count Method:

Most applications of manual counts require small samples of data at any

given location. Manual counts are sometimes used when the effort and expense
of automated equipment are not justified. Manual counts are necessary when
automatic equipment is not available. Manual counts are typically used for

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periods of less than a day. Normal intervals for a manual count are 5, 10, or 30
minutes.

Manual Count Recording Methods: Manual counts are recorded using one of
three methods: tally sheets, mechanical counting boards, or electronic counting
boards.

Tally Sheets: Recording data onto tally sheets is the simplest means of conducting
manual counts. The data can be recorded with a tick mark on a pre-prepared field
form. A watch or stopwatch is necessary to measure the desired count interval.

Mechanical Counting Boards: Mechanical count boards consist of counters

mounted on a board that record each direction of travel. Common counts include
pedestrian, bicycle,
vehicle classification,
and traffic volume
counts. Typical
counters are push
button devices with
three to five registers.
Each button
represents a different
stratification of type of
vehicle or pedestrian
being counted. The
limited number of
buttons on the counter
can restrict the Figure-1: Mechanical Counting Board
number of classifications that can
be counted on a given board. A
watch or a stopwatch is also necessary with this method to measure the desired
count interval.

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 Electronic Counting Boards: Electronic counting boards are battery-operated,
hand-held devices used in collecting traffic count data. They are similar to
mechanical counting boards, but with some important differences. Electronic
counting boards are lighter, more compact, and easier to handle. They have an
internal clock that automatically separates the data by time interval. Special
functions include automatic data reduction and summary. The data can also be
downloaded to a computer, which saves
time.

There are three steps to a manual traffic

volume count:

1. Prepare. Determine the type of

equipment to use, the field
procedures to follow, and the
number of observers required. Label
and organize tally sheets. Each sheet
should include information about Figure-2: Electronic Counting Board
the location, time and date of
observation, and weather conditions.
2. Select observer location(s). Observers (data collectors) should be
positioned where they have a clear view of traffic and are safely away from
the edge of the roadway.
3. Record observations on site.

2.2.2 Automatic Count Method:

The automatic count method provides a means for gathering large amounts
of traffic data. Automatic counts are usually taken in 1-hour intervals for each 24-
hour period. The counts may extend for a week, month, or year. When the counts
are recorded for each 24-hour time period, the peak flow period can be identified.

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Automatic Count Recording Methods : Automatic counts are recorded using one
of three methods: portable counters, permanent counters, and videotape.

Portable Counters: Portable counting is a form of manual observation. Portable

counters serve the same purpose as manual counts but with automatic counting
equipment. The period of data collection using this method is usually longer than
when using manual counts. The portable counter method is mainly used for 24-
hour counts. Pneumatic road tubes are used to conduct this method of automatic
counts (see Figure 3).

Permanent Counters: Permanent counters are used when long-term counts are
to be conducted. The counts could be performed every day for a year or more.
The data collected may be used to monitor and evaluate traffic volumes and
trends over a long period of time. Permanent counters are not a cost-effective
option in most situations. Few jurisdictions have access to this equipment.

Videotape: Observers can record count data by videotaping traffic. Traffic

volumes can be counted by viewing videotapes recorded with a camera at a
collection site. A digital clock in the video image can prove useful in noting time
intervals. Videotaping is not a cost-effective option in most situations. Few small
jurisdictions have access to this equipment.

There are three steps to a traffic volume study using automatic counting
equipment:

I. Prepare. Coordinate data activities with appropriate state and local

officials. For example, you may need to coordinate traffic control
activities. Assemble and inspect tools, supplies, and equipment. Test all
equipment.

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 II. Deploy and calibrate data collection equipment. Provide traffic control
to protect workers in lanes of traffic. After the equipment is placed,
make sure it is functioning properly. Secure it in place.
III. Check data and retrieve equipment.

3. Methodology
There are two ways of counting system

 Long term count

 Short term count
We use the short term method in this traffic study. This method also divided into
two methods

 Direct Method.
 Indirect method.

We use the direct method dummy on the traffic volume study survey. We were
divided in two groups. One were counting the vehicles which were passing from
New Market to Science Lab, and that is group no 1,2,3 from 9 am to 11:30 am and
the other group numbered 4,5,6 counted the vehicles which were passing from
Science Lab to New Market from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Each group were occupied
with 6 members.

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 4. Data Collection & Analysis

 General Traffic Volume study

Table 1: New Market to Science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %
09-09:30 15 2 380 129 0 60 586 28.72549
10-10:30 20 0 596 181 3 66 866 42.45098
11-11::30 10 0 327 230 0 21 588 28.82353
Total 45 2 1303 540 3 147 2040 100
% of whole 2.205882 0.098039 63.87255 26.47059 0.147059 7.205882 100

Pie Chart for New Market to Science Lab

2% Truck, 0%
SPT, 0% MC, 7%

AR, 27%
LV, 64%

Figure-3: Percentage (%) of traffic from New Market to Science Lab

Table 2: Science Lab to New Market

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 Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %
12-12:30 30 2 344 170 1 35 582 27.13287
13-13:30 15 1 379 160 0 60 615 28.67133
14-14:30 25 0 584 250 14 75 948 44.1958
Total 70 3 1307 580 15 170 2145 100
% of whole 3.263403 0.13986 60.9324 27.03963 0.699301 7.925408 100

Pie Chart for Science Lab to New Market

3%
MC, 8% Truck, 0%
AR, 1%

AR, 27%
LV, 61%

Figure-4: Percentage (%) of traffic from Science Lab to New Market

 Traffic Volume considering PCU

Bus = 1.99
Truck = 2.12

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 Light Vehicle = 1.53
Auto rickshaw = 0.41
Small public transport = 0.51
Motor cycle = 0.03

Table 3: New Market to Science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total PCU Flow
09-10:00 59.7 8.48 1162.8 105.78 0 3.6 1340.36
10-11:00 79.6 0 1517.76 148.42 3.06 3.96 1752.8
11-12:00 39.8 0 1000.62 188.6 0 1.26 1230.28
Total Vehicle PCU 179.1 8.48 3681.18 442.8 3.06 8.82

Table 4: Science Lab to New Market

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total PCU Flow
12-13:00 119.4 8.48 1052.64 139.4 1.02 2.1 1323.04
13-14:00 59.7 4.24 1159.74 131.2 0 3.6 1358.48
14-15:00 99.5 0 1787.04 205 14.28 4.5 2110.32
Total Vehicle PCU 278.6 12.72 3999.42 475.6 15.3 10.2

So, Service flow rate (New Market to Science Lab) = 1752.80 PCU

Service flow rate (Science Lab to New Market) = 2110.32 PCU

Table 5: Percentage (%) of flow rate

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 % of flow rate in PCU at NM to SL = 45.37265

% of flow rate in PCU at SL to NM = 54.62735

Pie Chart for Service Flow Rate

Figure-5: Percentage (%) of Service Flow Rate

Calculation of AADT

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Table 6: AADT Calculation of New Market to Science Lab
AADT

New Market to Science Lab

24 hour volume on Monday = {PCU(09-10:00)*HEF + PCU(10-11:00)*HEF + PCU(11-12:00)*HEF}/3

= 25985.4778666667

Total 7 day volume = 24 hour volume*DEF(Monday)

= 182210.170801067

Average 24 hour volume = (7 day volume)/7

= 26030.0244001524

AADT = Avg. 24 hour volume*MEF(April)

= 38550.4661366257

Table 7: AADT Calculation of Science Lab to New Market

AADT

Science Lab to New Market

24 hour volume on Monday = {PCU(12-13:00)*HEF + PCU(13-14:00)*HEF + PCU(14-15:00)*HEF}/3

= 26257.1426666667

Total 7 day volume = 24 hour volume*DEF(Monday)

= 184115.084378667

Average 24 hour volume = (7 day volume)/7

= 26302.1549112381

AADT = Avg. 24 hour volume*MEF(April)

= 38953.4914235436

Calculation of ADT
Table 8: ADT Calculation

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 ADT =Flow rate in PCU*HEF

Time ADT % of ADT

09-10:00 25198.768 16.07804
10-11:00 29972.88 19.12416
11-12:00 22784.7856 14.5378
12-13:00 24754.0784 15.79431
13-14:00 22700.2008 14.48383
14-15:00 31317.1488 19.98186
Total 156727.862 100

Flow Fluctuation Curve

25

20

15
% of ADT

10

0
09-10:00 10-11:00 11-12:00 12-13:00 13-14:00 14-15:00
Time

Figure-6: Flow Fluctuation Curve

5. Conclusion

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 The results of the first post-study indicate that the traffic volume within the
neighborhood has generally improved. We determined the vehicle proportion of
these roads and also to understand what is the tidal flow occurs. Though we have
done the survey manually there is possibility of some mistakes which were not
done intentionally. It would be more accurate if video camera is used. Basically
the survey time recommended is 24 hours but it is not possible. So we convert 30
minutes survey to 1 hour survey. Because it provides effective and helpful
information, so such information is needed for traffic system improvement in our
country.

The traffic survey can be efficiently used for traffic monitoring, traffic
control & management, traffic enforcement, traffic forecasting, model calibration
and validation. The result of the study indicates that traffic control system have to
improve as well as using canalization, signal, sign etc. The survey data & result
may be used for further future survey.

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