Surigao Education Center

KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

PERFORMANCE TASK NO. 2

FINDING RESEARCH STUDIES USING TRANSPORTATION
ENGINEERING SOFTWARE

GROUP MEMBERS:

ABOLOC, SHERRIE ANNE G.

CALING, ALGIE G.
CONTE, CRISTY MARIE D.
DELOY, DARLENE SHANE A.
MADELO, NICOLE ANGELA L.
SAMSON, MELJANE T.

SUBMITTED TO:

ENGR. FERNANDO COMANDANTE

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

INTRODUCTION:
In the field of transportation engineering, the integration of software tools has revolutionized the way
researchers analyze, design, and manage transportation systems. With the increasing complexity of urban
infrastructure and the need for sustainable mobility solutions, software applications facilitate advanced data
analysis, simulation, and modeling. These tools enable engineers to visualize traffic patterns, assess safety,
optimize routing, and predict the impact of new transportation policies. Consequently, leveraging software in
transportation engineering research enhances decision-making processes, ultimately leading to more
efficient and effective transportation systems.

OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this task is for students to explore and identify existing research studies or projects that
have utilized various transportation engineering software. By finding and summarizing these studies, students
will gain insights into how the software is applied to solve real-world transportation problems.

TRANSPORTATION SOFTWARES:

1. PTV VISSIM

• Study title: Sustainable Planning of Urban Transportation Using PTV VISSIM

• Source: Samuel, L., et al. (2022). Sustainable planning of urban transportation using PTV
VISSIM.ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354362265_Sustainable_Planning_of_Urban_Transportat
ion_Using_PTV_VISSIM

• Summary of the study:

This study analyzed traffic problems in Kathrikadavu, Ernakulam, India, to develop
sustainable traffic management solutions. It focused on addressing traffic congestion, accident rates,
and delays, which have increased with rising motor vehicle numbers in urban areas of developing
countries. Field surveys were conducted to gather data on traffic levels, land use, and pedestrian
movements. Findings identified critical contributors to congestion, such as poor junction planning,
inadequate traffic signal availability, and ineffective traffic management practices. Based on these
insights, the study proposed solutions involving junction improvements, alternative service routes,
and enhanced signalization.

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

• Software application:
PTV VISSIM was employed for traffic modeling, simulation, and efficiency analysis of the
proposed interventions. VISSIM was particularly used to simulate and evaluate unsignalized
intersections, producing outputs such as queue lengths, delay types, and intervals, which helped
assess the traffic management measures' effectiveness. This microscopic simulation helped validate
the functionality and impact of proposed signalized solutions on real-world traffic scenarios

• Results and conclusions:

The study found that junction improvements and traffic signal installation could significantly
reduce congestion and delays. The simulation data supported the feasibility of these interventions,
indicating reduced queue lengths and delays at intersections. The researchers concluded that
sustainable traffic management in Kathrikadavu requires both infrastructural upgrades and optimized
traffic signalization to address the main causes of congestion and improve the urban transportation
environment.

2. SYNCHRO

• Study title: Multi-objective Scenario Traffic-Based Analysis for Roundabout Environment

Enhancement

• Source: AlKheder, S., & Al-Jazzaf, N. (2023). Evaluating urban traffic safety using machine
learning and simulation modeling: A case study of Rasht, Iran. International Journal of Civil
Engineering, 21(3), 409–419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-023-01299-0

• Summary of the study:

This research focused on optimizing roundabout design to improve traffic flow, safety, and
environmental impact in the Al Bidaa area, specifically at the intersection of Blajat Street and Amr
Ibn Al Aas Street in Kuwait. By comparing different design scenarios through simulation, the study
aimed to identify the most effective roundabout configuration for the year 2030, evaluating factors
such as level of service, capacity utilization, travel time, speed, number of stops, and fuel
consumption. Traffic data were sourced from an impact study conducted by Egis Bceom International
in 2009, with adjustments for projected growth by 2030 per Kuwait Municipality guidelines.

• Software application:
Synchro was employed in the study for modeling and simulating various roundabout design
scenarios. The software enabled detailed analysis of each scenario’s impact on traffic flow metrics,
including delays, average speeds, fuel consumption, and environmental emissions. Synchro’s
simulation capabilities provided a comparative analysis of each design alternative, allowing
researchers to identify optimal performance and environmental outcomes.

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

• Results and Conclusions:

The study concluded that Scenario 2, which included a roundabout with an additional ramp,
produced the best results for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, achieving a 55% reduction
in emissions compared to other scenarios. This scenario allowed for smoother roundabout flow,
particularly benefiting traffic from Fifth Ring Road. All scenarios achieved similar improvements in
level of service and capacity utilization, showing reductions of around 60% for morning peak hours
and 52% for afternoon peak hours. The researchers found that the addition of a ramp was the most
impactful improvement, substantially enhancing traffic efficiency and environmental outcomes at the
intersection.

3. HCS (HIGHWAY CAPACITY SOFTWARE)

• Study title: Highway Capacity Software Overview

• Source: University of Florida, McTrans Center. (n.d.). Highway Capacity Software (HCS).
McTrans Center, University of Florida. https://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu/highway-capacity-software-hcs/

• Summary of the study:

This overview discusses the use of Highway Capacity Software (HCS) for planning level
analyses of freeway facilities. Highway Capacity Software (HCS) as a tool for modeling and analyzing
traffic on surface streets, intersections, freeways, and other road infrastructure. The objective was to
explore HCS's capabilities in evaluating the performance of various traffic facilities and
configurations. HCS, which implements the methods in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), has
been instrumental in traffic engineering analysis for over 35 years, providing users worldwide with
updated modeling capabilities based on the latest research.

• Software application:
HCS enables macroscopic traffic modeling across a wide array of facilities, including freeway
segments, ramp terminals, urban arterials, roundabouts, and a variety of signalized and alternative
intersections. It leverages fewer inputs than microscopic models, making it both economical and
time-efficient for operational and planning analysis. HCS’s capabilities allow it to assess managed
lanes, perform work zone analysis, optimize signal timing, and conduct multi-time period analyses
for congestion and queue prediction over a 24-hour period. The software integrates the TRANSYT-
7F algorithm for signal timing optimization and can conduct reliability analyses for freeways and
arterials.

• Results and conclusions:

HCS provided that it is a highly reliable tool for traffic performance analysis, offering a cost-
effective solution for modeling a broad range of surface street facilities. Its macroscopic approach
supports robust modeling of both peak and off-peak traffic, extending the accuracy of congestion

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

and delay predictions for densely populated areas. Researchers found HCS particularly beneficial
for its multi-time period analysis feature, which accurately represents congestion beyond peak hours,
enhancing performance measure predictions. The software's continuous updates based on HCM
revisions ensure that users have access to the latest traffic analysis methods.

4. TRANSCAD

• Study title: Optimization of Solid Waste Collection and Transportation System by Use of TransCAD

• Source: Amiri, H. (2016). Optimization of solid waste collection and transportation system by use
of the TransCAD: A case study. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313120402_Optimization_of_Solid_Waste_Collection_an
d_Transportation_System_by_Use_of_the_TransCAD_A_Case_Study

• Summary of the study:

This study aimed to optimize municipal solid waste (MSW) collection routes in Marvdasht,
Fars province, Iran, focusing on improving economic and social efficiency in solid waste
management. With collection and transportation accounting for over 60% of solid waste management
costs, route optimization holds significant potential for reducing expenses related to labor, fuel, and
equipment. Data collection involved field visits, surveys, and interviews with local authorities,
providing insights into existing waste collection routes.

• Software application:
TransCAD, a specialized software for route optimization, was used to model and optimize
the MSW collection routes. The software analyzed current routes based on factors like shortest path
length, reduced U-turns, and vehicle capacity limits. Through these parameters, TransCAD
generated optimized routes to reduce the travel distance and time for waste collection in Marvdasht.

• Results and conclusions:

The optimized routes from TransCAD were shown to reduce the total distance and travel
time of waste collection by up to 16% and 30%, respectively, compared to existing routes. The study
concluded that TransCAD provides an effective solution for waste collection routing, minimizing
travel time and distance, thus contributing to more economical and efficient solid waste management.

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

5. SIDRA INTERSECTION

• Study title: Evaluating Operational Performance of Intersections Using SIDRA

• SOURCE: Ranjitkar, P., et al.(2014). Evaluating operational performance of intersections using

SIDRA. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273481518_Evaluating_Operational_Performance_of_Int
ersections_Using_SIDRA

• Summary of the study:

The study aimed to evaluate the operational efficiency of different intersection types—
priority-controlled, roundabout, and signalized—under varying traffic conditions to address the social,
economic, and environmental impacts of traffic congestion. Given intersections are major bottlenecks
in urban road networks, their efficiency substantially influences overall network performance. The
study used SIDRA software to assess each intersection type across traffic demand scenarios with
varying volumes and turning ratios, focusing on three key metrics: intersection capacity, average
delay, and total emissions.

• Software application:
SIDRA software was used to model and simulate the operational performance of each
intersection type. By analyzing factors like capacity, delay, and emissions, SIDRA provided a detailed
comparison of how each intersection type performed under different traffic conditions. The software’s
capabilities allowed researchers to identify patterns in efficiency based on traffic demand levels and
turning ratios for each intersection type.

• Results and conclusions:

The results indicated that the performance of each intersection type varied with traffic
demand. Priority-controlled intersections were most effective under low traffic demand, while
roundabouts performed best at moderate traffic levels. Under high traffic demand, signalized
intersections proved to be the most efficient, minimizing delays and managing larger volumes
effectively. The study concluded that choosing the appropriate intersection type based on specific
traffic conditions can improve overall network efficiency and reduce congestion-related impacts.

6. CUBE

• Study Title: Improving Public Transportation with CUBE

• Source: Ntaflos, M. (2021) Linkedin. Improving public transportation with CUBE. LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/improving-public-transportation-cube-marios-ntaflos

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

• Summary of the Study:

The journal focused on the importance of public transportation for enhancing urban
sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing traffic congestion, and improving
economic and social access to essential destinations. Despite the benefits, public transportation
systems still face challenges in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The study also explored how
CUBE software supports transport specialists in designing effective public transit systems,
particularly as cities strive for more sustainable urban environments.

• Software Application:
CUBE was used for multimodal mobility planning, including public transport systems,
highway projects, and cycle demand studies. CUBE, a transportation and land-use modeling tool,
was used to simulate and evaluate public transport projects. It creates a digital twin of the
transportation system, enabling planners to predict the impact of changes in infrastructure, policies,
demographics, and technology on transit access and efficiency. CUBE’s applications include
forecasting transit demand, optimizing route planning, assessing ticketing systems, testing shifts
from private cars to public transit, and estimating future ridership and operational efficiency. Its flow-
chart environment and GIS capabilities allow for a flexible and multimodal approach to transport
modeling.

• Results and Conclusions:

The journal states that CUBE is an essential tool for transport planning, helping to address
key public transit challenges by improving decision-making before infrastructure implementation. By
simulating different scenarios, CUBE helps cities optimize routes, enhance public transport
accessibility, and reduce environmental impact. Its global adoption demonstrates its effectiveness in
helping create inclusive, efficient, and sustainable public transportation systems that meet the needs
of diverse urban populations. The study highlighted the benefits of using CUBE for interactive data
input, GIS functionality, model building, and scenario development in public transport planning.

7. AUTOTURN

• Study Title: Testing trajectory of road trains with program complexes

• Source: Jamshid, A., & Mikusova, M.(2019). Testing trajectory of road trains with program
complexes. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342379035_TESTING_TRAJECTORY_OF_ROAD_TRAI
NS_WITH_PROGRAM_COMPLEXES

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

• Summary of the Study:

This study aimed to validate the accuracy of AutoTURN software in modeling the tracking
and trajectory of trucks and other vehicles. By comparing actual GPS-recorded trajectory data from
an experimental study with simulations from AutoTURN, the researchers assessed the software's
ability to model the movement patterns of road trains accurately. The experiment involved the
KAMAZ 54115 truck and the M 9397 semi-trailer, tested in real road conditions.

• Software Application:
AutoTURN software was used to simulate the truck's movement trajectory and analyze the
dynamic dimensions during turns and other maneuvers. By comparing the software's simulated
results with real GPS data, the study evaluated AutoTURN's precision in replicating the trajectory
and tracking behavior observed in real-world conditions. This process also tested AutoTURN’s
application for designing and modeling various vehicle movements in CAD environments.

• Results and Conclusions:

The results showed close alignment between the actual GPS data and the AutoTURN
simulations, validating AutoTURN as a reliable tool for modeling the movement and dynamic
dimensions of road trains and other vehicle types. The study concluded that AutoTURN is effective
not only for road train trajectory modeling but also for simulating various vehicle movements within
computer-aided road design, supporting its utility in road planning and design.

CONCLUSION
The significance of using software in transportation engineering research cannot be overstated. By
employing sophisticated modeling and simulation tools, researchers are better equipped to address the
challenges of modern transportation networks. The ability to analyze vast amounts of data and visualize
complex scenarios fosters innovation and informed decision-making, promoting sustainable development
and improved public safety. As transportation systems continue to evolve, the role of software in this domain
will remain critical, driving advancements that enhance the overall efficiency and resilience of infrastructure
worldwide.

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 Surigao Education Center
KM.2, NATIONAL HIGHWAY, 8400 SURIGAO CTY

REFERENCES

• Samuel, L., et al. (2022). Sustainable planning of urban transportation using PTV VISSIM.
ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354362265_Sustainable_Planning_of_Urban_Transportat
ion_Using_PTV_VISSIM

• AlKheder, S., & Al-Jazzaf, N. (2023). Evaluating urban traffic safety using machine learning and
simulation modeling: A case study of Rasht, Iran. International Journal of Civil Engineering, 21(3),
409–419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-023-01299-0

• University of Florida, McTrans Center. (n.d.). Highway Capacity Software (HCS). McTrans Center,
University of Florida. https://mctrans.ce.ufl.edu/highway-capacity-software-hcs/

• Amiri, H. (2016). Optimization of solid waste collection and transportation system by use of the
TransCAD: A case study. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313120402_Optimization_of_Solid_Waste_Collection_an
d_Transportation_System_by_Use_of_the_TransCAD_A_Case_Study

• Ranjitkar, P., et al.(2014). Evaluating operational performance of intersections using SIDRA.

ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273481518_Evaluating_Operational_Performance_of_Int
ersections_Using_SIDRA

• Ntaflos, M. (2021) Linkedin. Improving public transportation with CUBE. LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/improving-public-transportation-cube-marios-ntaflos

• Jamshid, A., & Mikusova, M.(2019). Testing trajectory of road trains with program complexes.
ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342379035_TESTING_TRAJECTORY_OF_ROAD_TRAI
NS_WITH_PROGRAM_COMPLEXES

CEPC 113 | PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING