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Оn the choice of macroscopic traffic flow models for traffic monitoring

https://doi.org/10.26518/2071-7296-2026-23-2-254-265

EDN: KHGPFE

Abstract

Introduction. Current guidelines for road traffic monitoring in the Russian Federation do not contain detailed recommendations for the use of traffic detectors, although the rules do stipulate their use. Effective application of traffic detectors is hampered by a lack of knowledge about the empirical evaluation of macroscopic traffic flow model parameters. This article discusses methods for determining macroscopic fundamental diagram models and their parameter values based on data from stationary radar detectors.
The aim of the study. Is related to automation of real-time traffic flow service level assessment and development of practical recommendations for processing data from radar detectors. The research has been focused on road traffic monitoring, in particular, macroscopic diagram models and their parameters determined from the data of radar detectors.
Research Methodology. Uninterrupted traffic conditions on roads of category II approaching Irkutsk have been studied. Stationary radar detectors have been used during monitoring. Traffic volumes and average time speed were determined with a 5-minute aggregation period. Traffic density was estimated as the ratio of traffic volume to speed.
Results. The need for firstand second-order macroscopic models in processing data from detectors has been experimentally proved, which is a key result of the initial research stage. Data characterizing the speed-density and intensity-density relationships for traffic lanes located on horizontal sections, for downhill traffic lanes, and for uphill traffic lanes have been obtained. Objectives for further research to develop a method for processing radar detector data have been specified.

About the Authors

I. I. Tarakhovsky
QUANT ENGINEERING LLC
Russian Federation

Tarakhovsky Igor I. – General Director

664003, Irkutsk, st. Parkovaya, 4, office 1



A. Yu. Mikhailov
Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Russian Federation

Mikhailov Alexander Yu. – Dr. of Sci. (Engineering), Professor of the Automobile Transport Department

Irkutsk, Lermontova st. 83

Scopus ID: 57193751842

Author ID: 385530



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For citations:


Tarakhovsky I.I., Mikhailov A.Yu. Оn the choice of macroscopic traffic flow models for traffic monitoring. The Russian Automobile and Highway Industry Journal. 2026;23(2):254-265. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26518/2071-7296-2026-23-2-254-265. EDN: KHGPFE

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ISSN 2071-7296 (Print)
ISSN 2658-5626 (Online)