A new method for determining saturation flow depending on driver behaviour

Abstract

Saturation flow is a basic parameter used in design of signalised intersections. Uncertainties in determining saturation flow causes some deficiencies in calculation of capacity and level of service. HCM suggests two methods for determining saturation flow; analytical and observational, which are very common all over the world. Analytical method uses factors effecting saturation flow as coefficents. On the other hand, effects of driver behaviour are not clearly included. In this study, initially a new analytical modelling based on driver behavior is presented; then the results are compared with field studies and HCM method. The results of the recommended method are encouraging.