Learn the the essential concepts of traffic modelling and principles of traffic analysis
This online training program is conducted via Webex for your convenience.
Event
SIDRA MODEL FUNDAMENTALS
22-24 November 2023
10am-1pm AEDT (each day)
Webex
Registration
Please read this important information before registering:
| Type | Early Bird | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program |
$1155 AUD |
$1287 AUD |
Request a Quote
If a formal quote is required for this training program, please contact us using the form below.
Who should attend?
This online training program is offered for traffic and transport professionals and students with any level of experience. It will be of benefit to people interested in the essential concepts of traffic modelling and principles of traffic analysis.
This training will focus on traffic variables, concepts and principles that need to be understood for effective intersection and network modelling from a practical perspective using an analytical software tool such as SIDRA INTERSECTION. These traffic variables are of importance in preparing input, interpreting output, and calibrating the model for best representation of real-life traffic conditions.
The knowledge gained at this online training will be useful generally in the use of all traffic and transport modelling software tools.
This program has been prepared by Dr Rahmi Akçelik, a leading scientist and software developer with 50 years of practical, research and training experience in the area of road traffic operations, traffic engineering, management and control.
Setup Requirements
Trainees must read and understand these important instructions to be able to attend our online training programs. Please use our Contact Form if you have any questions.
Program Contents
SIDRA MODEL FUNDAMENTALS consists of 3 Modules held over 3 days. The sections below give important information about the contents of this training program.
This program has been prepared according to driving on the left-hand side of the road and using Metric units for countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, India and UK.
Download this Program: PDF - 153 KB
Last Revised: 10 May 2023
Traffic Flow Fundamentals, Uninterrupted and Interrupted Flows
Topic A1: Traffic Models - An Introduction
Model Benefits / Objectives, Model Consistency, Movement Classes. Analytical and Microsimulation Models, Model Categories, Model Types, Model Level of Detail, Lane-Based Modelling. About Microsimulation Models. Model Complexity vs Model Error, Uncertainty: Accuracy and Precision, Decisions based on traffic modelling, Understanding Traffic Models.
Topic A2: Fundamentals of Traffic Flow
Uninterrupted and Interrupted Flows, Three Key Parameters, Headway - Spacing - Speed relationship. Density and Flow Rate.
Exercise A2: Speed, Spacing, Headway, Density, Flow Rate
Q & A
Topic A3: Uninterrupted Flows
Definition, Spacing - Speed - Flow, Other Fundamental Relationships, Speed-Flow Models for Uninterrupted Traffic Facilities. Spot Speed, Travel Speed and Travel Time. Bunched Headway Model, Proportion Bunched for Uninterrupted Flows, Extra Bunching for Upstream Signal Effects. Arrival Headway Distributions.
Exercise A3: Proportion Bunched and Extra Bunching
Q & A
Topic A4: Interrupted Flows
Definition, Conflict points at intersections. Choice of intersection type: Signals vs Roundabouts. Traffic Control (Intersections, Crossings, Interchanges). Alternative intersections and interchanges, SIDRA INTERSECTION Network Templates. Summary of Models for Traffic Control (Interrupted Flow).
Topic A5: Demand, Capacity, Degree of Saturation
Demand Flows, Peaking. Residual Queue and Oversaturation Delay.
Capacity, Degree of Saturation, Practical Capacity
Exercise A5: Saturation Flow Rate and Degree of Saturation
Q & A
Topic A6: Lane Flows and Unequal Lane Use
Causes of Unequal Lane Use at Intersections. Unequal Lane Use at Closely-Spaced Intersections. Lane Utilisation Ratio. Approach Capacity (Effective). Unequal Lane Use Example. Defacto Exclusive Lanes.
Exercise A6: Lane Utilisation Ratio and Approach Capacity (Effective)
Q & A
Signal Timing, Saturation Flows, Pedestrians, Signal Coordination
Topic B1: Saturation Flow
Saturation Flow Rate and Speed, Queue Discharge Surveys. Saturation Headway Model. Saturation Flow, Start Loss, End Gain. Displayed and Effective Green Times. Saturation Flow Survey, SCATS MF. Short Lane Saturation Flow, Short Lane Queue.
Exercise B1: Saturation Headway and Saturation Flow Rate
Q & A
Topic B2: Saturation Flow Estimation
Saturation Flow Estimation in veh/h, Movement Class and Turning Vehicle Effects. Flow Rate and Saturation Flow Rate in veh/h and tcu/h. Shared Lane Saturation Flow Rate.
Exercise B2: Shared Lane Saturation Flow Rate
Q & A
Topic B3: Traffic Signal Timing
Signal Timing Analysis Methods (EQUISAT /SCATS and Actuated). Appropriate Cycle Time option according to the objective of modelling. Signal Phasing, Variable Phase Sequence Analysis. Common Control Groups. Critical Movement Diagram.
Exercise B3: Critical Movement Diagram
Topic B4: Pedestrians
Pedestrian Crossing Types (Signalised Intersections, Midblock Crossings). Pedestrians at Signals, Pedestrian Protection. Pedestrian Crossing Distances and Speeds, Pedestrian Minimum Time, Pedestrian Timing Parameters. Pedestrian Actuation. Unsignalised Pedestrian Crossing Analysis.
Exercise B4: Pedestrian Minimum Time
Q & A
Topic B5: Traffic Signal Coordination
Signal Platoon Patterns, Platoon Ratio, Arrival Type. Platoon Dispersion Model. Offset Definition, Relative Offset, Stopline Travel Time. Time-Distance Diagram.
Exercise B5: Platoon Ratio and Arrival Type
Q & A
Roundabouts, Sign Control, Network Modelling, Performance and LOS, Model Calibration
Topic C1: Roundabouts
Roundabout Capacity Models, Unequal lane use cases as observed at UK Roundabouts. SIDRA Roundabout Capacity Model. Capacity model with roundabout approach interactions. Follow-up Headway and Critical Gap, A useful rule of thumb for gap acceptance parameters, Other Features of SIDRA Roundabout Model, Bunched Headway Model, Geometry parameters. Capacity Constraint, Unbalanced Flows, Roundabout Metering Signals.
Exercise C1: Circulating Flow Rate with Capacity Constraint
Q & A
Topic C2: Sign Control
Gap Acceptance Model (Driver Behaviour Focus), Gap Acceptance Parameters (Base values and Adjustments), Movement Class Effects, Opposing Flow Effects. Gap Acceptance Model by Signal Analogy. Gap Acceptance Survey Method.
Exercise C2: Critical Gap and Follow-Up Headway Adjustment
Q & A
Topic C3: Intersection Performance and Level of Service
Delay definitions, Queue definitions. SIDRA Performance Estimates. Back of Queue Survey, Back of Queue, Queue Move-ups, Delay. Overflow Concept, Fundamental Diagram of Intersection Performance. Level of Service (Intersection, Network, Route).
Vehicle Path Model, Acceleration - Deceleration Models. Fuel Consumption and Emissions, Operating Cost.
Exercise C3: Level of Service
Topic C4: Model Calibration
Local Conditions and Model Calibration. Key Model Calibration Parameters.
SIDRA Excel Applications for Field Surveys. Signal Saturation Flow Example.
SIDRA Lane-based INTERSECTION and NETWORK model. Iterative Methods for Intersection and Network Modelling.
Exercise C4: Saturation Flow Calibration
Q & A
Topic C5: Network Modelling
Lane Blockage and Capacity Constraint. SIDRA NETWORK Model. Signalised Diamond Interchange (SDI), Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI). Lane Movement Flow Proportions. Capacity Constraint Example. Capacity Reduction due to Lane Blockage, Midblock Lane Changes.
Exercise C5: Capacity Reduction due to Lane Blockage
Q & A
Training Evaluation Survey
SIDRA Presenters
The following presenters will conduct this training program:
Mark Besley is a scientist and software specialist who has worked in the traffic management area since 1980s. He has been making a significant contribution to the development of the SIDRA INTERSECTION software in collaboration with Dr Rahmi Akçelik during the last 30+ years. He has trained several thousand professionals in over 300 workshops, courses and seminars.
Mark has been involved in many aspects of research on traffic operations including traffic network models, incident detection, fuel consumption estimation, traffic data collection and analysis.
Dr Ian Espada is a Senior Traffic Modeller / Analyst at SIDRA SOLUTIONS. He has more than 20 years of work experience in the role of researcher, transport/traffic planner, transport survey specialist, transport demand modeller, and transport economist. He had an 11-year career at the Australian Road Research Board where he was the team leader of the Network Operations Team under the Future Transport Systems Working Group. Ian worked for 7 years as a transport planner / modeller for ALMEC Corporation, Japan. He was also a sessional lecturer on transport demand modelling at Swinburne University for 10 years.
Ian has a Ph.D. degree in transportation engineering and planning from the University of Tokyo and an M.Eng. degree in transportation planning and traffic engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Ian was the Australian representative to the World Road Association technical committee on road network operations from 2016 to 2019.
Training Books
You will be sent training books in PDF format, before the training. We also recommend that you watch these tutorial videos before the training.
General Information
Please read the following important information about our training programs
We use Eventbrite ticketing system for registration. You will receive various notifcations and reminders regarding the event from Eventbrite.
Units and displays in presentations and SIDRA project files will be configured according to region. These are based on:
- SIDRA Standard Left software setup using Left-Hand traffic rule and Metric units.
- SIDRA Standard Right software setup using Right-Hand traffic rule and Metric units.
- SIDRA US HCM software setup using Right-hand traffic rule and US Customary units.
We will ask you to complete and submit a Training Evaluation Survey so we can get feedback on your experience. The information and feedback you provide is valuable for us in designing and improving our programs.
After completion of training, we will send you a Certificate of Completion. We will also send you links for any other relevant downloads e.g., If there were excercises during training then we will send Answers to Exercises Books.
The training will be in English.
By registering for this training, you are agreeing to the following conditions:
- Any form of recording is prohibited. This includes both video and audio.
- Only the registered attendee may attend. If you wish to transfer your position to someone else in your organisation, prior notice must be given (at least 48 hours prior to the event).
- We do not offer refunds; however you may transfer your registration to a colleague within the same organisation as explained above.
-
For Online Training - Please review the Setup Requirements and ensure that they can be met.
Ticket fees are non-refundable. Another delegate may be substituted free of charge. Please contact us about delegate substitution in advance.
Transfer between events is not allowed.
Enquiries
Online
Please use our Contact Form for all technical support, sales, training and general enquiries.
Phone
Telephone: +61 3 9830 7123
Mobile: +61 423 024 372
Office hours
Monday to Friday
9.00 am to 5.00 pm AEST
Current AEST
Understanding fundamental concepts and principles for effective intersection and network modelling
"A good understanding of traffic operations is essential for effective use of traffic models for intersection and network design, performance assessment and transport planning purposes. Model calibration is an important element of this process. SIDRA Training is not just about intersection and network analysis, but aims to improve general understanding of operational analysis of all traffic facilities."
Dr Rahmi Akçelik
Director
SIDRA SOLUTIONS
Testimonials
Here are some positive comments from delegates who have attended our SIDRA MODEL FUNDAMENTALS online training program.
It was a good experience for the improvement and understanding of the basic and advance concepts of SIDRA. It helps to understand how things works and how to interpret the results. The basic clarification is extremely necessary to find solutions for a particular problem/scenario.
Instructors are very knowledgeable and any questions were answered in real-time by the SIDRA team during the course. Provides a strong foundational overview of traffic engineering with background information on SIDRA default settings.
SIDRA INTERSECTION is a powerful software which can be used by transport planners and engineers to inform better decision making about critical infrastructure investments around intersections and the implications that can be drawn from modelling traffic & pedestrian flows. This also includes useful data that can be modelled for cost or even carbon emissions analyses. The course is well structured and the trainings are accessible for those without prior knowledge.If you are a transport planner but not trained as a transport engineer you may want to consider taking Sidra Model Fundamentals first to establish the background theory to the software and intersection modelling.
The content taught delves into the mechanics of SIDRA and the theories behind traffic modelling which is helpful for a traffic engineer.