Assessing the Capacity and Performance of Kubiri Roundabout

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Date
2019
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Publisher
Kampala International University, school of engineering, department of civil engineering
Abstract
Use of roundabouts as a viable traffic control measure of traffic flow at priority points is increasing in most of growing towns in Uganda. Their strength lies in their ability to reduce the number of vehicular conflicts at intersections and thereby enhance intersection capacity and safety. There are additional intangible benefits of roundabouts such as their traffic calming effect, gateway feature and aesthetics. Increasingly, many roundabouts in growing urban towns i.e. Kampala city are becoming problematic due to capacity challenges resulting from rapid traffic growth. Hence a micro-simulation model such as VISSIM was used to assess the performance, level of service of kubiri round about in order to minimize the uncertainties of increased; control delays , queue lengths experience during peak hours. The aim of this study investigated the viability of using micro-simulation model such as VISSIM in evaluation of operational performance, improved capacity, reduced delays and queue lengths of Kubiri roundabout as a case study. Field traffic volume studies for the entire roundabout’s approaches were performed; travel time and delay studies for the subject approach (Gayaza approach) were also undertaken. Geometric data as well as data from the field studies were used to calibrate a model for the existing situation. The VISSIM model is an advanced microsimulation tool with capabilities of modelling both roundabout and traffic signals to acceptable level of detail. the model’s ability is to capture the effects of various geometric and traffic features like approach angle, inscribed circle, number of circulatory lanes, position of the stop line and proportion of turning flows, and evaluates their impacts on the resulting capacities. Motion of an individual vehicle is simulated in small time steps and each vehicle is followed from the time it is generated into the network to the point of its exit. Vehicular behavior at roundabouts is modelled on the basis of a gap acceptance approach. Capacity, delay, queue length and degree of saturation were observed from the modal where signalization simulation options for signalized and existing un-signalized were determined. The results indicated that the full signalization model produced the better parameter results as compared to the un-signalized model. However, there is an increase in the queue length and delay as well as a decrease in capacity on Gayaza approach attributed to alteration in the balance of traffic flow due to the signalization on all the approaches as well as the circulatory carriageway. Generally, there is a slight improvement in the flow of traffic after signalization however that the level of service is still low i.e. LOS F and degree of saturation is still high (greater than 1.00). This could be attributed to the fact that the total Pcus from all the approaches exceed 10000 Pcus/hr. which necessitates grade separation. Gradeseparation is one of the alternatives in solving congestion at Kubiri roundabout, but it is very expensive to implement.
Description
Final Year Project Submitted to Kampala International University in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Keywords
Capacity and Performance of Kubiri Roundabout, Kubiri Roundabout
Citation