Article
citation information:
Granà, A., Macioszek,
E., Tumminello, M.L. Simulation-based performance evaluation for smart road systems. Scientific Journal of Silesian University of
Technology. Series Transport. 2025, 127, 87-101.
ISSN: 0209-3324. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20858/sjsutst.2025.127.6
Anna GRANÀ[1], Elżbieta MACIOSZEK[2], Maria Luisa TUMMINELLO[3]
SIMULATION-BASED
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FOR SMART ROAD SYSTEMS
Summary. With the growing
integration of smart technologies in transportation, the study of roundabout
operational efficiency and safety remains a pertinent research area. This paper
presents a novel method for evaluating roundabout performance using
simulation-based techniques. By analysing two roundabout case studies in Aimsun, the study explores the implications of increasing
market penetration of cooperative, connected, and autonomous vehicles on
traffic dynamics. The study involves processing geometric and traffic data,
categorizing entry lane types, developing benchmark capacity functions,
processing micro-simulator input data, and conducting sensitivity analysis for
model calibration. The findings advance roundabout design and management in
smart road systems and offer insights into the intersection of roundabout
research and smart mobility solutions.
Keywords: smart road operational efficiency, Aimsun,
road safety cooperative driving
1. INTRODUCTION
Modern roundabouts enhance traffic
flow and safety while reducing vehicle conflict points [1]. Challenges persist
for newer adopters of roundabouts, especially at multi-lane sites, which
require nuanced decisions regarding curved paths [1, 2, 3]. As autonomous
driving advances, integrating human intuition with precise automation becomes
crucial. Connectivity, essential for smart cities, gains significance with the
rise of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) [4, 5]. Accommodating both CAVs
and vehicles driven by humans in circular intersections presents complexities,
underscoring ongoing research aimed at optimizing roundabouts within the
context of smart mobility [6].
Smart
roads blend physical infrastructure, software, and big data for enhanced
connectivity and energy generation [4, 7, 8]. While highways excel in smart
features, extending this to urban roads is feasible but complex [7]. In turn,
smart roundabouts have limited experiences supporting their potential
integration into smart mobility frameworks [8, 9, 10]. Research has explored real-time control methods
and data analysis to enhance traffic safety within smart transportation
systems, which is particularly crucial for various traffic scenarios [9, 10, 11].
Achieving a balance between efficiency, safety, and resilience in roundabouts
is challenging due to the need for infrastructure upgrades and technological
limitations [12]. Future research should focus on improving design and
technology integration to achieve seamless intelligent mobility. The adoption
of standardized practices and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication can
support this transition [13]. Continued progress highlights reliability
concerns, necessitating practical evaluations. Addressing methodological
limitations in analysing autonomous vehicle behaviour is crucial, alongside
exploring advanced warning systems and infrastructure upgrades for safety and
eco-friendly mobility [4].
Incorporating roundabouts into
innovative sustainable transportation solutions also holds promise for
addressing urban design challenges [14, 15]. Crucial for smart city evolution, intelligent
transportation systems should enhance vehicle awareness, especially at
intersections and roundabouts, through information and communication
technologies [3, 9]. Cooperative driving frameworks and traffic-calming
measures integration can optimize roundabout operations, offering environmental
benefits [4]. Real-world validation is also vital, requiring cost analyses for
decision-making [16]. Thus, additional research is needed to refine these
frameworks, despite facing implementation and performance evaluation barriers.
Microsimulation techniques are
increasingly vital for evaluating the impact of CAVs on traffic, offering
advantages over real-scale measurements [17]. They facilitate roundabout design
optimization and thorough assessment of various design solutions. However,
uncertainties persist, especially in calibrating cooperative driving
assumptions to real conditions [18].
Starting from the above
considerations, this paper assesses smart solutions for two roundabout systems,
emphasizing the research needs in the shift toward intelligent mobility. It
presents a novel microsimulation-based methodology for evaluating roundabout
performance, and guiding design decisions and traffic patterns’ adjustments
under diverse traffic conditions. The study aims to assess capacity, delay,
travel times, and conflicts at roundabouts across different CAV proportions. Aimsun software allows for modeling
mixed traffic patterns with human-driven vehicles (HVs) and CAVs, by
configuring microsimulation setups, and conducting sensitivity analysis [19].
The model calibration validated simulation output against benchmark data [18].
Integration with the SSAM software enabled the safety analysis by using
surrogate measures [11]. At last, the performance evaluation offered insights
into roundabout research and smart mobility intersections.
The proposed research method is depicted in Figure 1 and detailed in
Section 2. The research results are discussed in Section 3, while Section 4
concludes the paper.
Fig. 1. Logical
flowchart of the methodological approach for microsimulation-based performance
assessment on roundabouts
2. RESEARCH METHOD
2.1. Geometric Features and
Traffic Survey
Two roundabouts were identified for designing corresponding geometric
and traffic systems in Aimsun [19]. Both roundabouts
are located in the road networks of two different Sicilian cities in Italy.
Figure
2 illustrates the roundabout schematics, adhering to Italian standards [20].
Their flat topography facilitates smooth traffic, aiding drivers in detecting
potential conflicts. The geometric arrangement ensures easy entry, circulation,
and exit while maintaining consistent visibility. Priority rules govern vehicle
manoeuvring at conflict points, facilitating merging toward desired exits.
Cameras
monitored traffic volumes and turning movements, supplemented by manual counts.
Data collection at Roundabout 1 occurred during peak hours (7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
and 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.) on weekdays from March to April 2023. At Roundabout 2,
traffic surveys were conducted during peak hours (7:00 to 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 to
8:00 p.m.) from Tuesday to Thursday in November 2023. Uniformly distributed
traffic from the entry approaches was observed, with minimal pedestrian
presence at both sites due to the suburban feature of the installation
contexts. Afternoon peak data were used for the subsequent microsimulation due
to their extended duration. Table 1 shows some geometric and traffic details,
and Figure 3 displays the traffic composition collected during the surveys.
|
|
(a) |
(b) |
Fig. 2. The examined roundabouts:
(a). Roundabout 1 (latitude 37.660290,
longitude 12.609872),
(b). Roundabout 2 (latitude 38.177443, longitude
13.309095)
Tab. 7
Geometric
and traffic details at roundabouts
Roundabout |
Outer diameter [m] |
Circulatory lane width [m] |
Entry (exit) lane width [m] |
Entry traffic [veh/h] |
1 |
39 |
7 |
4.5* |
1356 |
2 |
71 |
8 |
4.5 |
3420 |
*
|
|
(a) |
(b) |
Fig. 3.
Traffic composition in percentages: (a) Roundabout 1; (b) Roundabout 2
2.2. Categorization of Entry Lane Types and
Benchmark Capacity Functions
Roundabout rules necessitate
yielding to counterclockwise traffic, influencing interactions and gap
acceptance. The priority rules manage merging, reducing the conflicts among
entering and circulating vehicles. However, two-lane roundabouts face more conflicts
than single-lane roundabouts due to the higher number of circulating lanes and
no dividers among them [3]. Traffic surveys on the real-life layouts in
Figure 2 allowed for observing driving behaviour, aiding understanding of
drivers' decisions and interactions affecting entry capacity. Three types of
entry lanes explained right-of-way negotiations at both roundabouts. Roundabout
1 in Figure 2a has a single-entry lane conflicting with one traffic stream
circulating around the central island. Roundabout 2 in Figure 2b involves the
left lane (L) or the right lane (R) of a two-lane entry conflicting with two
traffic streams circulating around the central island.
Benchmark
capacity functions were adjusted for cooperative adaptive cruise control
vehicles using the factors from [18], the entry capacities by lane were
calculated:
C
= a × A×
e-b ×
B × Q (1)
where:
C represents the entry lane capacity (pc/h), Q denotes the
conflicting traffic flow rate (pc/h), parameters A (Roundabout 1: 1,380,
Roundabout 2 (L): 1,350; Roundabout 2 (R): 1,420) and B (Roundabout 1: 0.00102;
Roundabout 2(L): 0.00092; Roundabout 2 (R): 0.00085) control the intercept and
slope of each capacity curve, respectively. Factors a and b from Exhibit
33-13, Chapter 33 [18] allowed for accommodating CAVs and adjusting the entry
capacities; they were equal to 1 for the base functions (MPP: 0% CAVs).
Figure 4 illustrates the surface
functions of the entry capacity under varying proportions of CAVs (Roundabout 1–
One–lane entry
conflicted by one circulating lane).
Fig. 4.
Surface functions of entry capacity for different proportions of CAVs in
Roundabout 1
2.3. Aimsun model setup
In
this section, we outline the procedure for setting up the Aimsun
model, which is important for simulating and analysing traffic scenarios. The
setup process involves several steps to ensure the model is accurate and
reflective of real-world conditions. After defining the study area for each
roundabout and creating the roundabout network models in Aimsun,
traffic demand was replicated by setting up an origin-destination matrix for
each roundabout in Figure 2.
The
starting time for relevant traffic demand was set at 6:15 pm. To assess the
ability to replicate field traffic, 10 simulation runs were conducted in Aimsun. Each run comprised a 15-minute initialization, a
60-minute simulation, and a 15-minute completion to reset the system without
affecting simulation quality. Simulated traffic matched field data within an
11% margin of error. The overall traffic matrix was partitioned into two OD
matrices: one for vehicles driven by humans and one for CAVs, adhering to
market penetration percentages (MPPs) of CAVs: MPP 0: 0%, MPP 1: 20%, MPP 2:
40%, MPP 3: 60%, MPP 4: 80%, and MPP 5: 100%. Thus, each MPP comprised a
percentage p of CAVs and a percentage (1-p) of
HVs. Seven OD matrices for Roundabout 1 and nine for Roundabout 2 were
sequentially generated and assigned to the subject entry (the entry lane in
Roundabout 1; the left-entry lane and right-entry lane in Roundabout 2) to
simulate traffic until saturation. Circulating flow rose from 0 to 1,200 pc/h
at Roundabout 1 (south entry in Figure 2a) and from 0 to 1,800 veh/h at Roundabout 2 (west entry, by lane in Figure 2b),
increasing by 200.
Aimsun
simulated diverse vehicle fleets at various CAV MPPs. Car-following,
lane-changing, and gap-acceptance regulated longitudinal and lateral movement,
as well as yielding, optimizing vehicle interactions and dynamics [19].
Cooperative adaptive cruise control facilitated data sharing, aiding driving
decisions [18]. Lane changes were confined to Roundabout 2, enabling lane
switches [3].
Calibrating
the model parameters ensured benchmark capacity and simulated data alignment.
Effective calibration of microscopic models required selecting the minimal
necessary parameters, calibrated based on outcome impact. Literature [17]
advises initial sensitivity analysis and manual calibration per parameter,
iteratively adjusted until outputs closely match the targets, enhancing
accuracy and reliability. By way of example, Table 2 displays calibrated
parameters for vehicle fleets lacking CAVs; see [19] for details about the Aimsun parameters here used. The sensitivity analysis
facilitated the understanding of the interactions among different vehicles and
evaluated the CAV skills in mixed traffic across MPPs to calibrate the CAV
parameters. Vehicle size remained uniform across the classes, but the behavioural
framework for CAVs in Aimsun diverged from vehicles
driven by humans, drawing from adaptive cruise control and cooperative adaptive
cruise control trials. Shorter gaps occurred exclusively between CAVs. However,
the optimal model parameters were identified to ensure the reproducibility of
capacity targets. In turn, Table 3 shows the calibrated parameters for
vehicular fleets with CAVs; see again [19] for details about the parameters
here used.
Tab.
2
Calibrated
parameters for traffic
fleets without CAVs
Roundabout |
Type
of entry lane at Roundabout 1 or 2 |
|||
Default |
1 |
2(Left lane) |
2 (Right lane) |
|
Reaction time [s] |
0.80 |
0.86 |
0.95 |
0.94 |
Speed acceptance |
1.10 |
1.00 |
0.97 |
0.95 |
Gap [s] |
0.00 |
1.58 |
1.33 |
1.00 |
Tab. 3
Calibrated
parameters for
vehicular fleets with CAVs
Roundabout |
Type
of entry lane at Roundabout 1 or 2 |
|||
Default |
1 |
2 (Left lane) |
2 (Right lane) |
|
Maximum acceleration [m/s²] |
3.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
3.50 |
Safety margin factor |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
0.40 |
Sensitivity factor |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.50 |
0.50 |
Reaction
time [s] |
0.80 |
0.63 |
0.67 |
0.70 |
The calibrated parameters for
traffic with CAVs included a higher maximum acceleration than the default,
enhancing the performance of vehicles. The safety margin factor was reduced
compared to the default value, indicating assertive CAV-driving at priority
junctions. The sensitivity factor allowed the follower to estimate leader
deceleration more assertively at Roundabout 2, ensuring smoother mixed traffic.
The calibration also
considered the reaction time (s) used by CAVs to adjust their speed to the
speed variation of the next vehicle, similarly to vehicles driven by humans.
The reaction time is the time of a CAV to respond to speed changes in the
vehicle ahead [19]. Shorter reaction times can increase the capacity at
entries, enabling the drivers to safely accept smaller gaps before entering the
roundabout. CAVs demonstrated shorter reaction times than HVs, enhancing
traffic efficiency. Aimsun's car-following parameter
can be set uniformly for both CAVs and HVs, matching the simulation timestep [19].
Hence, a weighted average of the reaction times was computed for each user
class, with the weights determined by the proportions of CAVs or HVs
represented by each MPP. The
cooperative gap parameter, ranging from 0.00 to high aggressiveness (1.00), was
set to 0.50 to allow vehicle collaboration in creating lane-change gaps only at
the two-lane roundabout, however, in line with roundabout speed limits. The
sensitivity analysis considered additional parameters, but they were found to
have minimal impact on the longitudinal and lateral behaviour of vehicles.
By way of examples, Table 4 and Table 5 illustrate the results of the
scatterplot analysis between pairs of benchmark capacity data and simulated
capacities across various MPPs at Roundabout 2. The regression lines of the
benchmark versus simulated capacity data were employed as a predictive tool to
evaluate the model's fit to the data [17]. Each R-squared coefficient close to
1 indicated that the predictor variable could explain the response variable,
confirming a strong positive correlation between the two sets of variables
under examination. The
GEH and RMSNE validated the model's acceptability, showing less than 5%
deviation in the simulated capacities from the benchmarks for 90% of cases,
confirming accurate error magnitudes [17]. Table 4
also shows the p-values from the two-sample t-test (N=54, α=0.05)
validating no significant difference between the benchmark and simulated
capacities for each MPP. Table 5 provides similar validation for the calibrated
model at Roundabout 2 (R), confirming accurate simulation of the mixed traffic
across MPPs.
The safety analysis coupled the SSAM
[11] with Aimsun to assess mixed traffic safety. Mean
parameter values for HVs and CAVs were derived from ten simulation trajectory
files per entry lane. The number of replications was determined through a
sensitivity analysis to balance both computational cost and desired precision.
Additionally, we ensured that the model did not exhibit significant stochastic behaviour
that would necessitate multiple replications to capture adequately. Testing
validated this assumption; it was found that no further simulations provided
higher benefits. Specifically, the total conflicts and conflicts by type
counted were the mean values from the ten trajectory files elaborated by the
SSAM for every roundabout.
The sensitivity analysis revealed
significant impacts of time-to-collision (TTC) and post-encroachment time
(PET), where smaller values increased the conflict probability. TTC threshold
was set at 1.5 s, with PET thresholds at 2.5 s for Roundabout 1 and 1.9 s for
Roundabout 2. The conflict angles categorized conflicts into rear-end
(<30°), crossing (>85°), and lane-changing (otherwise).
Tab. 4
Indicators
of goodness-of-fit used to assess the calibrated model at Roundabout 2 (Left
lane)
MPP* |
Regression line |
R2 |
GEH (%) |
RMNSE |
p-value |
0 |
y = 0.85 x + 152.00 |
0.997 |
91.00 |
0.13 |
0.63 |
1 |
y = 0. 844 x + 145.5 |
0.993 |
100.00 |
0.09 |
0.93 |
2 |
y = 0.85 x + 107.00 |
0.998 |
100.00 |
0.07 |
0.88 |
3 |
y = 0.86 x + 120.00 |
0.984 |
97.00 |
0.07 |
0.95 |
4 |
y = 0.856 x + 123.10 |
0.987 |
94.00 |
0.06 |
0.84 |
5 |
y = 0.903 x + 185.00 |
0.996 |
92.00 |
0.07 |
0.73 |
* MPP
stands for market
penetration percentages of CAVs
Tab. 5
Indicators
of goodness-of-fit used to assess the calibrated model at Roundabout 2 (Right
lane)
MPP* |
Regression line |
R2 |
GEH (%) |
RMNSE |
p-value |
0 |
y = 0.85 x + 77.00 |
0.998 |
100 |
0.09 |
0.60 |
1 |
y = 0.86 x + 144.00 |
0.996 |
100 |
0.07 |
0.56 |
2 |
y = 0.91 x + 22.51 |
0.996 |
100 |
0.08 |
0.46 |
3 |
y = 0.90 x + 84.53 |
0.995 |
100 |
0.05 |
0.71 |
4 |
y = 0.92 x + 91.61 |
0.995 |
100 |
0.03 |
0.96 |
5 |
y = 0.89 x + 150.0 |
0.994 |
100 |
0.05 |
0.90 |
* MPP
stands for market
penetration percentages of CAVs
3. ANALYSIS OF THE
RESULTS
To
assess the impact of CAVs on roundabout performance, various parameters were analysed,
including entry capacity, delay time, and travel time. Entry capacity, pc/h,
denotes the maximum number of vehicles entering the roundabout while
maintaining acceptable service levels [3]. Delay time signifies the additional
time vehicles spend within the roundabout due to congestion, calculated by
comparing actual travel time to free-flow conditions [3]. Travel time
represents the duration for a vehicle to navigate from entry to exit,
influenced by the traffic volumes, geometric configuration, and operational
characteristics [3]. The operational analysis involved calculating the
percentage differences in parameter values for each MPP of CAVs compared to a
base condition with solely HVs. Figure 5 depicts the bar charts illustrating
capacity trends from MPP 0 to MPP 5.
The
simulations illustrated that higher market penetration proportions of CAVs in
traffic resulted in improved efficiency, thus influencing the approach
capacities. Higher MPPs enabled the
acceptance of shorter gaps, thereby enhancing the entry capacity and showcasing
the impact of CAVs on traffic dynamics and efficiency. At Roundabout 1 when a
single-lane entry approached capacity, capacity increased by 23.32% (MPP 3) and
by 27.92% (MPP 5) compared to the base case featuring solely HVs. Similar
trends were observed at Roundabout 2 compared to the base case: with 80% CAVs
(MPP 4), capacity increased by 26.10% in the left entry lane and 19.01% in the
right entry lane (see Fig. 5). These findings underscore the positive impact of
CAV integration on entry capacities, emphasizing the potential for enhanced
traffic flow and efficiency with increasing CAV presence. When only CAVs
operated on Roundabout 2 (MPR 5), the percentage differences in entry capacity
increased to 28.71% (left entry lane) and 24.73% (right entry lane) as shown in
Figure 5.
Fig. 5. Percentage variation in capacity values at the
sampled roundabouts.
Note that L and R stand for left entry lane and
right entry lane, respectively,
at Roundabout 2 in Figure 2b
Consistent with previous
studies on the impact of autonomous driving [1, 12], higher percentages of CAVs
in traffic improved their ability to navigate through narrower gaps, thereby
enhancing entry capacity and reducing delays and travel times. Figure 6
illustrates the percentage changes in delay and travel times across MPPs. At
Roundabout 1 and MPP 3 (60% CAVs), delays and travel times decreased by
approximately 13.45% and 10.95%, respectively (see Figure 6a). However, when
only CAVs were operating at Roundabout 1, the percentage differences in delay
and travel times tended to stabilize compared to MPP 4. Delays and travel times
decreased gradually at Roundabout 2. At MPR 3, delays in the left entry lane
decreased by around 11.96%, while travel times decreased by approximately
16.48% (Figure 6b). In the right entry lane, delays decreased by
about 11.49%, and travel times by approximately 11.42% (Figure 6c). Despite delay times stabilizing at higher MPPs due to the
reduction or absence of competition with HVs, travel times notably decreased
for the left entry lane in comparison to the right lane (see Figure 6b and
Figure 6c). These disparities primarily stem from the assumptions of assertive behaviour,
prompting CAVs to utilize the left lane, accept smaller gaps in the circulatory
roadway, and adopt more efficient driving styles.
Assertive behaviour assumptions affected safety
performance in both roundabout layouts (see Figure 7 and Figure 8). The total
conflicts were averaged values based on the trajectory files analysed using the
SSAM for both sites. The safety analysis was conducted with an approach
saturation degree of 0.7 at each entry. The conflict points at each sampled
roundabout are depicted in Figure 7a and Figure 8a. These figures also
illustrate the total conflict percentages per entry-lane out of the total
simulated conflicts at each roundabout. The conflict rates increased with
higher MPPs due to intensified competition among CAVs for gap utilization (see
Figure 7b, Figure 8b to Figure 8c). The simulation revealed a notable number of
rear-end collisions. Roundabout 2 also showed a significant percentage of lane
change conflicts (approximately 25% at each MPP), attributed to the circular
roadway's size and potential lane changes.
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
Fig. 6.
Percentage variation in: (a). delays and travel times at Roundabout 1,
(b). delays and travel times at Roundabout 2 (L: left entry lane),
(c). delays and travel times at Roundabout 2 (R: right entry lane)
The
analysis focuses on roundabouts as isolated nodes, favouring operational
efficiency but raising the safety concerns for Roundabout 2. Proposed solutions
include dedicated CAV lanes based on turbo roundabout design and cautious CAV
behaviour simulations to address safety and adaptability issues in mixed
traffic [1, 12]. While transitioning to a fully CAV fleet offers benefits,
simulations serve as illustrative scenarios for guiding CAV traffic management.
Further
research on diverse traffic patterns,
road infrastructure and roundabout layouts is crucial for evaluating roundabout
geometry's suitability for gradual CAV integration and enhancing traffic
efficiency and safety [21, 22].
|
|
(a) |
(b) |
Fig. 7. Safety analysis findings at the single-lane
roundabout:
(a). conflict points, (b). percentage variation in total conflicts
4. CONCLUSIONS
Modern roundabouts are favoured in traffic
engineering for their layout and traffic-calming effects. As driving
technologies advance, road design standards are expected to evolve. This study
addresses current challenges and emerging needs in roundabout evaluation,
particularly considering automotive advancements and vehicle-to-vehicle
communication. Microscopic traffic simulation evaluates safety and
efficiency, shaping research and determining roundabouts' function in the
advancement of cooperative, connected, and automated driving. Section 3
introduced the proposed methodological approach for estimating operational and
safety performance at roundabouts with CAVs.
This
study, utilizing microscopic traffic simulation, explored the impact of CAVs
equipped with cooperative adaptive cruise control. Innovations in the latest
Highway Capacity Manual enabled forecasting capacity enhancements with varying
CAV proportions. The sensitivity analysis in Aimsun
validated the model's ability to replicate benchmark capacity functions across
different scenarios, emphasizing the importance of adjusting the model
parameters to capture CAV behavioural tendencies. However, it is crucial to
acknowledge the inherent limitations in the study's assumptions. Simulation results revealed capacity
enhancement and reduced delays, yet significant differences in travel times
emerged, particularly with only connected and automated vehicles.
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
(b) |
(c) |
Fig. 9. Safety analysis findings at the two-lane
roundabout: (a). conflict points,
(b). percentage variation in total conflicts at Roundabout 2 (L: left entry
lane),
(c). percentage variation in total conflicts at Roundabout 2 (R: right entry
lane)
These disparities highlight the interplay
between site features and behavioural assumptions, such as the assertive
driving of CAVs. While operational advantages are clear, safety concerns,
especially in two-lane roundabouts, must be addressed. Dedicated lanes for
connected and automated vehicles show promise in implementing
vehicle-to-everything functionalities.
Future research should rigorously test
assumptions about vehicle behaviour to determine suitable trade-offs,
especially in mixed traffic environments, ensuring the safe and efficient
integration of connected and automated vehicles into existing road
infrastructure.
Aimsun simulations offer
informative scenarios for CAV-informed traffic management but require cautious
interpretation. While not definitive, these case studies provide insights into
evaluating roundabouts amid the transition to fully autonomous vehicle fleets. As cooperative driving evolves,
the study anticipates several research challenges in roundabout design and
evaluation. Also, future
developments of the research in this field should include further case studies
to compare the outputs with independent traffic data that are not used in the
calibration process. This step will confirm the model’s predictive accuracy. New
standards must address the interaction between cooperative and traditional
vehicles, optimizing the lane configurations, entry/exit designs, and traffic control.Assessing safety implications, particularly with
pedestrians and cyclists, is vital. At last, accurately modelling cooperative
driving behaviours may require sophisticated simulation models. These efforts
converge to enhance roundabout traffic management, maximizing safety and
capacity amidst evolving vehicle technologies. Interdisciplinary collaboration
among transportation engineers, computer scientists, and policymakers is
essential to address these challenges. This collaboration ensures that the
evolution toward smarter cities becomes a tangible reality, shaped by
innovative research and cooperation. Ultimately, it guarantees the seamless
integration of cooperative driving technologies into road design and evaluation
practices.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the support of the Spoke
9 - Sustainable Mobility Center (Centro Nazionale per
la Mobilità Sostenibile
- CNMS) under Grant CN00000023 CUP
B73C22000760001. Publication
supported by the Rector's professor grant implemented within the framework of
the Excellence Initiative - Research University program. Silesian
University of Technology, grant number 12/040/SDU/10-07-01.
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Received 20.10.2024; accepted in revised form 08.01.2025
Scientific Journal of Silesian
University of Technology. Series Transport is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
[1] Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle
Scienze Ed. 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy. Email: anna.grana@unipa.it. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6976-0807
[2]
Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering, The Silesian University of
Technology, Krasińskiego 8 Street, 40-019 Katowice, Poland. Email: elzbieta.macioszek@polsl.pl. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1345-0022
[3]
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 8,
90128 Palermo, Italy. Email: marialuisa.tumminello01@unipa.it.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3109-2118