COMPUTATIONAL EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF MACROSCOPIC FUNDAMENTAL DIAGRAM-BASED OPTIMAL ROAD TRAFFIC FLOW CONTROL METHODS

Year 2025, Volume: 26 Issue: 3, 203 - 216, 25.09.2025

Işık İlber Sırmatel

https://doi.org/10.18038/estubtda.1656397

Abstract

Traffic modeling and control in large-scale urban road networks present significant challenges. The macroscopic fundamental diagram provides a means of formulating dynamical traffic models of such networks, thereby enabling the development of model-based design techniques for state estimation and feedback control. In this article we focus on the computational efficiency of macroscopic fundamental diagram-based nonlinear model predictive control schemes for perimeter control and route guidance actuated networks, which are macroscopic actuation methods involving traffic flow manipulation between adjacent network neighborhoods. A number of economic nonlinear model predictive control schemes, based on direct methods from the numerical optimal control literature, are implemented using a variety of nonlinear programming solvers. The computational efficiency of the schemes is evaluated via computer simulations of congestion control scenarios for macroscopic fundamental diagram-based network models with different numbers of regions using randomly generated traffic demand profiles. The results indicate that the proper pairing of direct methods and solvers yields significant improvements in computational efficiency for macroscopic fundamental diagram-based control schemes, thereby improving the real-time feasibility and, consequently, the field deployment potential of the resulting macroscopic road traffic flow control algorithms.

Keywords

Macroscopic fundamental diagram , Large-scale urban road networks , Traffic perimeter control , Route guidance , Model predictive control

Ethical Statement

All responsibility related to the article belongs to the author; financial support from TÜBİTAK does not mean that the article content is scientifically approved by TÜBİTAK.

Supporting Institution

Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)

Project Number

TÜBİTAK 2232 B - 121C076

Thanks

The author is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) through the 2232 B International Early Stage Researchers Program (project number: 121C076).

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