Calibration Potential of Common Analytical and Micro-simulation Roundabout Models: A New England Case Study

Recent interest in using modern roundabouts as an effective and safe method for intersection control in the United States stresses the need for accurate modeling tools. The objective of this paper is to assess the calibration potential of common analytical and micro-simulation roundabout models to operations at modern roundabouts. The models considered were aaSIDRA and RODEL (on the analytical side); and PARAMICS, SimTraffic, and VISSIM (on the microsimulation side). For this study, two modern roundabouts from New Hampshire were selected and video-taped over peak hour conditions. The models’ approach delay outputs were compared to the measured field delay from the video tapes. Model calibration parameters were systematically changed to assess their impact on the results with respect to field observations. Among the conclusions of the study are that current roundabout analysis models vary in terms of the calibration options, that calibration can have a significant impact on improving the model’s results, and that calibration might be site-specific.