Dual-state Kalman Filter Forecasting and Control Theory Applications for Proactive Ramp Metering

The following individuals read and discussed the thesis submitted by student Brian Richard Portugais, and they evaluated his presentation and response to questions during the final oral examination. They found that the student passed the final oral examination. iv DEDICATION " Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal… " (Philippians 3:13-14) The work herein is a true labor of love, but the " ah-ha " moments did not arrive without toil and occasional bouts of weariness. With its completion, I hope any door I've been given the opportunity to walk through is wider for any who may follow. Throughout this pursuit, many people have extended encouragement and support that has contributed to this thesis in ways that are immeasurable. I would personally like to thank my family and friends, especially the Gould family, whose kindness has altered the course of many lives, the Robinson family, and Scott Reynolds, whose friendship is unassailable. I am especially grateful to my mother for her unconditional belief in me. Lastly, I would like to thank my best friend and wife, Tara, whose love, support, and encouragement know no bounds. I dedicate this thesis to her, for proving that sometimes God likes to show off. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted for the countless opportunities I've been given at Boise State University and the Department of Civil Engineering. Their funding made this thesis possible. Special thanks are extended to the Idaho Transportation Department for funding of the data collection with particular recognition to Kevin Sablan. Special acknowledgment is given to Dr. Mandar Khanal for his patience, encouragement, and guidance throughout this study. The time and knowledge he has poured into me have been immense and I am forever grateful. Our conversations were never limited by our research, and I thank him for his mentorship. Many thanks are extended to my committee members, Dr. University in 2012. As an undergraduate, he worked as a research assistant modeling the flow of groundwater. His senior design project, " Ten Mile Road Interchange and Bridge Design " won " Best Poster " from the Department of Civil Engineering and shifted his focus to transportation. As a Graduate Research Assistant, Portugais has published two peer-reviewed journal articles with his advisor, Dr. Mandar Khanal. vii ABSTRACT Deterioration of freeway traffic flow condition due to bottlenecks can be ameliorated with ramp metering. A challenge …