Parameter Estimation and Sensitivity of Parameter Values in a Flow-Rate/Travel-Time Relation

Abstract

This paper describes a new method for the estimation of parameter values in the Davidson flow-rate/travel-time relation. The method enables simultaneous least squares estimates of the model parameters to be found from observed data. Adaptions of the method may be made for cases where a value of one or other of the parameters is known previously. Further results about the reliability and sensitivity of the estimates can be obtained using results from the theory of linear statistical models. These results may be applied to a wide range of applications given assumptions about the covariance structure of the model errors (observed value-predicted value). A number of examples and applications of the basic method are described. Test data concerning vehicle travel times on an arterial wad shared with trams are analyzed. Some possibly useful results about the model parameters are found for this situation.