Sensitivity of Simulated Capacity to Modification of VISSIM Driver Behavior Parameters

Abstract

This paper presents a sensitivity analysis of VISSIM simulation capacity output under various values of driver behavior parameters. The analysis is undertaken for a simulation developed for the interchange of US-75 and SH-190 (George Bush Turnpike) north of Dallas, Texas. For each driver behavior parameter, including look-back distance, variations in simulated capacity are noted as the particular parameter is modified. The analysis of each parameter is completed with all parameters other than the one under investigation held at their calibrated values. The information presented in this paper is intended to aid practitioners developing and calibrating VISSIM simulation models in understanding the particular driver behavior parameters and the impacts on capacity of modifying the parameters. This work is also intended as a building block in the possible development of a quantitative, optimization-based calibration method for the VISSIM driver behavior parameters.