Traffic flooding the low countries: How the Dutch cope with motorway congestion

Motorway congestion is a common characteristic of the larger conurbations all over the world. Using the example of the Randstad region in The Netherlands, the causes and conditions for the growing congestion on main roads are presented and explained. From an international comparison it appears that the Randstad region is characterized by a relatively high density and high-access quality of its motorway network, giving rise to an extremely high level of usage. The Dutch policy of coping with the consequent congestion problems at the network design level is outlined, followed by a presentation of the dynamic traffic management approaches to these problems. Special attention is given to the so-called target group policy that aims at prioritizing specific user groups such as freight traffic and trucks. Finally, attention is given to the Dutch attempts to introduce congestion pricing as a means of tackling congestion.     

Three Dimensional Numerical Simulation Study on the Tensile Test of the Embedded Components in Segment Joints of Deep Buried Storage and Drainage Shield Tunnels北大核心CSCD

The numerical simulation was carried out based on tensile test of the embedded components in segment joints of the deep buried storage and drainage shield-driven tunnel in Shanghai in order to study the numerical approach for mechanical analysis of segment joints of the tunnel. Using the concrete damage plasticity model and nonlinear springs, the 3D refined numerical model was established, in which the embedded components with complex geometries and the bond-slip behaviors between the concrete and bars were taken into consideration. Three kinds of embedded component models with different degrees of refinement were established and simply loaded. By comparing the calculation results and considering the spent time and the accuracy of calculation, the simplified form of the embedded components used in the overall model was determined. Nonlinear springs between anchor bars and concrete were set in the model in order to simulate the bond-slip behavior between them. In addition, two contrast models were also established using binding constraint and face-face contact constraint between concrete and anchor bars respectively. The three types of models were loaded in accordance with the test conditions. Comparing the results of the numerical calculation with the test results, it is shown that the "nonlinear spring model", which takes the bond-slip behavior into consideration, is more consistent with the test results than the "face to face contact model" and "binding model". And the model also reflects the failure mode very well. It indicates that the three dimensional refined modeling method used in this paper is applicable for similar tensile tests. © 2018, Editorial Office of "Modern Tunnelling Technology". All right reserved.     

New energy recovery H∞ robust controller for electric bicycles

The electric controller is one of the most crucial components in an electric bicycle. The overall performance of the whole system heavily depends on the properties of the controller. The authors use the robust control theory to design a new H_∞ robust controller for the closed speed-current dual-loop driving and braking system. The designed controller also incorporates the driving and energy recovery braking circuit. Therefore, it has energy recovery ability, which coverts the kinetic energy wasted in braking into electric energy to recharge the battery. This prolongs the driving distance per battery charge. The simulations and experiments show that the new H_∞ robust controller out-performs the traditional PID controller in many respects including stability, error, responding speed and driving distance per battery charge.     

Establishing speed–flow–density relationships for exclusive motorcycle lanes

Abstract

The motorcycle is a popular mode of transport in Malaysia and developing Asian countries, but its significant representation in the traffic mix results in high rates of motorcycle accidents. As a result, the Malaysian Government decided to segregate motorcycle traffic along its new federal roads as an engineering approach to reduce accidents. However, traffic engineers needed to know the maximum traffic a motorcycle lane could accommodate. Despite substantial literature related to speed–flow–density relationships and capacities of various transport facilities, there is a knowledge gap regarding motorcycle lanes. This paper establishes motorcycle speed–flow–density relationships and capacities of exclusive motorcycle lanes in Malaysia. Observations of motorcycle flows and speeds were conducted along existing and experimental motorcycle lanes. Motorcycle speed–density data were aggregated and plotted for two types of observable motorcycle riding behaviour patterns that were influenced by the widths of a motorcycle lane: the headway pattern (lane width ≤ 1.7 m) and the space pattern (lane width > 1.7 m). For both riding patterns, regression analysis of motorcycle speed–density data best fits the logarithmic model and consequently the motorcycle flow–density and speed–flow models are derived. Motorcycle lane capacities for headway and space riding patterns are estimated as 3300 mc/hr/lane and 2200 mc/hr/m, respectively.