Proof of Concept for the Trajectory-Level Validation Framework for Traffic Simulation Models

Based on current practices, traffic simulation models are calibrated and validated using macroscopic measures such as 15-minute averages of traffic counts or average point-to-point travel times. For an emerging number of applications, including connected vehicles, the realism of simulated driver dynamics at the second-by-second or subsecond trajectory level plays an important role. This report presents a Proof of Concept Application (PCA) for the Trajectory Level Validation Framework, which is presented in a separate report. The structure of this document parallels that of the Validation Framework report, enabling the reader to easily cross-reference descriptions and discussion details between the two. This PCA document contains the validation performance measures and validation tests presented in the Validation Framework, including those related to: safety, acceleration limits and comfort, traffic flow, and lane changing. This document illustrates how practitioners can use the Validation Framework to assess the realism of the simulated vehicle dynamics in a model.  By analogously applying this Validation Framework to their own data sets and simulation models, analysts and practitioners can more precisely measure and improve the performance of their traffic simulation models.