Weave Analysis Performance Matrix Refinement

This project evaluates existing weaving analysis procedures to determine under which design and operating conditions the “best available” tools are most effective. It also develops an improved procedure by modification of existing approaches or a new method, as appropriate. The Highway Capacity Manual 2000, Leisch and Level D methods were selected for evaluation. Analysis of results  identified the strengths and limitations of each method in predicting the performance of a freeway weaving section for a range of operating  conditions. Additional analyses were performed by applying the selected analysis methods to synthetic datasets for the design and operating conditions for which field data were not available. Analysis of results focused on the consistency of the  predictions from each analysis method. Additional field data were collected at three California ramp weave sites. A performance matrix was developed for each weaving analysis method to serve as a guide for choosing the “best” analysis method for the weaving section under study. Each cell of the matrix represents a distinct design and operating condition. There are a total of 144 cells for typical weaving sections of two, three, four and five lanes wide. Based on the comparison of the model prediction with field and  synthetic data, the authors show on each cell the performance of the particular method as good, partially good or often inconsistent, or poor for a particular design and operating condition.