Comparison of INTEGRATION, TSIS/CORSIM, and WATSim in Replicating Volumes and Speeds on Three Small Networks

Abstract

INTEGRATION, TSIS/CORSIM, and WATSim can simulate traffic operations on mixed arterial and freeway networks. Comparisons are presented here using three small networks in Honolulu for which detailed, simultaneous, and contemporaneous flow conditions are known. The models produced reasonable and comparable results on most network links. Of the three software programs, only INTEGRATION can simulate U-turns, but it also is least able to model complex signal operations. TSIS/CORSIM is best at replicating lane-changing behavior, but its percentile input for off-ramps is both inconvenient and inaccurate. WATSim needed the least calibration for producing good results, but its animation is inferior and its capacity-based car-following parameters are undesirable. The default parameters off all three software programs never offered satisfactory results.