Research Project

V2X Microsimulation Platform

A simulation-based planning tool for evaluating Connected Vehicle applications before real-world deployment. Built in Aimsun, this platform enables Caltrans to assess the mobility and safety impacts of V2X-enabled infrastructure upgrades through thousands of simulation scenarios.

PI: Dr. Qijian GanTask 4081 (65A1030)California PATH, UC Berkeley
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CV Apps Simulated
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Lane Miles Modeled
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Intersections
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Traffic Detectors

Why Simulation?

The Problem

Caltrans and agencies nationwide are installing RSUs to enable V2X communications, but there is no tool to justify these upgrades or evaluate application performance before deployment. Field tests are expensive, hard to replicate, and can't explore the full range of conditions.

The Approach

Using the Aimsun microsimulation platform, we built a V2X simulation environment that models mixed traffic with any ratio of regular, automated, and connected vehicles. This enables thousands of scenario runs testing different CV penetration rates, communications settings, and traffic conditions.

Simulation Infrastructure

Two types of test networks power the evaluation, from controlled artificial environments to real-world corridor models.

Artificial Test Networks

Controlled networks following MUTCD design standards and real-world road geometries. Enables isolated testing of each CV application under precisely defined conditions.

2-lane curves3-lane curvesSignalized intersectionsFreeway segments

I-210 Corridor Network

A real-world corridor model with 1,000 lane miles, 5,000 traffic detectors, 459 signalized intersections, 45 freeway ramp meters, and Metro Gold Line integration with all bus routes.

Real signal timingsActual geometryBus & rail routesRamp metering

Five CV Applications Evaluated

Each application was implemented based on ARC-IT 9.3 physical diagrams and tested across thousands of simulation runs with varying communications, penetration rates, and traffic conditions.

Click any application for the full system design, scenarios, simulation results, and deployment guidance.

Platform Capabilities

Mixed Traffic Simulation

Any ratio of regular vehicles, AVs, CVs, and CAVs with flexible ACC/CACC control logic, reaction times, and platoon settings.

V2X Communications

Full support for BSM, SPaT, MAP, RSM, and PSM messages between OBUs (cars, trucks, buses, cyclists) and intersection RSUs.

Configurable Parameters

Adjustable communications latency, packet loss rate, range, CV penetration rate, traffic demand, and signal control strategies.

Deliverables

Performance Assessment Report

Comprehensive final report detailing system designs, test networks, simulation scenarios, results, and recommendations for all five CV applications.

Aimsun Test Networks

All test networks (ANG files) with embedded DLLs, ready for users to adjust parameters and run additional simulations for their deployment needs.

Future Research Directions

01

Open Testing Platform for CV Applications

Enabling vendors and OEMs to evaluate their CV solutions before deployment, fostering public-private partnerships for measurable and collaborative deployment.

02

Adaptive Fixed-Time Signal Control

Feasibility analysis for accelerating CV technology deployment through adaptive timing plans that reduce signal phase uncertainty for connected vehicles.

03

Training Courses on CV Applications

Comprehensive training for Caltrans engineers on system components, implementation approaches, and deployment best practices for each CV application.

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