Graduation Year
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.C.E.
Degree Granting Department
Civil Engineering
Major Professor
Jian Lu, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
Chanyoung Lee, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kristine Williams, M.U.P
Keywords
access density, driveways, median openings, signalized intersections, unsignalized intersections
Abstract
This study aims to compare three distinct methods used to compute access density and provide a comprehensive weighted methodology to enable standardization for research and application in the future. Access density is a widely used concept that calculates the number of access points within a given distance and has been extensively applied to studies related to crash modeling, operational impact and planning.
Methods used in past research show that access density is computed differently by different studies and all studies do not include all access points. The weighted methodology proposed takes into account all access points including driveways, intersections and median openings and categorizes them into geometric combinations. Each geometric combination have potential number of conflict points which include diverging, weaving, merging and crossing movements depending on the type of access point. Weights were assigned to each geometry type based on these conflict point ratio.
In conclusion the study identifies and compares methods previously used to compute access density and accordingly, recommends a weighted methodology that includes all access points which can be used as a standard, universal measure all access density related studies including but not limited to safety impacts, operational impacts and planning guidelines.
Scholar Commons Citation
Saxena, Meeta, "Comparison of Various Methods to Compute Access Density and Proposing a Weighted Methodology" (2010). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/1761
