Md.

Tahmidul Islam Farabi

06 02 03 031
Ahsanullah University
4th Year 2nd Semesterof
Department of Civil Engineering
Science and Technology

Report on Traffic Volume

Study

Page | 1
 Table of Contents

Content Page no

1. Introduction 3

2. Literature Review 3

2.1 Definition 3

2.2 Counting Method 4

2.2.1 Manual Count Method 4

2.2.2 Automatic Count Method 6

3. Methodology 8

4. Data Collection & Analysis 9

5. Conclusion 15

Page | 2
 List of Tables
No. of the Name of the table Page no.
table
Table-1 General Traffic Volume study from 9
New Market to Science Lab
Table-2 General Traffic Volume study from 10
Science Lab to New Market
Table-3 Traffic Volume Considering PCU from 11
New Market to Science Lab
Table-4 Traffic Volume Considering PCU from 11
Science Lab to New Market
Table-5 Percentage (%) of flow rate 12
Table-6 AADT Calculation of New Market to 13
Science Lab
Table-7 AADT Calculation of Science Lab to 13
New Market
Table-8 ADT Calculation 14

List of Figures
No. of the Name of the figure Page no.
figure

Figure-1 Mechanical Counting Board 5

Figure-2 Electronic Counting Board 6
Figure-3 Percentage (%) of traffic from New 9

Page | 3
 Market to Science Lab
Figure-4 Percentage (%) of traffic from Science 10
Lab to New Market
Figure-5 Percentage (%) of Service Flow Rate 12
Figure-6 Flow Fluctuation Curve 14

1. Introduction
Traffic volume studies are conducted to determine the
number, movements, and classifications of roadway vehicles at a
given location. These data can help identify critical flow time
periods, determine the influence of large vehicles or pedestrians
on vehicular traffic flow, or document traffic volume trends. The
length of the sampling period depends on the type of count being
taken and the intended use of the data recorded. For example, an
intersection count may be conducted during the peak flow period.
If so, manual count with 30-minute intervals could be used to
obtain the traffic volume data.

2. Literature Review
A traffic study is conducted to evaluate the transportation
system serving an area and to identify any improvements
necessary to accommodate existing or projected traffic volumes.
The study consists of data collection, including existing traffic
volumes and turning movement counts, projected traffic volumes,
and the identification of required improvements such as traffic
calming devices. Any identified improvements may include a
feasibility analysis, including identification of impacted properties,
impacted structures, alternate alignments, physical constraints
and roadway design criteria to be used.

Page | 4
2.1 Definitions
ADT: Average daily traffic or ADT, and sometimes also mean
daily traffic, is the average number of vehicles two-way passing a
specific point in a 24-hour period, normally measured throughout
a year. ADT is the standard measurement for vehicle traffic load
on a section of road, and the basis for most decisions regarding
transport planning, or to the environmental hazards of pollution
related to road transport. Road authorities have norms based on
ADT, with decisions to expand road capacity at given thresholds.
AADT: Annual average daily traffic, abbreviated AADT, is a
measure used primarily in transportation planning and
transportation engineering. It is the total volume of vehicle traffic
of a highway or road for a year divided by 365 days. AADT is a
useful and simple measurement of how busy the road is. It is also
sometimes reported as "average annual daily traffic".
Hourly Expansion Factor (HEF):
Total 24 hours volume
Volume for particularhour

Daily Expansion Factor (DEF):

Avg. total weekly volume
Avg. volumefor particularday

Monthly Expansion Factor (MEF) :

AADT
ADT for particularmonth

2.2 Counting Method

Two methods are available for conducting traffic volume
counts: (1) manual and (2) automatic. Manual counts are typically
used to gather data for determination of vehicle classification,
turning movements, direction of travel, pedestrian movements, or
vehicle occupancy. Automatic counts are typically used to gather

Page | 5
data for determination of vehicle hourly patterns, daily or
seasonal variations and growth trends, or annual traffic estimates.
The selection of study method should be determined using the
count period. The count period should be representative of the
time of day, day of month, and month of year for the study area.

2.2.1 Manual Count Method:

Most applications of manual counts require small samples of
data at any given location. Manual counts are sometimes used
when the effort and expense of automated equipment are not
justified. Manual counts are necessary when automatic equipment
is not available. Manual counts are typically used for periods of
less than a day. Normal intervals for a manual count are 5, 10, or
30 minutes.
Manual Count Recording Methods: Manual counts are
recorded using one of three methods: tally sheets, mechanical
counting boards, or electronic counting boards.

Tally Sheets: Recording data onto tally sheets is the simplest

means of conducting manual counts. The data can be recorded
with a tick mark on a pre-prepared field form. A watch or
stopwatch is necessary to measure the desired count interval.

Figure-1:
Mechanical
Counting Board
Mechanical
Counting
Boards:
Mechanical count
boards consist of
counters mounted
on a board that
Page | 6
record each direction of travel. Common counts include
pedestrian, bicycle, vehicle classification, and traffic volume
counts. Typical counters are push button devices with three to
five registers. Each button represents a different stratification of
type of vehicle or pedestrian being counted. The limited number
of buttons on the counter can restrict the number of
classifications that can be counted on a given board. A watch or a
stopwatch is also necessary with this method to measure the
desired count interval.

Electronic Counting Boards: Electronic counting boards are

battery-operated, hand-held devices used in collecting traffic
count data. They are similar to mechanical counting boards, but
with some important differences. Electronic counting boards are
lighter, more compact, and easier to handle. They have an
internal clock that automatically separates the data by time
interval. Special functions include
automatic data reduction and
summary. The data can also be
downloaded to a computer, which
saves time.

There are three steps to a manual

traffic volume count:
Figure-2: Electronic Counting
Board
1. Prepare. Determine the type
of equipment to use, the field procedures to follow, and the
number of observers required. Label and organize tally
sheets. Each sheet should include information about the
location, time and date of observation, and weather
conditions.

Page | 7
 2. Select observer location(s). Observers (data collectors)
should be positioned where they have a clear view of traffic
and are safely away from the edge of the roadway.
3. Record observations on site.

2.2.2 Automatic Count Method:

The automatic count method provides a means for gathering
large amounts of traffic data. Automatic counts are usually taken
in 1-hour intervals for each 24-hour period. The counts may
extend for a week, month, or year. When the counts are recorded
for each 24-hour time period, the peak flow period can be
identified.

Automatic Count Recording Methods : Automatic counts are

recorded using one of three methods: portable counters,
permanent counters, and videotape.

Portable Counters: Portable counting is a form of manual

observation. Portable counters serve the same purpose as manual
counts but with automatic counting equipment. The period of data
collection using this method is usually longer than when using
manual counts. The portable counter method is mainly used for
24-hour counts. Pneumatic road tubes are used to conduct this
method of automatic counts (see Figure 3).

Permanent Counters: Permanent counters are used when long-

term counts are to be conducted. The counts could be performed
every day for a year or more. The data collected may be used to
monitor and evaluate traffic volumes and trends over a long

Page | 8
period of time. Permanent counters are not a cost-effective option
in most situations. Few jurisdictions have access to this
equipment.

Videotape: Observers can record count data by videotaping

traffic. Traffic volumes can be counted by viewing videotapes
recorded with a camera at a collection site. A digital clock in the
video image can prove useful in noting time intervals. Videotaping
is not a cost-effective option in most situations. Few small
jurisdictions have access to this equipment.

There are three steps to a traffic volume study using automatic

counting equipment:
I. Prepare. Coordinate data activities with appropriate state
and local officials. For example, you may need to
coordinate traffic control activities. Assemble and inspect
tools, supplies, and equipment. Test all equipment.
II. Deploy and calibrate data collection equipment. Provide
traffic control to protect workers in lanes of traffic. After
the equipment is placed, make sure it is functioning
properly. Secure it in place.
III.Check data and retrieve equipment.

3. Methodology
There are two ways of counting system

• Long term count

• Short term count
We use the short term method in this traffic study. This method
also divided into two methods

• Direct Method.

Page | 9
 • Indirect method.

We use the direct method dummy on the traffic volume study

survey. We were divided in two groups. One were counting the
vehicles which were passing from New Market to Science Lab, and
that is group no 1,2,3 from 9 am to 11:30 am and the other group
numbered 4,5,6 counted the vehicles which were passing from
Science Lab to New Market from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Each
group were occupied with 6 members.

Page | 10
 1.Data Collection & Analysis

• General Traffic Volume study

Table 1: New Market to Science Lab

Figure-3: Percentage (%) of traffic from New Market to Science Lab
Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %
09-09:30 15 2 380 129 0 60 586 28.7255
10-10:30 20 0 596 181 3 66 866 42.451
11-11::30 10 0 327 230 0 21 588 28.8235
Total 45 2 1303 540 3 147 2040 100
%of whole 2.20588 0.09804 63.8725 26.4706 0.14706 7.20588 100

PieChartforNewMarkettoScienceLab
Bus, 2%
SPT, 0% Truck, 0%
MC,
7% 1

2
AR, 27% 3

4
LV, 64% 5
6

Page | 11
Table 2: Science Lab to New Market
Figure-4: Percentage (%) of traffic from Science Lab to New Market
Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total %
12-12:30 30 2 344 170 1 35 582 27.1329
13-13:30 15 1 379 160 0 60 615 28.6713
14-14:30 25 0 584 250 14 75 948 44.1958
Total 70 3 1307 580 15 170 2145 100
%of whole 3.2634 0.13986 60.9324 27.0396 0.6993 7.92541 100

PieChartforScienceLabtoNewMarket
Bus, 3% Truck, 0%
AR, 1%
MC,
8% 1

AR, 27% 3

4
LV, 61%
5

Page | 12
 • Traffic Volume considering PCU

Bus = 1.99
Truck = 2.12
Light Vehicle = 1.53
Auto rickshaw = 0.41
Small public transport = 0.51
Motor cycle = 0.03

Table 3: New Market to Science Lab

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total PCU Flow

09-10:00 59.7 8.48 1162.8 105.78 0 3.6 1340.36
10-11:00 79.6 0 1517.76 148.42 3.06 3.96 1752.8
11-12:00 39.8 0 1000.62 188.6 0 1.26 1230.28
Total Vehicle PCU 179.1 8.48 3681.18 442.8 3.06 8.82

Table 4: Science Lab to New Market

Time Bus Truck LV AR SPT MC Total PCU Flow

12-13:00 119.4 8.48 1052.64 139.4 1.02 2.1 1323.04
13-14:00 59.7 4.24 1159.74 131.2 0 3.6 1358.48
14-15:00 99.5 0 1787.04 205 14.28 4.5 2110.32
Total Vehicle PCU 278.6 12.72 3999.42 475.6 15.3 10.2

So, Service flow rate (New Market to Science Lab) = 1752.80

PCU

Service flow rate (Science Lab to New Market) = 2110.32

PCU

Page | 13
Table 5: Percentage (%) of flow rate

%of flow rate in PCU at NM to SL = 45.3727

%of flow rate in PCU at SL to NM = 54.6273

PieChartforServiceFlowRate

NM to SL, 45% 1
SL to NM, 55% 2

Figure-5: Percentage (%) of Service Flow Rate

Page | 14
Calculation of AADT
Table 6: AADT Calculation of New Market to Science Lab

AADT

New Market to Science Lab

24 hour volume on Monday ={PCU(09-10:00)*HEF +PCU(10-11:00)*HEF +PCU(11-12:00)*HEF}/3

=25985.47787

Total 7 day volume =24 hour volume*DEF(Monday)

=182210.1708

Average 24 hour volume =(7 day volume)/7

=26030.0244

AADT =Avg. 24 hour volume*MEF(April)

=38550.46614

Table 7: AADT Calculation of Science Lab to New Market

Page | 15
AADT

Science Lab to New Market

24 hour volume on Monday =

{PCU(12-13:00)*HEF +PCU(13-14:00)*HEF +PCU(14-15:00)*HEF}/3
=26257.14267

Total 7 day volume =24 hour volume*DEF(Monday)

=184115.0844

Average 24 hour volume =

(7 day volume)/7
=26302.15491

AADT =Avg. 24 hour volume*MEF(April)

=38953.49142

Calculation of ADT
Table 8: ADT Calculation

Page | 16
 ADT =Flow rate in PCU*HEF

Time ADT %of ADT

09-10:00 25198.768 16.078
10-11:00 29972.88 19.1242
11-12:00 22784.786 14.5378
12-13:00 24754.078 15.7943
13-14:00 22700.201 14.4838
14-15:00 31317.149 19.9819
Total 156727.86 100

FlowFluctuationCurve
25

20

15
D%
fA
To

10

0
09-10:00 10-11:00 11-12:00 12-13:00 13-14:00 14-15:00
Time

Figure-6: Flow Fluctuation Curve

5. Conclusion
Page | 17
 The results of the first post-study indicate that the traffic
volume within the neighborhood has generally improved. We
determined the vehicle proportion of these roads and also to
understand what is the tidal flow occurs. Though we have done
the survey manually there is possibility of some mistakes which
were not done intentionally. It would be more accurate if video
camera is used. Basically the survey time recommended is 24
hours but it is not possible. So we convert 30 minutes survey to 1
hour survey. Because it provides effective and helpful
information, so such information is needed for traffic system
improvement in our country.

The traffic survey can be efficiently used for traffic

monitoring, traffic control & management, traffic enforcement,
traffic forecasting, model calibration and validation. The result of
the study indicates that traffic control system have to improve as
well as using canalization, signal, sign etc. The survey data &
result may be used for further future survey.

Page | 18