Analyzing zonal characteristics of car-following behavior in long mountainous freeway tunnel with crest vertical curve based on a novel seven-zone analytic method and driving simulation
IF 7.4 1区 工程技术Q1 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
Yixi Hu , Yonghong Yang , Chuangbo Xu , Zhen Wang , Feilong Ma , Xicheng Hu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Traffic safety issues in freeway tunnels are prominent, with rear-end collisions frequently occur. However, car-following behavior characteristics in long freeway tunnels with crest vertical curves remain unclear. To provide design references for newly constructed long freeway tunnels and establish traffic safety management guidelines for existing ones, this study designed a freeway model involving 10 tunnels with varied vertical alignment configurations. A driving simulation test was conducted with 35 participants to investigate the zonal characteristics of car-following behaviors in long freeway tunnels and their relationship with vertical alignment design. Time headway and safety margin were selected as key indicators. The Kruskal-Wallis test and mixed linear regression were employed to analyze the impacts of grade, grade change, and zonal characteristics on these indicators. The results indicated that time-headway initially increased and then decreased along the tunnel, while safety margin exhibited a continuous downward trend. Both time headway and safety margin were significantly influenced by grade, grade change, and zonal characteristics. The probability of maintaining safe safety margin decreased progressively as vehicles traveled deeper into the tunnel. The lowest probabilities were observed in Zone 7 under the conditions of the entrance grade as −1.5%, the exit grade as −3%, and grade change as 6%, whose probabilities were 0.628, 0.603, and 0.497, respectively. Based on the analysis results, this paper proposed that ensuring a gentle uphill entrance, maximizing exit gradients, and controlling grade changes below 3% could reduce rear-end collision risks caused by inappropriate car-following behaviors. Additionally, traffic management agencies should implement distance-control and speed control reminders in the latter sections of such tunnels to alert drivers control adequate speed and car-following distance. The outcome of this paper provides scientific basis for both freeway tunnel design and management authorities, and help mitigate driving risks in long freeway tunnel.
期刊介绍:
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology is an international journal which publishes authoritative articles encompassing the development of innovative uses of underground space and the results of high quality research into improved, more cost-effective techniques for the planning, geo-investigation, design, construction, operation and maintenance of underground and earth-sheltered structures. The journal provides an effective vehicle for the improved worldwide exchange of information on developments in underground technology - and the experience gained from its use - and is strongly committed to publishing papers on the interdisciplinary aspects of creating, planning, and regulating underground space.