Engenharia de Tráfego Rodoviário

Objectives

1. Provide students with a solid theoretical and methodological understanding of the design and evaluation of road network elements, combining analytical methods with a practical and realistic view of the functioning of urban and interurban traffic systems. 2. Provide fundamental knowledge of vehicle and pedestrian flow theory and the main calculation and modeling techniques in Road Traffic Engineering (RTE) at ht eurban and interurban scales. 3. Teach procedures for macroscopic analysis of the capacity and level of service of roads and road intersections. 4. Introduce the basic concepts of microscopic modeling and the use of simulation software.

Syllabus

Module A – Fundamentals of Road Traffic Engineering (RTE) A1. Basic concepts A2. Observation, recording, and representation of traffic systems A3. Fundamental relationships and traffic flow models A4. Queue formation Module B – Capacity and Level of Service (LOS) in interurban networks B1. Concepts and performance factors B2. Two-lane roads (2x1) B3. Motorways (2x2;2x3): standard sections, ramps and interchanges Module C – Capacity and SL in urban networks C1. Unsignalized intersections C2. Roundabouts C3. Signalized intersections and traffic signal coordination C4. Street performance C5. Cycle lanes and pedestrian paths Module D – Introduction to microscopic modeling: D1. Car- following, gap-acceptance, and lane-changing models; D2. Construction of simple models with microsimulation tools.

Prerequisites

There are no requirements for this course.

Cross Competence Component

The teaching methodology in the Road Traffic Engineering course, combining lectures, applied sessions, and project work, fosters both technical and transversal skills essential to comprehensive student development. Aligned with IST’s pedagogical principles, this active and applied approach prepares students for real-world challenges in the transport sector. The fieldwork component carried out in teams demands the ability to plan and coordinate tasks rigorously, resiliently, and patiently. It supports the development of critical thinking, effective communication, time management, and real-life decision-making. These transversal skills are integrated into the assessment process, highlighting their essential role in delivering an ethical, practice- oriented, well-rounded professional education.

Laboratorial Component

There are no laboratorial compenents.

Programming And Computing Component

There are no programming and computing component.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group's work. In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.