LABORATORY 2

TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY

LESSON LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this laboratory work, students should be:
1) Able to carry out traffic volume studies and perform volume data analysis.
1.0

Introduction

Traffic counts is done manually by recording each observed vehicle with a tick mark on a
prepared field form or use a multiple gang tally counter to ease the job. Counts are usually
samples of actual volumes, although continuous counting is sometimes performed for certain
circumstances. Stopwatch is used to cue the observer (enumerator) to the desired count
interval, and re-set the counter at the start of each interval. The raw counts are tallied and
summarized. Thus, the number of vehicles passing at the referenced (station) point in unit
time is the flow, and commonly referred to traffic volume in vehicles per hour.
2.0

Aim of Experiment

The objectives of this study are;

i. to determine the vehicle composition in the traffic flow stream,
ii. to observe the traffic flow trend and movement pattern,
iii. to determine peak hour volume and peak hour factor (if survey is done during peak
hour)
3.0

Apparatus

The equipment uses for this study are;

i. multi-gang tally counter,
ii. stop watch,
iii. clip board and field data survey form

4.0

Method

Either of the following method may be used depending on the site location.
i. A section of straight road
a) Select and sketch the layout of the study area with census station numbered.
The census station must be a strategic location (safe for the enumerator),
b) Each enumerator concentrate on each lane and one-direction of flow,
c) Count and classified vehicles using multiple tally counter, record at 15mins (or 5
min) interval in the field data sheet, and re-set to zero before resume counting.
d) Counting should be done for duration of 1-hour.
ii.

At a junction
a) Select and sketch the layout of the junction (study area) with census station
numbered for each junction arm. The census station must be a strategic location
(safe for the enumerator).
b) Each enumerator concentrate on one approach arm, each lane and one-direction
of flow (refer field data sheet).
c) Count and classified vehicles using multiple tally counter, record at 15mins (or 5
min.) interval in the field data sheet, and re-set to zero before resume counting.
d) Counting should be done for duration of 1-hour.

5.0

Data Presentation and Analysis

Data from field work must be verify and check for its accuracy before further analyzing is done.
The results of the study may be presented in the following;
i. In a summary traffic flow tables.
ii. Pie chart to show proportions of volumes by type of vehicles.
iii. Histogram and graph (line graph) to illustrate traffic volume over time.
iv. Intersection flow diagram which gives the direction and volume of all movements.
v. Calculate peak hour factor (PHF),
PHF = peak hour volume (PHV) / (4 x peak 15-min volume)
vi. Adjusted traffic volumes to reflect peak-period conditions or Design Hourly Volume
(DHV)
vii. Convert the traffic volume from veh/hour to pcu/hour

Traffic Volume Study

Data Collection Form
Location:______________________ Observer/s (group):________________________
Lane: ______ Direction of travel:_____________________ Time: _________________
Day and Date:_____________________________ Weather: _____________
Types of
vehicles
Car
Van
Lorry 2 axles
Lorry 3 axles
Bus
Motorcycle

15

Left Turn
30
45

60

15

Through
30
45

60

Right Turn
15
30 45 60

Total

Checked By
____________

6.0

Discussion

The discussion of the results should focus on the vehicles composition and the pattern of the
traffic flow trend. Identify the peak period (if it is a peak period study) and comment on the
characteristics of peak flow volume.

7.0

Conclusion