Application and combination of various design theories for improved intersection design

Abstract

Over 40% of all road crashes take place at or near intersections. This implies that the design of intersections can greatly affect safety. Many traffic engineers study ways to promote intersection safety. However, it is uncommon for these projects to use formal design theories or methodologies. The analysis of conflicts points and the consideration of human psychology for the design of intersections are good tools to improve the safety in the intersections. This work covers two subjects: one which uses an Axiomatic Design (AD) Theory, TRIZ, and traditional traffic conflict to improve the intersection, and the other which considers the human psychology when designing intersections. The first subject involves the detailed analysis of modular view. It is demonstrated that the modular view of the intersection is more useful than the holistic view. Modular view shows how one module is connected to another module. The coupled degree among modules varies according to time as this can be described by using hybrid design matrix for modular version. The second subject involves the design of intersections that the human psychology is considered in based on Don Norman’s and David Maister’s theories as FR/DP in Axiomatic Design. How conflicts are resolved is shown with an example which explains how human psychology affects the design coupling and how those conflicts can be removed.