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A-Traffic-Study-Its-Corresponding-Implications-And-Mitigation-of-Probable-Traffic-Congestion-at-The-Approaches-That-Corner-Gaisano-Grand-Citygate-Mall
Civil Engineering (BSCE 01)
Ateneo de Davao University
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A TRAFFIC STUDY, ITS CORRESPONDING IMPLICATIONS, AND
MITIGATION OF PROBABLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE
APPROACHES THAT CORNER GAISANO GRAND CITYGATE MALL
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented to The Civil Engineering Department of School of Engineering and Architecture Ateneo de Davao University E. Jacinto St., Davao City
In Partial Fulfilment Of the Requirement for the Degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
JOHN KARL C. BASOC
IRENE MERRYBELLE P. JUMALON
PATRICK ROY D. PONCE
FEBRUARY 26, 2018
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, we, the proponents of this paper, would like to dedicate this research study to God and to thank Him for a great deal of reasons. One of which is for blessing us with perennial motivation to work diligently for the success of this research study. If we were to go on listing down all our reasons, then it would take an eternity. And so, we would like to sum up our gratitude by saying that without God, we could not have accomplished anything. Hence, we honor Him all our successes.
To the following, we then would like to express our utmost gratefulness: To our families and our loved ones, for with their love and support, this research became achievable.
To our mentor, Engr. Kenneth Noblezada, for guiding us every step of the way. His guidance is one of the main factors why this research study is a success.
To the members of the panel, Engr. Robert Romero, Engr. Evtri Tabanguil, and Engr. Francis Bation, for all their wisdom in the form of their positive criticisms and suggestions that greatly helped improve our study in all aspects. Furthermore, to Engr. Lynith Celeres-Datukon for being so kind and always guiding us with the necessary specifics needed in the fulfillment of our study.
To all of our Civil Engineering Department professors over our five-year stay in the university, for passionately imparting their wisdom and knowledge to us.
To all the researchers whose studies became a guide and a source of information to us in our study.
Lastly, to all those who have helped us with the actualization of this research study during the data gathering period, specifically Cenny Laye T. Attos, Stephanie L. Blaquera, Trisha Mae S. Facundo, Rajiv Nooh D. Amil, Danilo D Jr., Dindo B. Gerolaga, Ernie Jane Y. Jalem, Jeff Beck S. Nidea, and Cerlene Mae Dimple B. Rosete, for without their help, only extremely insufficient and inconclusive data would have been gathered.
Ad Majorem dei Gloriam!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL OF THESIS DEFENSE SHEET ii ABSTRACT iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv TABLE OF CONTENTS v
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1 1 PROBLEM STATEMENT 2 1 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 3 1 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 4 1 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS 5 1 DEFINITION OF TERMS 6
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2 RELATED TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 8 AND TRAFFIC STUDIES 2 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA 9 2.2 DESCRIPTION OF INVOLVED INTERSECTION 10 2 TRAFFIC STUDY 10 2.3 VOLUME STUDIES 11 2.3 TRAVEL TIME STUDIES 12 2.3 PARKING STUDIES 12 2 ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS 13 2 ROADWAY CAPACITY 14 2 TRAFFIC CONGESTION 14 2.6 DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION 14 2.6 SOURCE & IMPACT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION 15 2.6 CONGESTION MEASURES 15 2 LEVEL OF SERVICE 16 2 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 17 2 COMMUTER 17 2 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 18
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- APPENDIX C: ON-SITE PHOTOS
- APPENDIX D: RAW DATA
- APPENDIX E: DOCUMENTATION
- CURRICULUM VITAE
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Urbanization is a long-term, constantly continuing event that, in one way or another, occurs in a state or area that is progressing forwards. It has become apparent that urbanization just cannot be slowed down since the thirst for economic growth influences the rapid rate of expansion, either vertically or horizontally, in developing cities. Although the phenomenon brings about an emergence to a higher level of independence for the society, it also attracts an upsurge in traffic as well as in incidents of traffic congestion due to the close association between urbanization and the intensification of overall traffic [1].
Traffic congestion in Metro Manila has become more and more prominent to the point where vehicles in transit cease to move when on main highways. According to [2], “the urban density of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one the highest of the world and the rate of motorization far exceeds the street capacity to handle traffic.” Likewise, in Davao City, there has been a study conducted on 1,200 people asking their opinion why traffic congestion has become an alarming and severe problem. Most of the respondents associated such phenomenon with the progress and advancement of urbanization here in Davao [3]. This phenomenon indicates that the construction of roads and highways, the erection of numerous high-rise structures, and even the establishment of commercial centers has brought about an influx in the modernization of urban areas, but also an increase in the volume of traffic within the city.
Buhangin is one of the busiest and most populated commercial areas in Davao. There are public schools, markets, recreational centers and subdivisions within its vicinity. On October 19, 2018, Gaisano Grand will be opening another mall in Buhangin – the Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall [4]. Such opening ought to catch the attention of the City Transport and Management Office (CTTMO). They laid out plans to assure that there will be no severe traffic delay in the area. Some
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[6]. Traffic disturbances result to an interrupted traffic flow and thereupon diminishing the performance of traffic operations. It is thus aimed in this study to characterize variables which influence traffic operations, perform an in-depth analysis of the traffic condition within the vicinity, and provide simplified procedures and ideal solutions to the perceived, probable traffic congestion. Photos of traffic and the road at the study area can be seen in appendix C.
1 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The primary objective of this study is to be able to propose engineering solutions that would be able alleviate traffic congestion at the approaches that corner Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall.
With that in mind, this research intends to:
- Obtain the geometric features of each approach
- Identify the Peak-Hour Volume in terms of Passenger Car Units at each of the two (2) approaches
- Procure travel time data
- Determine the level of service of the approaches according to the Highway Capacity Manual Standards and the Department of Public Works and Highways Standards, and
- Propose engineering solutions based on the results of the analysis
All in all, this study focuses on the alleviation of the existing state of traffic in the approaches that corner Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall, and to address the looming increased demand for better traffic management systems and/or enhanced highway infrastructures in order to adequately address the upsurge of the volume of traffic in such expanse.
The potentials of the study are as follows:
- The study will be able to present the prevailing circumstances regarding the traffic situation of the approaches that corner Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall and identify the problems therein.
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- The study will be able to analyze, interpret and evaluate the gathered data and present solutions to the problems found.
1 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Conducting a traffic study, analyzing the acquired information, and determining whether there is a viable area for improvement in the existing traffic scheme after the opening of the Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall and addressing such can immediately aid those heavily responsible for traffic management in the area. The latter can be named as the traffic engineers. With that, data gathered from this study can be deemed meaningful.
With the use of the findings obtained by the researchers and their suggestions, the traffic engineers can ponder on what measures to take regarding the highway (i., road-widening, fixing road defects, road-concreting, etc.) In addition, the study can assist them in determining the most effective way of placing traffic signs, pedestrian lanes or footbridges (if any are planned), loading/unloading points, and parking/no-parking areas. With this, the flow of traffic is expected to be alleviated.
In totality, this traffic study, along with the analysis of the gathered information and the associated meaning, can become useful for the overall traffic in the area. It is aspired that with the data acquired from this research, certain mitigation functions, if any, can be given out and recognized by the corresponding authorities to achieve what is efficient and preferable. Lastly, if there is absolutely no area for improvement in the traffic scheme at the approaches that corner Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall (i., ideal situation), this study shall prove the commendable work of the proponents that attained remarkable grounds – such that is not common nor easy to achieve in an urbanized city.
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Determining the road’s composition (i., the materials used and its proportions) is not an aim in this study. Instead, the dimensions of the road will be procured. In addition, only defects like significant bumps and cracks, and disturbing holes are to be involved if such causes significant delay to the flow of traffic in the area. Nevertheless, the causes of the said bumps, cracks and holes need not to be investigated.
Environmental impacts of the traffic in the area of study will not be included. These could pertain to the traffic’s contribution to air and noise pollution, and the vehicles’ carbon emissions that aggravates the depletion of the ozone layer and the like. Health and safety hazards posed by the same shall not be discussed in this paper neither as so as the occurrence and risk of car accidents within the vicinity.
1 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Automobilist – also known as motorist or driver that maneuvers a vehicle Commercial Establishment – any structure built for the main purpose of entertainment, employment, industry and the like Footbridge – an elevated pathway over a road where vehicles run used by pedestrians to cross Highway – a major road for public use that a huge number of vehicles pass through frequently Inflow – traffic flow that pertains to vehicles entering the area Intersection – the junction where different roads meet and connect for passage to another or the same road Outflow – traffic flow that pertains to vehicles leaving the area Pedestrian – people walking, jogging, running, cycling along the road Pedestrian Crossing – pedestrian lane; where pedestrians should pass by to reach the other side of the road as marked by white or yellow lines on the road Traffic – refers to all vehicles in transit on a road Traffic Engineer – responsible for the design of traffic flow and roads with an aim to achieve safety and efficiency
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Traffic Flow – the movement of vehicles on a road and its interaction or relation with other vehicles, commuters, and/or infrastructures Traffic Jam – a state of traffic wherein vehicles cease to move Traffic Scheme – a laid out plan to aid traffic or traffic management Traffic Sign – easy-to-notice symbols or signs placed above or at the sides of roads to give information about the road or traffic to commuters Traffic Volume – the number of vehicles and commuters or pedestrians passing a road
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Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also conducted a study in February of 2015 entitled “Preparatory Survey for Southern Mindanao Economic Corridor Improvement (Davao City Bypass Construction) Project.” The main objective of the study is to provide solutions that would lead to the improvement of the transport logistics and alleviate the traffic congestion in Davao City. This study discusses the rapid progression of urbanization in urban centers which leads to a chronic traffic congestion in the area. Traffic studies conducted include 24-Hour Traffic Count Survey, Roadside OD Survey, and Travel Time Survey. Results of these study shows that numerous roads in the Urban Center are highly congested and are getting worse. There is also a long, low-speed section to the City Center coming from the south. They have suggested that the inland areas should be guided by a road network that would help reduce the volume of traffic in the Urban Center [9].
2 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA
Buhangin is situated in Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Region 11, Philippines and its geographical coordinates are 7° 11' 12" North, 125° 26' 30" East [10]. Buhangin is home to many Davaoenos. As per [11], “The same is true in the Buhangin area where residential development is along a narrow road connecting Buhangin and Tibungco. Traffic congestion is a regular occurrence in this area.” It is also a commercialized area flocking with hotels, schools, public markets, shopping malls, pharmacies, bakeshops, banks, churches and the like.
Within the same Comprehensive Land Use Plan was also stated that District 2 of Davao City has had the highest commercialization rate increase with Buhangin, to be specific, marking the highest increase by 741 percent. This overwhelming increase is caused by the influx of retail stores and entertainment outlets in the vicinity. Buhangin is now termed an “emerging growth center”.
The center of the study of this research also provides, apart from housing and entertainment, livelihood to the citizens of Davao. A significant number of job employment opportunities have arisen in the area especially since the erection of a new commercial building, Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall. Moreover, according
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to, almost half of the Buhangin district is used for agriculture with 4,959 hectares. The improvement of establishments in this area is still non-ceasing. This proves that Buhangin is truly a place of homes, livelihood, and leisure.
2.2 DESCRIPTION OF INVOLVED INTERSECTION
The intersection is a three-way joint that is a Y-Junction. The commercial center lies between two of the three ways that intersect, which are namely the Mandug Road and the Cabantian Road. The other road is the Buhangin-Lapanday Road. The roads mentioned are categorized as minor arterial roads. The intersection is not characterized by a traffic light and, therefore, is classified as unsignalized.
2 TRAFFIC STUDY
According to [12], a thorough observation and assessment of a particular traffic scheme with the aid of raw information collected is called a traffic study. Such involves a process. First, an observation or survey is conducted in order to determine problematic situations within an area. Then this is followed by data gathering and interpreting the latter. A traffic study is usually conducted to categorize and define the severity of the transportation problem and to offer feasible solutions to the problem being analyzed.
“Traffic survey is critical to be performed because it can:
- Increase the efficiency and life of roads
- Reduce traffic volume at a particular section...” [13]
Enumerated previously are reasons why employing a traffic study is essential. There are numerous factors that indicate when a traffic study shall be conducted or can be deemed useful to conduct. One of which is when development in urbanization has come into play in the area. This can include the opening of newly erected commercial establishments that may cause a significant impact on the existing traffic conditions. Another is when highly visible and evident
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utilized to analyze volume trends, determine required development and maintenance and others, and Average Daily Traffic (ADT), which are used for planning, measuring and evaluating highway activities. In this study, Peak Hour Volume (PHV) will be obtained in order to analyze the capacity of roads.
Volume studies can be deployed by volume counts. This can either be done manually through observing and listing or automatically by the aid of advanced technology such as detectors and sensors. Volume counts can also be further classified into different types.
2.3 TRAVEL TIME STUDIES
The determination of the span of time needed for a vehicle to move from one specific location to another is known as travel time. Through this study, a traffic engineer will be aided in pinpointing areas that are problematic and that need to be focused on in order to improve the traffic scheme in the location as a whole. This also quantifies the serviceability of the area being studied [14].
Conducting travel time studies can be carried out in two methods, with one involving test vehicles and the other one not requiring the latter. Methods involving test vehicles can be subdivided furthermore into three (3) which needs the researchers/observers to drive the test vehicles themselves.
There are three (3) methods that do not include the use of test vehicles. These are License-Plate Observations, Interviews, and ITS Advance Technologies. The researchers of this project study will only be employing the first method mention.
2.3 PARKING STUDIES
Conducting parking studies is essential because according to [15], one of the factors that lessens the capacity of a road is parking, especially when this is on-street, since this takes up significant road area. Regulation of on-street parking should aim to enhance the smooth traffic flow of a given area. As a result, it should
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provide adequate space and the prohibition of parking on specific places during peak hours. Consequently, travel time will be shortened. A parking study is then the determination the adequacy of parking spaces/lots, demand for parking, duration of parked vehicles, etc.
Different parking data can be collected from a parking study. Namely, these are accumulation, and turnover and duration. Accumulation data is acquired from the amount of parking at regular intervals. Turnover and duration measures how long a vehicle will stay parked in a particular space and how long it will take for another vehicle to come and occupy an empty parking space. It is crucial to identify parking generators as well such as commercial and residential buildings. In the case of this research, the Gaisano Grand CityGate Mall shall be considered a parking generator.
2 ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS
Highways have always been considered as an integral part of the progress of the human civilization, and it is imperative to know that the main purpose of such highways are to provide mobility, that is, people can travel along them using different modes of transportation such as private vehicles and public transportation with ease, and wherein, such highways should be designed with the balance of achieving an acceptable level of service, or i., its level of performance and the consideration of the general safety of the public.
With the fact that traffic congestion has risen because of a considerable increase in private-vehicle use due to economic growth overtime and such low- vehicle occupancy introduces a problem of great concern and this problem should be addressed with traffic analysis. Whereas, traffic analysis has the purpose to quantify a roadway’s efficiency with respect to specified traffic volumes. Hence, the performance of the roadway then can be calculated concerning travel delay especially when the roadway becomes congested overtime and as well as due to other factors [16].
A-Traffic-Study-Its-Corresponding-Implications-And-Mitigation-of-Probable-Traffic-Congestion-at-The-Approaches-That-Corner-Gaisano-Grand-Citygate-Mall
Course: Civil Engineering (BSCE 01)
University: Ateneo de Davao University
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