1 Introduction

1.1 SwashSim Overview

SwashSim is a traffic micro-simulation tool that can be used to model traffic on a variety of roadway facilities–signalized arterials, freeways, multilane highways, and two-lane highways. SwashSim employs a modern software architecture, one that is object-oriented and built on the C#/.NET programming model, which allows for a high level of extensibility and modularity. This architecture also supports a high level of fidelity with respect to temporal and spatial modeling resolution. The key modeling features of SwashSim include the following:

  • Time resolution: uses a 0.1-second simulation time step,
  • Car-following model: Modified Pitt (an extension of the Pitt model used in CORSIM). Details on these models can be found at Car Following,
  • Lane-changing model (mandatory, discretionary): largely based on CORSIM models. Details on these models can be found at Lane Changing,
  • Gap acceptance model: based on the models used in CORSIM but correlated to driver type. Details on these models can be found at Gap Acceptance,
  • Two-lane highway passing behavior: based on the models implemented in CORSIM. Details on these models can be found at Two-Lane Highway Modeling,
  • Detailed vehicle acceleration modeling: utilizes powertrain characteristics of vehicles (engine, transmission) and resistance forces (aerodynamic, rolling, grade) to determine maximum acceleration capability. Details on these models can be found at Maximum Acceleration,
  • Vehicle characteristics: includes numerous vehicle models by default (such as a low-performance Honda Accord, a higher-performance Dodge Challenger, a Ford 150 pickup truck, a Chevy Blazer SUV, and a tractor+semi-trailer combination), with the ability to include more. The full list of included vehicles can be found at Vehicles,
  • Driver characteristics: contains 10 driver types by default (type 1-the most conservative driver, type 10-the most aggressive driver); treating drivers as distinct objects (i.e., driver characteristics are not embedded with vehicle characteristics), consequently enabling the user to separately customize vehicle and driver characteristics. Driver details can be found at Drivers,
  • Signal control modes: pretimed and actuated signal control. The signal controller architecture replicates the standard NEMA ring and barrier architecture,
  • Ramp metering: able to run three traffic-responsive ramp-metering algorithms: ALINEA, Fuzzy logic, and demand/capacity, in addition to pretimed control. Details on these algorithms can be found at Ramp Metering, and
  • Route assignment method: randomly assigning a turning movement for the next link based on user-specified turning percentages for the link or using an origin-destination (O-D) demand matrix with user equilibrium traffic assignment. Details on these models can be found at Route Assignment.

1.2 Supporting Resources and Tools

1.2.1 Example Projects

A number of example projects are available on GitHub: https://github.com/swash17/SwashSim/tree/master/Projects

1.2.2 Tutorial Videos

A number of tutorial videos are available at https://www.youtube.com/@washburninnovativesoftware6302/videos

1.3 Program Installation

Place the two installation files (‘setup.exe’ and ‘SwashSim.msi’) in any folder of your choice and then run the ‘setup.exe’ program. If the installation program does not start after launching ‘setup.exe’, check your settings for Windows Defender SmartScreen (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-smartscreen/microsoft-defender-smartscreen-overview). The main program file is named SwashSim.exe, but there should also be a desktop icon and start menu item for it after installation. One thing to be careful of–you may be able to install the program to the default installation folder (‘C:\Program Files\SwashWare\SwashSim’), but have a login security restriction that prevents the program from writing files to this folder. In that case, you will not be able to view results after running the simulation, unless you change your output data folder (under Settings -> Project Properties) to a folder for which your login account has access permission.

1.3.1 System Requirements

The minimum computer system requirements to run SwashSim are as follows:

  • Software
    • Operating Systems Supported: Microsoft Windows, versions 11, 10, 8 and 7.
    • Microsoft .NET 7.0, or higher, installed on your computer. The installation process should give you a warning if you do not have the required version of the .NET Desktop Runtime. But if you have any problem starting the program after installation, this should be the first thing to check. You can check which version of the .NET Desktop Runtime you have installed in your Programs and Features section of the Control Panel. If needed, you can download the latest version, for free, from https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/7.0. Choose x64 (for a 64-bit computer).
  • Minimum Hardware Configuration
    • At least 1 GHz x64 (i.e., 64-bit) compatible CPU
    • At least 4 GB RAM
    • 1200 x 768 high color (16 bit) display
    • At least 100 MB free disk space.
  • Recommended Hardware Configuration
    • At least 1.5 GHz x64 compatible CPU
    • At least 16 GB RAM
    • 1920 x 1080 high color (16 bit) display