Subject and Assessment Details

Subject and Assessment Details

Subject: EMS5ARA Advanced Research Based Learning A (6 Months, 2023-2024)

Assessment Item One: Written Assignment Draft Thesis Proposal

Assessment Due Date: 18 December 2023

Please complete the following.

First Name and Surname: TakshitStudent Number: 20879218

Course: Master Of Construction and Engineering Management

Thesis Draft Proposal: Exploring the Impacts of Connected and Automated Vehicles on Traffic Scenarios in Rural Roads :

1. Introduction

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are revolutionizing the transportation landscape, promising advancements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability. While extensive research has been conducted on the impacts of CAVs, there exists a notable gap in understanding their effects on traffic scenarios in rural roads. This proposal aims to address this gap by investigating the specific challenges and opportunities posed by CAVs in rural settings, where unique traffic dynamics and infrastructure characteristics come into play.

2. Research Problem

The primary problem under investigation is to assess how CAVs influence traffic safety, efficiency, and sustainability on rural roads. This research will focus on understanding the nuanced impacts, considering factors such as automated levels, connectivity, and market penetration rates, which are crucial in rural environments where diverse traffic scenarios prevail.

3. Methodology

This research will employ a traffic microsimulation approach using VISSIM, a well-established traffic micro-simulator. VISSIM will enable the simulation of CAVs' operational impacts on traffic flow efficiency, safety, and emissions in various rural road scenarios. Additionally, tools like the Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM) and emission models will be integrated to provide a comprehensive analysis of safety and environmental impacts.

4. Significance of the Study

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by specifically addressing the impacts of CAVs in rural road scenarios. The findings will offer insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with CAV deployment in less urbanized areas, helping policymakers, transportation planners, and researchers make informed decisions. The study's significance lies in its potential to guide the development of strategies that maximize the benefits of CAVs while mitigating potential drawbacks in rural transportation systems.

5. Expected Outcomes

The anticipated outcomes of this research include a detailed understanding of how CAVs affect traffic dynamics in rural roads, providing valuable insights into safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The study aims to identify potential solutions and strategies to optimize the integration of CAVs in rural environments, ensuring a balanced approach that aligns with the unique characteristics of these regions.

6. List of References

Liu, P., & Fan, W. D. (2021). Exploring the impact of connected and autonomous vehicles on mobility and environment at signalized intersections through vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communications.

Morando, M. M., Tian, Q., Truong, L. T., & Vu, H. L. (2018). Studying the Safety Impact of Autonomous Vehicles Using Simulation-Based Surrogate Safety Measures.

Papadoulis, A., Quddus, M., & Imprialou, M. (2019). Evaluating the safety impact of connected and autonomous vehicles on motorways.

Stogios, C., Kasraian, D., Roorda, M. J., & Hatzopoulou, M. (2019). Simulating impacts of automated driving behavior and traffic conditions on vehicle emissions.

Taiebat, M., Brown, A. L., Safford, H. R., Qu, S., & Xu, M. (2018). A Review on Energy, Environmental, and Sustainability Implications of Connected and Automated Vehicles.

Graduate Capabilities SILOs EA Competencies Criteria Unsatisfactory (N) Satisfactory (D) Developing (C) Proficient (B) Exemplary (A)

Communicating and Influencing Written Communication 4 3.2; 3.4 Writing (Coherence and Expression) Proposal is ordered with relevant subheadings and component parts, communicates its intentions simplistically, lacks precision and clarity of purpose, and clear, supported objectives Proposal is logically ordered with relevant subheadings and component parts, communicates its intentions with attempts at justification, and defining its purposes and objectives Employs a thoughtful structure and communicates and justifies the purposes of the proposal, and decribes its approach and components clearly and succinctly. Adopts a purposeful structure to the proposal that seeks to persuade to the merits of the overall approach, and communicates the aims and objectives of the proposal convincingly. Proposal is engagingly stuctured to emphasise the merits of the overall approach to the problem, discplinary language and professional terminology are employed with precision to build a convincing and succinct justification for the aims and purposes of the proposal

Inquiry and Analysis Research and Evidence- Based Inquiry 1; 2; 3 1.1; 1.3; 1.4; 1,6; 1.5; 2.1; 2.3; 3.2; 3.4; 3.5 Problem Recognition and Framing The overall response is founded inadequately in the literature, with little theoretical justification to support its adoption Overall response to the problem is informed by some relevant sources in the literature, with some explanation and justification for the problem-solving approach Justifies the overall response using accurate and faithful interpretations of relevant sources in the literature, and convincingly and acceptably extends their conclusions to justify the overall problem solving approach Situates the overall response to the problem within an analysis of the relevant literature, appropriately synthesising theoretical perspectives and viewpoints to create a convincing justification for the adopted problem-solving approach Reframes the problem within a theoretical critique of the relevant literature, and creates a robust and acceptable justification for a novel approach to the problem

Inquiry and Analysis Critical Thinking 2;3 1.1; 1.3; 1.4; 3.4 Researching Assembly of sources, some of which were relevant to the overall question and approach, but employed to little effect. Assembly of sources, some of which were employed to inform the problem solving approach stated in the proposal Focussed compilation of relevant sources, to support the problem solving approach stated in the proposal Methodical and efficient compilation of sources, all of which were used to effect in a deployment of the relevant literature to ground the problem solving approach stated in the proposal Methodical and efficient compilation of diverse and rich sources, all of which were used to effect in a deployment of the relevant literature to create the problem solving approach stated in the proposal

Communication Written Communication 4 1.1; 1.3; 1.4; 3.2; 3.4 Referencing Employs a recognisable academic citation system inaccurately (if at all), with little acknowledgement of sources of information Employs an academic citation system appropriately, with citations used sporadically to acknowledge sources of information Employs an approved academic citation system appropriately, with citations used consistently to acknowledge sources and to provide more information and context Employs an approved academic citation system precisely and appropriately, with citations used in a timely fashion to strenghten an argument, observation or point Employs an approved academic citation system precisely and appropriately, with citations used in a timely fashion and with discernment to add emphasis and substance to an argument, observation or point.