Analysis and Optimum Usage of Traffic Count Data in Naturalization of Traffic Parameters of Roads in Iran

Data obtained from traffic count that collected continuously is valuable information for calculation of the traffic parameters. The analysis hour (an appropriate hour for road design) and K-factor (the proportion of AADT that occurs during the peak hour) are the key traffic parameters in the road design process. The method proposed by Highway Capacity Manual and AASHTO geometric design manual based on field studies in America, is the thirtieth peak hours. The purpose of current study is the use of intelligent traffic counts data, to estimate the parameters of the traffic in seven roads with different conditions, topography, users and traffic. In this study, seven roads were analyzed and traffic data and traffic count were collected during 1392. By using total annual traffic equivalent car volume AADT calculated and then analysis hour and the K-factor mathematically calculated based on graphs of descending traffic hours. The results indicate that the percentage of heavy vehicles, the type of road and the main purpose of the trip important factors affect on analysis hour and k-factor.