Research on Using the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation for Simulation and Visualization of Traffic Processes at the Traffic Node
, Vieroslav Molnár 2, Jan Strohmandl 3, Petra Horváthová 1, David Strnad 1 and Vlastimil Cech 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This study tests the applicability of the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation tool, which is originally used in modelling logistic processes at industrial plants, in simulation and visualization of traffic phenomena at intersections. The idea is interesting and new. However, it is questionable whether this is a significant contribution. My main concerns are as follows.
The figures and related discussions highlight that in terms of "visualization", the tool works well. However, in terms of "traffic simulations" or “simulating traffic processes”, it is not clear if the approach is actually suitable. Microscopic simulation tools are based on underlying microscopic models, e.g., Wiedemann's Car-following Model in VISSIM. There are some variables and parameters, e.g., speed, reaction times, spacing, relative speed, etc. that should be set properly and calibrated using empirical data to obtain a meaningful outcome. It is not clear if the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation tool presented in this paper has the option to set such parameters and calibrate them.
The findings should be validated and at lease verified using empirical data. For example, is there a possibility to draw fundamental diagrams (flow-density, speed-density diagrams) using the data collected from the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation and compare them with fundamental diagrams in existing literature?
Author Response
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Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The article presents the possibility of using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation program to simulate transport processes at the transport node was verified and a methodological procedure was proposed to implement it.
Its content is interesting since it provides a framework that shows how to simulate the detailed transport process to model a transport system of a city. It would be interesting to understand several aspects: like the road and street design impact of traffic, traffic light control and its impact on car flows, and many other interesting studies.
On page 13 it was said: "Next, the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation enables additional SimTalk programming, i.e., practical modelling of any rules for restricting the movement of vehicles at a traffic node. "
It would be interesting if the article provide some examples of what are these rules and their possible impacts on traffic flow.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The authors have addressed the comments provided by the reviewer. Accordingly, the paper has also been improved. I agree that the presented tool can be enhanced and improved in the future to be able to "simulate" traffic. And, this could be the first step. I have the following concerns.
- Fig 21- This is not a flow-density diagram. Please provide a meaningful caption Or remove the figure.
- Limitations of the model (when used to simulate traffic phenomena) should be discussed more comprehensively.
- There should be a separate conclusions section to summarize the findings, significance, and potential applications of this study. Currently, this is (Section 4) more like a discussion or an explanation of the results.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
