saturationsflödet

Saturationsflödet, often translated as saturation flow rate, is a fundamental concept in traffic engineering, particularly concerning signalized intersections. It represents the maximum rate at which vehicles can pass through a signalized intersection approach under ideal conditions, assuming a continuous green signal phase. These ideal conditions typically include no opposing traffic, no pedestrians, no turning vehicles, and no heavy vehicles.

The saturation flow rate is usually expressed in vehicles per hour of green time. It is a critical parameter for traffic signal timing design and capacity analysis. By understanding the saturation flow rate, engineers can estimate the potential throughput of an intersection approach and determine appropriate green signal durations to minimize delays and optimize traffic flow.

Factors influencing saturation flow rate include lane width, approach grade, number of lanes, presence of heavy vehicles, and driver behavior. Higher saturation flow rates generally indicate a more efficient intersection approach. When actual observed flow rates are lower than the theoretical saturation flow rate, it often signifies congestion, bottlenecks, or other capacity-reducing conditions. Therefore, saturation flow rate serves as a benchmark against which real-world performance is measured.