Introduction to Problem Solving Using a Monte Carlo Spreadsheet Simulation

At The Citadel, data collection, analysis, and problem solving is taught as part of the technical project management course for junior and senior engineering students. Many real world problems have such a broad scope or are so complicated that they resist a purely analytical solution. One technique for analyzing these complex problems is simulation. This paper describes the efforts to introduce students to spreadsheet-based Monte Carlo simulation modeling to support problem solving. Students can master spread-sheet-based simulation especially easily, and can expand their skill set by being taught to use real world data sets. The instruction introduces students to spreadsheet modeling with excel software and the fundamental aspects of data collection, analysis, and simulation modeling. The instruction aims to provide students with modeling skills to support problem solving. Students can master spread-sheet-based Monte Carlo simulation, and can expand their skill set by doing so. This paper describes the use of spreadsheet-based Monte Carlo simulation and briefly explores the underlying methodology using Excel to support the instruction

Optimization-based assisted calibration of traffic simulation models

Use of traffic simulation has increased in recent decades; and this high-fidelity modelling, along with moving vehicle animation, has allowed transportation decisions to be made with better confidence. During this time, traffic engineers have been encouraged to embrace the process of calibration, in which steps are taken to reconcile simulated and field-observed performance. According to international surveys, experts, and conventional wisdom, existing (non-automated) methods of calibration have been difficult or inadequate. There has been extensive research on improved calibration methods, but many of these efforts have not produced the flexibility and practicality required by real-world engineers. With this in mind, a patent-pending (US 61/859,819) architecture for software-assisted calibration was developed to maximize practicality, flexibility, and ease-of-use. This architecture is called SASCO (i.e. Sensitivity Analysis, Self-Calibration, and Optimization). The original optimization method within SASCO was based on "directed brute force" (DBF) searching; performing exhaustive evaluation of alternatives in a discrete, user-defined search space. Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) has also gained favor as an efficient method for optimizing computationally expensive, "black-box" traffic simulations, and was also implemented within SASCO. This paper uses synthetic and real-world case studies to assess the qualities of DBF and SPSA, so they can be applied in the right situations. SPSA was found to be the fastest method, which is important when calibrating numerous inputs, but DBF was more reliable. Additionally DBF was better than SPSA for sensitivity analysis, and for calibrating complex inputs. Regardless of which optimization method is selected, the SASCO architecture appears to offer a new and practice-ready level of calibration efficiency. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Hale, DK.; Antoniou, C.; Brackstone, M.; Michalaka, D.; Moreno Chou, AT.; Parikh, K. (2015). Optimization-based assisted calibration of traffic simulation models. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies. 55:100-115. doi:10.1016/j.trc.2015.01.018S1001155

A Framework to Promote Diversity & Inclusion in Workforce Development in the Southeast States

69A355174710The lack of workforce diversity has made it challenging for transportation agencies to incorporate resiliency into their long-term plans effectively. This project developed a framework for creating an inclusive and functional workforce environment for transportation agencies in the southeast region. The project identifies existing gaps, predicts future needs, and captures the role transportation agencies, research centers, Departments of Transportations (DOTs), and professional organizations can play to recruit, train, and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce. This research will ultimately contribute to creating a resilient transportation workforce structure in the southeast region. The goal of this project is to present an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) -focused framework for promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce

T5-D: Surveying Courses in CE

All Civil Engineering projects such as roadway construction, building developments, bridges, dams, etc. depend on surveying measurements on the planning, design, and construction phases. Incorporating Surveying courses in the Civil Engineering curriculum is significant so students gain knowledge on how to take measurements, create and read maps (topographic, cadastral, contour and other). In this paper, the methods of instruction for a surveying course and a surveying laboratory along with the learning outcomes and students’ response to the instruction (collected with questionnaires) are described. In addition, questionnaires were given to students who took the surveying courses and then got internships that required surveying skills to evaluate how useful the instruction was to their work environment