The Application of Simulation to Traffic Design and Dispatcher Testing

Simulation is a popular traffic design tool, but there are many different ways in which it can be applied and the interpretation of results can be difficult. The relationship between round trip time calculations and simulation is explored, demonstrating consistency, but also highlighting why results can be very different. Simulation templates allow hypothetical and measured traffic patterns to be applied in the selection of lifts for new buildings, and in assessing the benefits of modernisation. The strengths and weaknesses of popular templates are discussed. Common misunderstandings are explained. Dispatcher testing can be approached in a similar way to traffic design, but success in sample traffic design simulations does not guarantee consistent performance across a range of traffic conditions and building configurations. A more comprehensive approach is proposed.