This paper reports current highway design and capacity analysis practices in Brazil. The report focuses on the practices adopted in the state of Sao Paulo by the two authorities in charge of the highway network under the state jurisdiction, DERSA and DER-SP. The paper initially discusses design practices adopted for freeways, divided highways, two-lane highways, and local roads. The paper then reports current highway capacity analysis procedures and discusses applicability problems associated with the use of the HCM for Brazilian roads. These problems include: differences in truck volumes; determination of passenger car equivalents for Brazilian trucks; the use of intersection layouts not widely used in the U.S.A. and Canada; and the need for calibration of speed-flow relationships for Brazilian roads. Preliminary research results provide evidence of the need for adaptations to HCM procedures to improve the applicability of the HCM in Brazil. (A)
Samenvatting