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A capacity paradox in network design and how to avoid it

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  • Yang, Hai
  • Bell, Michael G. H.

Abstract

The network design problem is often alluded to in the transportation literature together with the spectacular example of Braess paradox, which tells us that creating a new link in a congested network or adding capacity to an existing link may actually increase network-wide congestion or user travel costs. In this note we introduce a new paradox pertaining to network design problems. Using a simple network example, we demonstrate that the addition of a new road segment to a road network may actually reduce the potential capacity of the network. We then show how this capacity paradox can be avoided by introducing the concept of network reserve capacity into network design problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Hai & Bell, Michael G. H., 1998. "A capacity paradox in network design and how to avoid it," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 32(7), pages 539-545, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:32:y:1998:i:7:p:539-545
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Penchina, Claude M., 1997. "Braess paradox: Maximum penalty in a minimal critical network," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 379-388, September.
    2. Wong, S. C. & Yang, Hai, 1997. "Reserve capacity of a signal-controlled road network," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 397-402, October.
    3. Carlos F. Daganzo, 1998. "Queue Spillovers in Transportation Networks with a Route Choice," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 32(1), pages 3-11, February.
    4. Pas, Eric I. & Principio, Shari L., 1997. "Braess' paradox: Some new insights," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 265-276, June.
    5. Yang, Hai, 1997. "Sensitivity analysis for the elastic-demand network equilibrium problem with applications," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 55-70, February.
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