Evaluation of Street‐Canyon Carbon Monoxide—Dispersion Simulation Model

Abstract

This paper reports on the evaluation of a dispersion simulation model that predicts carbon monoxide (CO), concentrations in urban street canyons. The distribution characteristics of vehicle‐generated carbon monoxide concentrations measured at six major urban arterials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia are presented. The maximum 1‐hour and 8‐hour CO concentrations monitored annually over a three‐year period, are shown. The structure of the composite street canyon model that was used to predict the hourly concentrations of carbon monoxide at study arterials is discussed. A comparative analysis of predicted versus measured concentrations is made. The model, although unsophisticated, predicts CO levels that agree reasonably well with the values measured in Riyadh. The model is felt to be generally applicable to the conditions of the rapidly developing urban areas of the Persian Gulf.