BCE Highway 3

Question 1

On a two-lane highway, passing sight distance must be sufficient for a vehicle to safely pass another vehicle traveling at what assumed speed relative to the passing vehicle?

Accepted Answer

10 mph slower

Answer

AASHTO assumes the passed vehicle travels 10 mph below the design speed while the passing vehicle travels at design speed.

Question 2

What is the typical maximum grade allowed on an Interstate highway in flat terrain according to AASHTO Green Book?

Accepted Answer

3%

Answer

AASHTO limits maximum grade to 3% on Interstates in flat terrain to maintain acceptable level of service for trucks.

Question 3

The equivalent single axle load (ESAL) concept was developed to compare the damaging effect of different axle loads to which standard axle?

Accepted Answer

18,000-lb single axle

Answer

ESAL converts all axle loads to equivalent repetitions of an 18,000-lb (80 kN) single axle load for pavement design purposes.

Question 4

In traffic engineering, the 85th percentile speed is used primarily for which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Setting speed limits

Answer

The 85th percentile speed reflects the speed at or below which 85% of drivers travel and is a key basis for setting posted speed limits.

Question 5

Which drainage structure is typically used to carry highway runoff water under the roadway from one side to the other?

Accepted Answer

Culvert

Answer

Culverts are enclosed conduits placed beneath embankments to allow stormwater to cross from the upslope to the downslope side of the road.

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE Highway 3