BCE Highway 4

Question 1

What is the primary function of a weigh-in-motion (WIM) system installed on a highway?

Accepted Answer

Measure vehicle axle loads without stopping trucks

Answer

WIM systems use embedded sensors to measure dynamic axle loads as vehicles travel at normal speeds, collecting load data for pavement design and enforcement.

Question 2

A vertical sag curve is designed for which primary criterion when located outside of a sag?

Accepted Answer

Headlight sight distance

Answer

Sag curves at night must be long enough so headlight beams illuminate sufficient stopping distance ahead, making headlight sight distance the controlling criterion.

Question 3

Which pavement rehabilitation technique involves removing and replacing only the top layer of an existing asphalt pavement?

Accepted Answer

Mill and overlay

Answer

Mill and overlay grinds off the deteriorated surface layer and places a new hot-mix asphalt overlay, restoring ride quality and surface friction.

Question 4

The stopping sight distance (SSD) on a highway is composed of which two distance components?

Accepted Answer

Perception-reaction distance and braking distance

Answer

SSD equals the distance traveled during perception-reaction time (typically 2.5 s) plus the braking distance to a complete stop.

Question 5

In geometric design, what is the 'K-value' used to characterize a vertical curve?

Accepted Answer

Ratio of curve length to algebraic grade difference

Answer

K = L/|A| where L is curve length and A is the absolute algebraic difference in grades; it simplifies sight distance calculations for crest and sag curves.

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE Highway 4