CME Urban Infrastructure Design & Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stormwater management technique uses vegetated channels to slow runoff and promote infiltration?
- Detention basin
- Bioswale (Correct answer)
- Riprap channel
- Concrete flume
Correct answer: Bioswale
Bioswales are vegetated, shallow channels designed to slow stormwater runoff and increase infiltration while filtering pollutants.
Question 2: In urban street design, what does the term 'complete streets' primarily refer to?
- Streets with full traffic signal synchronization
- Streets designed to serve all users including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders (Correct answer)
- Streets with no on-street parking
- Streets built to their maximum right-of-way width
Correct answer: Streets designed to serve all users including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders
Complete streets are roadways designed and operated to enable safe access for all users regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a traffic impact analysis (TIA) in urban development?
- To determine road construction costs
- To evaluate the effect of proposed development on surrounding transportation networks (Correct answer)
- To calculate vehicle emissions
- To set speed limits on new roads
Correct answer: To evaluate the effect of proposed development on surrounding transportation networks
A TIA assesses how a proposed development will affect traffic operations on nearby roads and intersections.
Question 4: Which pipe material is most commonly specified for new gravity sanitary sewer mains in urban areas due to its corrosion resistance?
- Cast iron
- PVC (Correct answer)
- Ductile iron
- Galvanized steel
Correct answer: PVC
PVC is widely used for gravity sanitary sewers because it resists corrosion from hydrogen sulfide and sewage acids.
Question 5: In the context of urban water distribution, what is a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) used for?
- Increasing pressure in high-elevation zones
- Lowering downstream pressure to protect pipes and fixtures (Correct answer)
- Measuring flow rates in distribution mains
- Isolating pipe segments during repairs
Correct answer: Lowering downstream pressure to protect pipes and fixtures
PRVs automatically reduce upstream water pressure to a set downstream pressure, protecting infrastructure in low-lying or high-pressure zones.
Question 6: What is the standard minimum horizontal clearance required between a water main and a sanitary sewer in most US municipal codes?
- 2 feet
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
Most US codes require a minimum 10-foot horizontal separation between water mains and sanitary sewers to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 7: Which urban design principle promotes mixing residential, commercial, and civic uses within walkable distances to reduce automobile dependency?
- Euclidean zoning
- Mixed-use development (Correct answer)
- Single-use clustering
- Traffic calming
Correct answer: Mixed-use development
Mixed-use development integrates different land uses in close proximity, enabling residents to walk or bike to daily destinations.
CME Urban Infrastructure Design & Development 2
Which stormwater management technique uses vegetated channels to slow runoff and promote infiltration?