FE Civil Engineering Exam Prep #2

Question 1

The rate of flow in a force main leaving a stormwater pump station can be measured by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Venturi meter

Answer

A Venturi meter is a specialized device used to measure the flow rate of a fluid in a pipe by creating a constriction that causes a pressure drop. By measuring this pressure difference, the fluid's velocity and, consequently, its volumetric flow rate can be accurately determined. This makes it an effective tool for measuring flow in closed conduits like force mains leaving a stormwater pump station.

Question 2

The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommended stopping sight distances are based on the operation of which type of vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Passenger car

Answer

The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) bases its recommended stopping sight distances primarily on the operational characteristics of a passenger car. This approach ensures that the design standards accommodate the most common type of vehicle on the road. The braking capabilities, driver reaction times, and typical eye heights associated with passenger cars are used as the baseline for these critical safety calculations.

Question 3

Which of the following philosophies is described as follows: “If the behavior of a structure is linearly elastic, the forces acting on it may be separated, and the structure analyzed for separate cases. The final results are found by summing the individual results.”

Accepted Answer

Principle of Superposition

Answer

The Principle of Superposition is a fundamental concept in structural analysis, stating that for a linearly elastic structure subjected to multiple loads, the total response (such as deflections, stresses, or internal forces) at any point is the algebraic sum of the responses caused by each load acting independently. This principle greatly simplifies the analysis of complex loading conditions by allowing engineers to break them down into simpler, manageable cases.

Question 4

Upon which of the following series of elements is a traverse that connects successive points based?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

A traverse is a fundamental surveying method that involves a series of connected lines whose lengths and directions are measured to determine the relative positions of points. The direction of these lines can be expressed using various angular measurements, including bearings (angles from North or South), azimuths (angles clockwise from North), or interior/exterior angles. Therefore, a traverse is based on a combination of angular measurements and distances to define successive points.

Question 5

What is the most common way in which the foundation support cost is expressed when conducting a cost effectiveness analysis of foundation alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Total foundation system cost / load the foundation supports

Answer

When conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis for foundation alternatives, expressing the cost as 'Total foundation system cost / load the foundation supports' provides the most meaningful comparison. This metric normalizes the cost against the primary function of the foundation – supporting a load – allowing engineers to directly assess the economic efficiency of different foundation designs in terms of their load-bearing capacity.

Uncategorized Practice Test

Uncategorized Practice Test

FE Civil Engineering Exam Prep #2