PE Civil Exam 40-Mix Questions & Answers (PDF Format) For Breath Exam (Morning Session) Set #-3

PECivilExam.
com

Copyright 2008-2012 Pecivi lexam.com all right s reserved- Breadth Exam Set #3
1

PE Civil Exam 40-Mix Questions & Answers (pdf Format)
For Breath Exam (Morning Session) Set #-3

PECivilExam.com

2
Breadth Exam (morning session): This practice exam contains 40 mixed
questions and answers, each set being from all five areas of civil
engineering:

Table Contents: Page

1. Construction-8 Q & A 3

2. Geotechnical-8 Q & A 11

3. Structural-8 Q & A 21
4. Transportation-8 Q & A 25
5. Water Resources and Environmental-8 Q & A 39

PECivilExam.com

3
I. Construction

1. PROBLEM (Earth Work)

A borrow pit contour elevation has been shown in the figure; it has to be
cut. What is the average volume (yds
3
) cut from the borrow pit?
.

a. V=11333 yds
3

b. V=5666 yds
3

c. V=7536 yds
3

d. V=2833 yds
3

1. Solution:

Area of each grid, A=60x60=3600 ft
2

V=(1x5+2x7+1x9+2x6+1x5+1x7+3x8+1x9) x [(3600/(4x27)]=2833 yds
3

Total Volume of Borrow pit, V=2833 yds
3

Correct Answer is (d)

PECivilExam.com

4
2 PROBLEM (Earth Work)

AS shown in the Figure, the embankment has to be constructed, the soils
dry unit weight is 106 lb/ft
3
, moister content is 12.5%. The average area
is A1= 625 ft
2
at station 5+00 and A2=560 ft
2
at station 7+00. What is
the volume (yd
3
) of embankment?

a. V=2194 yd
3

b. V=4389 yd
3

c. V=3567 yd
3

d. V=7895 yd
3

2 Solution:

L=700-500=200 ft
Embankment volume (yd
3
), V = {(A1+A2)/2} x L/27
V = {(625+560)/2} x 200/27=4389 yd
3

Correct Answer is (b)

PECivilExam.com

5

3. PROBLEM (Quantity Estimate)

Find the weight for a 26 gage 14" galvanized spiral duct work which is 150'
long with a 15% waste for bracing, hangers, waste, and seams.

a. 574 lbs
b. 551 lbs
c. 633 lbs
d. 474 lbs

3. Solution:

Galvanized Sheet, Weight per Unit
Area=0.9062 lbs/ft
Duct Length, L=150 ft
Duct diameter, D=14" /12 = 1.17 ft.
Duct perimeter, P=D= 3.14 x 1.17
=3.68 ft.
Total duct area, A=PxL = 3.68 x150
=551 sq. ft.
Add 15% waste for bracing, hangers,
waste, and seams
Area =551 x (1 + 15%)
= 633.73 sq. ft.
Weight = 633.73x 0.906 = 574 lbs.

Correct Answer is (a)

Gauge
Number
Steel
Weight
in
pounds
per
square
foot
US
Standard
Gauge:
thickness
in inches
Manufactu
rers'
Standard:
thickness
in inches
Galvanized
Sheet:
weight in
lbs/sq ft
Stainless
Steel:
weight in
lbs/sq ft
10 5.62 0.1406 0.1345 5.7812 5.7937
11 5 0.125 0.1196 5.1562 5.15
12 4.37 0.1094 0.1046 4.5312 4.5063
13 3.75 0.0937 0.0897 3.9062 3.8625
14 3.12 0.0781 0.0747 3.2812 3.2187
15 2.81 0.0703 0.0673 2.9687 2.8968
16 2.5 0.0625 0.0598 2.6562 2.575
17 2.25 0.0562 0.0538 2.4062 2.3175
18 2 0.05 0.0478 2.1562 2.06
19 1.75 0.0437 0.0418 1.9062 1.8025
20 1.5 0.0375 0.0359 1.6562 1.545
21 1.37 0.0344 0.0329 1.5312 1.416
22 1.25 0.0312 0.0299 1.4062 1.2875
23 1.12 0.0281 0.0269 1.2812 1.1587
24 1 0.025 0.0239 1.1562 1.03
25 0.875 0.0219 0.0209 1.0312 0.9013
26 0.75 0.0187 0.0179 0.9062 0.7725
27 0.687 0.0172 0.0164 0.8437 0.7081
28 0.625 0.0156 0.0149 0.7812 0.6438
29 0.562 0.0141 0.0135 0.7187 0.5794
30 0.5 0.0125 0.012 0.6562 0.515

PECivilExam.com

6

4. PROBLEM (Material Testing)

Which of the following statements is not true for measuring asphalt bitumen
test?

a. The penetration test has performed to measures the consistency
(hardness) of asphalt at a specified test condition.
b. The flash point test determines the temperature to which an asphalt can
be safely heated in the presence of an open flame
c. The bitumen content of a bituminous material is measured by means of
its solubility in Carbon Dioxide.
d. The ductility test can measures the distance a standard asphalt sample
will stretch without breaking under a standard testing condition (5
cm/min at 25 C).

4. Solution:

C is not true. The bitumen content of a bituminous material is measured
by means of its solubility in Carbon Disulfide.

Correct Answer is (c)

PECivilExam.com

7
5. PROBLEM (Quantity Take-Off)

A 5- storied apartment building has to be built, building footings layout with cross-
section is shown in the Figure. How much volume of concrete is required for
building the foundation up to Ground Level (G.L.) with a 10% wastage?

a. 351 ft
3

b. 324 ft
3

c. 342 ft
3

d. 376 ft
3

5. Solution:

Total number of footing =9 Nos.
Volume of each footing with extended column= 6x6x1+1x1(3-1) =38ft
3

Total volume= 38x9x (1+10% wastage) =376.2 ft
3

PECivilExam.com

8
6. PROBLEM (Time-Cost Trade-Off)

A subcontractor has the task of erecting 8000 square meter of metals scaffolds. The
contractor can use several crews with various costs. It is expected that the
production will vary with the crew size as given below:

Estimated daily
production
(square meter)
Crew size
(men)
Crew formation
160

5

1 scaffold set, 2 labors, 2 carpenter, 1
foreman
200

6

foreman
240

7

foreman

Consider the following rates:
Scaffolding $70/day;
Labor $90/day;
Carpenter $130/day and
Foreman $140/day.
Determine the least direct cost of this activity considering the different crews
formation.

a. $32400.00
b. $32500.00
c. $32900.00
d. $32300.00

6. Solution:

The calculations are shown in the following table.

Crew size Duration (days)

Cost ($)
5

8000/160=50 days

50 x (1x70 + 2x90 + 2x130 + 1x140) =
32500

6

8000/200=40 days

40 x (2x70 + 3x90 + 2x130 + 1x140) =
32400

7

8000/230=35 days

35 x (2x70 + 3x90 + 3x130 + 1x140) =
32900

PECivilExam.com

9
7. PROBLEM (Site Layout And Control)

All residential developments areas to provide two Deep Soil Zones (D.S.Z); one to
the rear and one to the front of the property. Which of the following statements is
not true for the Deep Soil Zones (D.S.Z)?

a. Rear Deep Soil Zones are to have minimum width of 8m or 30% of the average
width of the site which ever is the greater and a minimum depth of 18% of the
length of the site up to 8m but not less than 5.5m. Greater than 8m may be
provided if desirable.
b. Deep Soil Zones must be provided for all new developments only, except on
large lot rural or agriculturally zoned land.
c. Front Deep Soil Zones are to be the width of the site boundary minus the
driveway width and the pathway width by the front setback depth.
d. Deep Soil Zones cannot be covered by impervious surfaces such as concrete,
terraces, outbuildings or other structures.

7. Solution:

Deep Soil Zones must be provided for all new developments and existing
development, except on large lot rural or agriculturally zoned land.


PECivilExam.com

10
8. PROBLEM (Site Layout And Control)

Which of the following statements is not applicable for Temporary Access Roads
Construction?

a. Temporary roads shall follow the contour of the natural terrain to the extent
possible. Slopes should not exceed 10 percent.
b. A 6-inch course of Coarse Aggregate shall be applied immediately after
grading or the completion of utility installation within the right-of-way. Filter
fabric may be applied to the roadbed for additional stability.
c. Roadbeds shall be at least 12 feet wide for one-way traffic and 18 feet wide
for two-way traffic.
d. All cuts and fills shall be 2:1 or flatter to the extent possible.

8. Solution:

Roadbeds shall be at least 14 feet wide for one-way traffic and 20 feet wide for
two-way traffic.


PECivilExam.com

11
II. Geotechnical

9. PROBLEM (Soil Classification)

A soil sample has the following properties by the Unified Soil Classification System.
LL = 42, PL = 31. What is the soil classification?

a. CH
b. MH
c. ML
d. CL

9. Solution: From plasticity Chart, LL=42, PL=31; PI=42-31=11, ML.

PECivilExam.com

12
10. PROBLEM (Boring Log Interpretation)

Which of the following statements is not satisfactory for boring log
interpretation?

PECivilExam.com

13
a. The blows/foot is number of times the 140 lbs drive weight dropped 30
inches needs to penetrate one foot. The 37 blows per foot confirm the
description of dense or well-compacted soil.
b. The moisture content range of 1.2 to 5.7% means the soil has enough
moisture and will not require a lot of water to achieve compaction.
c. The dry density in the top 4 feet is 127.7 pound per cubic foot (PCF). This
indicates a well-graded soil with a low void ratio. It can be expected to have
significant cohesion and friction angle
d. The soil between 5 and 8 feet of depth has a dry density of only 96.8 pcf.
This indicates the soil is poorly graded and a low percentage of fines. This
soil will probably have little or no cohesion. That means it may not stand on a
construction slope as steep as 1H to 1V.
10. Solution:
Statement b is not satisfactory
The moisture content range of 1.2 to 5.7% means the soil is very dry and will
require a lot of water to achieve compaction.


PECivilExam.com

14
11. PROBLEM (Soil Compaction)
A road project requires a fill to be compacted to 95% of its relative density with
relation to the standard Proctor (ASTM D698). The laboratory results for the
standard Proctor indicated that the soil has a maximum dry density of 121 lb/ft
3
,
and an optimum moisture content of 9.0%.
After the compaction of the fill soils with a vibratory roller, field testing with a sand
cone, nuclear densio-meter, or other appropriate methods indicated that the
compacted fill soils have an in-place unit weight of 124.00 lb/ft
3
, and a moisture
content of 7.0%. Calculate the relative compaction, and does the compacted fill
exceed project requirements or not?
a 94.60% < 95%
b 95.30% > 95%
c 95.01% 95%
d. 96.10% > 95%

11. Solution:
Maximum dry density,
m
= 121 lbs/ft
3

Optimum moisture content, m
o
= 9.0%
In-situ density, = 124 lbs/ft
3

In-situ moisture content, m = 7.0%
Required relative compaction per project specifications, R
d
= 95%
R
d
= d
m
Dry density of the in-situ soil,
d
= - (m)
100

d
=124.0 lb/ft
3
- 124.0 lb/ft
3
x (7.0%) = 115.32 lb/ft
3

100
R
d
= 115.32 lb/ft
3
= 95.30% > 95% OK
121 lb/ft
3

The compacted fill exceeds project requirements of at least 95% relative density


PECivilExam.com

15
12 . PROBLEM (Lateral Earth Pressure)
Using the Rankine analysis, determine the lateral earth pressures due to
earthquakes on a 8 ft rigid concrete retaining wall. The free draining gravel backfill
has a soil unit weight, , of 132 lb/ft
3
, and an angle of internal friction, |, of 33
degrees. The retaining wall will be constructed for passive conditions.
a. 3056 lb/ft
b. 5080 lb/ft
c. 7020 lb/ft
d. 8078 lb/ft

12. Solution:

Unit weight of soil backfill,

= 132 lbs/ft
3

Angle of Internal Friction, | = 33 degrees
Wall height, H = 8 ft
Passive case (wall moves toward retained soil)

Coefficient for passive conditions, K
K = K
P
= (1 + sin |) = (1 + sin 33) = 3.40
(1 - sin |) (1 - sin 33)
Lateral earth pressure due to earthquakes,
P
e
= 3 K
h
H
2

8
Earthquake coefficient, K
h
= 3 K = 3 (3.40) = 2.55
4 4
P
e
= 3 K
h
H
2

8
= 3 (2.55) x (132 lb/ft
3
) x (8 ft)
2
= 8078 lb/ft
8

PECivilExam.com

16

13. PROBLEM (Vertical Stress, Pore Pressure & Effective Stress)
Calculate the change in vertical stress at 3 ft below the middle of a 6 ft x 9 ft
rectangular foundation. Using the Boussinesq theory and chart. The applied building
load on this foundation is 3200 lb/ft
2
.
a. 2768 lb/ft
2

b. 2134 lb/ft
2

c. 2585 lb/ft
2

d. 1790 lb/ft
2

13. Solution:
z = 3 ft
q = 3200 lb/ft
2

Rectangular footing size, 6 ft x 9 ft
oA
=
=P
v

P
v
= summation of all stress components (i.e. P
v1
+ P
v2
+ .... + P
vn
). In this case,
we analyze the foundation in 4 equal but separate quadrants. Instead of a single 6
ft x 9 ft foundation, we have 4 separate 3 ft x 4.5 ft quadrants. This is done so that
one corner of each quadrant is located in the center of the footing.
4P
v
= 4q I
o
Since the quadrants have equal dimensions with the same applied load,
we simply multiply the equation by 4 (4 quadrants).
oA
=
= P
v
= 4P
v
= 4q I
o

m = x = 4.5 ft = 1.5
z 3.0 ft
n = y = 3.0 ft = 1.0
z 3.0 ft
PECivilExam.com

17

I
o
= 0.202, Influence value from Boussinesq chart, where m = 1.5 and n= 1.0.
oA
=
= 4q I
o
= 4(3200 lb/ft
2
)(0.202) = 2585 lb/ft
2

PECivilExam.com

18
14. PROBLEM (Settlement)

Determine the consolidation settlement at the center of the clay layer of the mat
(30m x 40m) foundation shown in the Figure. Given, the total effective stress,
=220 KN/m
2
and the average effective stress increased due to the foundation
load, =90 KN/m
2
at the center of the clay layer.

a. 345.00 mm
b. 275.00 mm
c. 187.00 mm
d. 141.00 mm

14. Solution:
=220 KN/m2, =90 KN/m2, Cc=0.29 and eo=0.85
Settlement, Sc={CcHc/(1+eo)}log {(+ )/ }
Sc={0.29 x 8/(1+.85)}log {(220+ 90)/ 220}*1000=186.77 mm

Correct Solution is (c)
PECivilExam.com

19
15. PROBLEM (Gravity Wall)

Determine the active earth pressure for the following retaining wall, H=18 feet.
Where, the unit weight of the soil is = 120 lb/ft
3
, = 9
o
and =32
o
.

a. 11 Kip/ft
b. 4 Kip/ft
c. 8 Kip/ft
d. 14 Kip/ft

15. Solution:

K
A
=[cos32
o
/(cos9
o
+{sin(32
o
+9
o
) sin9
o
}]
2

K
A
=[0.848 /(0.987 +0.320)]
2
=0.42
P
A
= 1/2 K
A
H
2
=.5 x 120 x .42 x 18
2
= 8183.45 lb/ft =8.183 Kip/ft

Correct Solution is (c)

PECivilExam.com

20
16. PROBLEM (Braced And Anchored Excavations)

Determine the tension of the tie rods T if they are spaced at 2 meters from the
center of the anchored sheet pile wall shown in Figure. The unit weight of soil is =
15.0

kN /m
3
.

a. 123.00 kN
b. 345.00 kN
c. 176.00 kN
d. 288.00 kN

16. Solution:

Tie rods are spaced at 2 meter center to center
= 15.0

kN /m
3
Pa= 1/2 Ka H
2
a=1/2 x 15.00 x 0.33 x 9
2
= 200.48 kN/m (horizontal)
Taking moment at tie rod for mobilized passive resistance
Pp x (9-1-1.5)= Pa x (9-3-1.5)
Pp x 6.5= 200.48 x 4.5
Pp= 138.79 kN/m
Tension of the Rods, T= (200.48-138.79) x 2=123.38 kN

Correct Solution is (a)
PECivilExam.com

21

III. STRUCTURAL

17. PROBLEM (Loadings)

In a building column the axial forces are determined as 180 kips of dead load, 100
kips of floor live load, 50 kips from the roof snow load. Determine the required
strength of the column without wind & earthquake load. Using the combination load
specified by AISCs Manual of Steel Construction.

a. 241.00 kips
b. 458.00 kips
c. 346.00 kips
d. 401.00kips

17. Solution:

Given, D=180 kips, L=100 kips, S=50 kips, W=0.0 kips, & E=0.0 Kips

The following load combinations are provided by AISCs Manual of Steel
Construction.

Lr = Roof live load, S = Snow load, R = Rainwater nominal load

Combination of load:

1.2 D + 1.6 L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R)= 1.2 x180 + 1.6 x 100 +0.5 (50)= 401 kips

1.2 D + 1.6 (Lr or S or R) + (0.5 L or 0.8 W)
= 1.2 x180 + 1.6 x (50) +0.5 x 100=346.00 kips

1.2 D + 1.6 W + 0.5 L + 0.5 (Lr or S or R)= 1.2 x180 + 0.0 + 0.5 x (50)=241 kips

The required strength for the column is 401 kips.


PECivilExam.com

22

18. PROBLEM (Loading)

Determine the dead load acting on the shown in the Figure steel beam with
concrete slab & floor tiles as shown in the Figure. The tiles flooring is 3 thick with
cement mortar.

W18x97
6 inch concrete slab
Flooring
6 ft

a. 772 lb/ft
b. 630 lb/ft
c. 727 lb/ft
d. 547 lb/ft ft

18. Solution:

Considering, cement mortar & tiles unit weight is 120 lb/ft
3

and
Concrete slab unit weight is 150 lb/ft
3

Steel Beam weight = 97 lb/ft
Weight of concrete slab = 150 x 6/12 x 6 = 450 lb/ft
Weight of tiles flooring = 120 x 3/12 x 6 = 180 lb/ft
Total dead weight = 727 lb/ft


PECivilExam.com

23
19. PROBLEM (Analysis)
Determine the reaction of Y
A
in the frame as shown in Figure.

a. -6.25 K
b. 6.25 K
c. 31.25 K
d. -12.5 K

19. Solution:
Positive moment is in the clockwise direction
M
A
=0,
5 x 15 x (15/2) + 25 x15-Y
D
x30=0
Y
D
= 31.25 K
H=0, Y
D
+ Y
A
-25=0,
Y
A
=-31.25+25= -6.25 K

PECivilExam.com

24
20. PROBLEM (Member Design)

Determine the ultimate load, Q
ult
of a rectangular footing that is 6x 4 and eccentric
shown in the Figure where, soil unit weight is = 120 lb/ft
3
, and the ultimate
bearing capacity is q
u
=3200 lb/ft
2
, eB=1.5 and eL=1.75.

a. 76.8.0 Kips
b. 48.0 Kips
c. 22.5 Kips
d. 25.4 Kips

20. Solution:

Where, eL/L=1.75/6= 0.292> 1/6, and eB/B=1.5/4= 0.375>1/6;
Therefore,
B1=B(1.5-3eB/B)= 4(1.5-3 x 1.5/4)= 3.750 ft
L1=L(1.5-3eL/L)= 6(1.5-3 x 1.75/6)= 3.750 ft
Effective Area, A=1/2(L1B1)=1/2 (3.750 x 3.750)= 7.03 ft
2

q'
u
=3200 lb/ft
2

Therefore, Q
ult
= Ax q'
u
= 7.03 x 3200= 22496=22.5 Kips


PECivilExam.com

25
21. PROBLEM (Mechanics Of Materials)

Which moment is not correct as shown in the following diagrams?

a. -450 K-ft

b. -650 K-ft
c. -800 K-ft
d. -700 K-ft

21. Solution:

c is not correct
M at support=0, Moment, M= -(10 x10 x 10/2) + -(20 x 20)=900 K-ft
PECivilExam.com

26

Determine the maximum shear for the simply supported reinforced concrete beam
shown with a dead load of 1.5 k/ft and a live load of 2.0 k/ft. Assume that the point
of reaction is at the end of the beam.

a. 48.00 k

b. 78.00 k
c. 56.00 k
d. 72.00 k

22. Solution:

Self weight = (12/12 ft) x (27/12 ft) x 150 lb/ft
3
= 338 lb/ft = 0.34 k/ft
Wu = 1.4 (1.5 k/ft + 0.34 k/ft) + 1.7 (2 k/ft) = 5.98 k/ft
Vu (max) is at the ends = WuL/2 = 5.98 k/ft x (24 ft)/2 = 71.71 k

PECivilExam.com

27

Determine the capacity of an 18 x 18 column with 10-#8 bars, tied. Grade 40
steel and 3,000 psi concrete.

a 731 kips

b 450 kips
c 340 kips
d 825 kips

23. Solution:

Given, Grade 40 reinforcement has fy = 40,000 psi and fc = 3,000psi

Find Pn, with =0.65 and Pn = 0.80Po for tied columns and

P
0
= 0.85 f
c
( A
g
A
st
) + f
s
A
st

Vertical steel area for #10 bar, A= 3.14/4 x {(8/8)
2
}=0 .78 in
2

Ast = 10 bars (0.78 in2) = 7.8 in
2

Concrete area (gross): Ag = 18 in 18 in = 324 in
2

Pn = (0.65)(0.80)[0.85 x (3000) x (324 7.8) + 40,000 x 7.8]

= 731,281 lb = 731 kips


PECivilExam.com

28

24. PROBLEM (Mechanics Of Materials)

Check the adequacy of the shown tension element where, fy=60 ksi. Considering,
the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method.
Where, T
n
, is the nominal strength of the member
T
u
, is the Ultimate strength of the member.
|
t
is the resistance factor, |
t
=0.9 for cross-section yielding

L=100 kips
D=60 kips
Bar 6 in x 0.75 in

a. |
t
T
n
=210 kips <T
u
= 232 kips

b. |
t
T
n
=243 kips >T
u
=232 kips
c. |
t
T
n
=243 kips >T
u
=210 kips
d. |
t
T
n
=310 kips >T
u
=280 kips

24. Solution:

Given, DL= 60 kips, LL= 100 kips
T
n
, is the nominal strength of the member

t n u
T T >
|
t
is the resistance factor taken as: |
t
=0.9
F
y
=Steel yield strength=60 ksi
A
g
=Gross area of section=(6 x 0.75) in
2

T
u
=1.2D +1.6L =1.2*60 +1.6*100 =232 kips
T
n
=F
y
x A
g
=60 x 6 x 0.75 =270 kips
|
t
T
n
=0.9*270 =243 kips >T
u
=232 kips OK


PECivilExam.com

29
IV. TRANSPORTATION

25. PROBLEM (Horizontal Curve)

A curving highway has a design speed of 120 km/hr. At one horizontal curve, the
super-elevation has been set at 8.0% and the coefficient of the side friction is found
to be 0.12. Determine the minimum radius of the curve that will provide a safe
vehicle.
a. 530 meters

b. 495 meters
c. 567 meters
d. 642 meters

25. Solution:
Design speed, V = 120 km/hr
Super-elevation, e = 8%
Coefficient of side friction, f = 0.12
Minimum radius, R
R = V
2
/(127(e/100+f))=(120)
2
/(127x(.08+0.12))=566.92 meters

PECivilExam.com

30

26. PROBLEM (Horizontal Curve Sight Distance)
A large elevated object is located 46 feet from the centerline of a two-lane highway,
which has 12-foot wide lanes. The elevator is situated on the inside of a horizontal
curve with a radius of 600 feet. Assuming that the elevated object is the only sight
restriction on the curve. What is the minimum sight distance along the curve,
where degree of the curve 12 turns out?
a 351 ft

b 257 ft
c 405 ft
d 461 ft

26. Solution
Distance from the center of the inside lane to the object, M = 46-12/2=40 ft.
Degree of the curve, D = 12
Radius of the curve, R = 600 ft
Sight distance (ft), S
M = R - Rcos(SD/200)
(SD/200)=cos
-1
((R-M)/R)= cos
-1
((600-40)/600)=21.03
S=(21.03x200)/12=350.65 ft.

PECivilExam.com

31

27. PROBLEM (Passing Sight Distance)
A vehicle moving at a speed of 50 mph is slowing traffic on a two-lane
highway. What passing sight distance is necessary, in order for a passing maneuver
to be carried out safely? Please assume that the passing vehicle accelerates to
passing speed before moving into the left lane.
The following variables have the values given:
Passing vehicle driver's perception/reaction time = 2.5 sec
Passing vehicle's acceleration rate = 1.47 mph/sec
Initial speed of passing vehicle = 50 mph
Passing speed of passing vehicle = 60 mph
Speed of slow vehicle = 50 mph
Speed of opposing vehicle = 60 mph
Length of passing vehicle = 22 ft
Length of slow vehicle = 22 ft
Clearance distance between passing and slow vehicles at lane change = 20 ft
Clearance distance between passing and slow vehicles at lane re-entry = 20 ft
Clearance distance between passing and opposing vehicles at lane re-entry = 250 ft

a. 1500 ft

b. 1900 ft
c. 1600 ft
d. 1800 ft

27. Solution:
Calculate the passing sight distance, D1
V = 73.3 ft/sec (50 mph)
T=2.5 sec
Vf = 88 ft/sec (60 mph)
Ui = 73.3 ft/sec (50 mph),
A = 2.16 ft/sec/sec (1.47 mph/sec).
S1=VT= 183.3 feet.
Distance D is computed using the equation, Vf
2
=Ui
2
+ 2AD
D= (Vf
2-
Ui
2
)/2A=(88
2
-73.3
2
)/2x2.16=548.86 ft
D1=S+D=183.3+548.86=732.16 ft

PECivilExam.com

32

The passing sight distance is the distance D2, which is defined as the distance that
the passing vehicle travels while in the left lane.
Where, V2 = 14.67 ft/sec (60mph-50mph=10 mph = relative speed of passing
vehicle with reference point on the slow vehicle).
S2 = 20 ft + 22 ft + 22 ft. + 20 ft =84 ft
S2=V2T,
T2=S2/V2=84/14.67=5.73 sec.
V = 88 ft./sec. (60 mph)
D2= VT2=88x5.73=504.24 ft
The distance, D3=250 ft. is the clearance distance between the passing vehicle and
the opposing vehicle at the moment the passing vehicle returns to the right lane.
The passing sight distance D4 is defined as the distance the opposing vehicle
travels during 66% of the time that the passing vehicle is in the left lane.
V = 88 ft./sec. (60 mph) and T4 = 3.7 seconds (5.7*66%).
D4=VT4=88*3.7=325.6 ft
The total passing sight distance, D=D1 + D2 + D3 + D4=1812 ft.

PECivilExam.com

33
28. PROBLEM (Ascending Grades)
A highway, with traffic normally runs at 60 mph has an inclined section with a 4%
grade, how much can the elevation of the roadway increase before the speed of the
larger vehicles is reduced to 50 mph?
a. 32 ft

b. 50 ft
c. 40 ft
d. 26 ft
28. Solution
From Graph in the Ascending Grades module, we can see that a 4% grade causes a
reduction in speed of (60 mph-50 mph)=10 mph after 1250 feet.

We can just estimate the elevation increase by multiplying the length of the grade
by the grade.
H= 1250x0.04 = 50 ft.
The elevation of the roadway can only be increased by about 40 feet before heavy
vehicles are reduced to a speed of 50 mph.
PECivilExam.com

34
29. PROBLEM (Sag Vertical Curves)
A stopping sight distance of 450 ft. is to be maintained on a sag vertical curve with
tangent grades of -3% and 0%, what should the length of the curve be? Assume a
headlight beam has an upward divergence angle of 1.
a. 465 ft

b. 243ft
c. 287 ft
d. 356 ft
29. Solution

Sight distance, S = 450 ft.
Beam upward divergence, B = 1
Assumed Height of the headlights, H = 2 ft
Change in grade, A = 3% (|G2-G1|
If S > L then

L=2x450-(200 x (2+450 x tan1))/3%=900-657=243 ft
If S < L then (invalid because L < S)

Curve length, L=243 ft


PECivilExam.com

35
30. PROBLEM (Vertical Clearances)
A bridge is being designed to pass over a rural two-lane highway with a design
speed of 60 mph. The section of the two-lane highway where the bridge crosses
over is an 1800 foot vertical sag curve with
A = 3.5. What is the bridge clearance height?

a. 10.50 ft

b. 12.4 ft
c. 16.5 ft
d. 18.6 ft
30. Solution
Design
Speed Km/h
Passing
Distance (m)
Design
Speed mph
Passing
Distance (ft)
30 200 20 710
40 270 25 900
50 345 30 1090
60 410 35 1280
70 485 40 1470
80 540 45 1625
90 615 50 1835
100 670 55 1985
110 730 60 2135
120 775 65 2285
130 815 70 2480
140 75 2580
From Green book table, passing sight distance for a design speed of 60 mph is
2,135 feet
Therefore, S=2135 ft
L=1800 ft
A=3.5
Bridge clearance height, H

Here, S> L,
S=L/2+400(H-5.75)/A=2273.17 ft

2135=1800/2+400(H-5.75)/3.5
Or, 400(M-5.75)=(2135-900)x 3.5
H=16.55 ft.
Bridge clearance height is 16.55 feet
PECivilExam.com

36
31. PROBLEM (Horizontal Curve)
A horizontal curve is designed with a 600 m radius and is known to have a tangent
length of 52 m. The PI is at station 200+00. Determine the stationing of the PT.
a. PT=200+52

b. PT=200+80
c. PT=200+34
d. PT=199+48

31. Solution:

PC=PI-T=(200+00)-(0+52)=199+48

PT=PC+L=(199+48)+(1+04)=200+52

PECivilExam.com

37
32. PROBLEM (Acceleration And Deceleration)
A racecar is speeding down a level straightaway at 100 km/hr. The car has a
coefficient of drag of 0.3, a frontal area of 1.5 m
2
, a weight of 10 kN, a wheelbase
of 3 meters, and a center of gravity 0.5 meters above the roadway surface, which
is 1 meter behind the front axle. The air density is 1.054 kg/m
3
and the coefficient
of road adhesion is 0.6. What is the rate of acceleration for the vehicle?
a. 2.35 m/sce
2

b. 2.25 m/sce
2

c. 1.45 m/sce
2

d. 1.15 m/sce
2

32. Solution:
Use the force balancing equation to solve for a.

Since the straightaway is a level one, the grade is zero,

Aerodynamic resistance is computed:

Rolling resistance is computed:

Tractive Effort is computed:

Looking back to the force balancing equation:

Divide out mass, which can be computed from weight by dividing out gravity.
PECivilExam.com

38

Thus, divide mass from the force and acceleration can be found.

Thus, the vehicle is accelerating at a rate of 1.43 meters per second squared.


PECivilExam.com

39
V. WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

33. PROBLEM (Energy And/or Continuity Equation)

Determine the height of water in a column that produces a gauge pressure of 16
psi.

a. 235 ft
b. 32 ft
c. 37 ft
d. 998 ft

33. Solution:

The relationship between the height of a column of water and the resulting pressure
is 2.31 ft of water produces 1 psi.

Ht = P x 2.31 = 16 (psi) x 2.31 (ft/psi) = 36.96 ft.


PECivilExam.com

40
34. PROBLEM (Friction and/or Minor Losses)

Determine the pipe friction loss of irrigation systems in 2000 ft of 10-inch diameter
Class 160 PVC pipe if the flow rate is 1000 gpm.

a. 16.4 ft
b. 12.5 ft
c. 8.6 ft
d. 9.5 ft

34. Solution:

The Hazen-Williams equation, with C = 150 (for plastic pipes), is generally suitable
for irrigation systems and can be expressed as,

Hf = [{0.000977 x (Q)
1.852
}/(D)
4.871
] x L

Where,

Hf = Friction loss (feet)
Q = Flow rate (1000.0 gpm)
D = Diameter (10-inches)
L = Length of pipe (2000.0 feet)
Hf = [{0.000977 x (1000)
1.852
}/(10)
4.871
]x 1000
Hf = 9.46 ft


PECivilExam.com

41
35. PROBLEM (Pressure Conduit)

For an 10-inch Class 160 PVC pipeline that is 4000 feet long and has a flow rate of
1200 gpm, compare the potential surge pressure caused when a butterfly valve is
closed (in 10 seconds) to a gate valve that requires 30 seconds to close.

Butterfly Valve Gate Valve

a. 135 psi 45 psi
b. 198 psi 68 psi
c. 375 psi 125 psi
d. 415 psi 135 psi

35. Solution:

P = 0.028 (Q x L)/(D
2
x T)

Where,

Q = Flow rate (1200 gpm)
D = Pipe Diameter. (10 inches)
L = Length of pipeline (4000 feet)
Tb = Time to close Butterfly valve (10 seconds)
Tg = Time to close Gate valve (30 seconds)
P = Surge pressure (psi)?

Surge pressure for Butterfly Valve,
Pbv = 0.028 x (1200 x 4000) / (10
2
x 10)=135 psi

Surge pressure for Gate Valve (Pgv),
Pgv = 0.028 x (1200 x 4000) / (10
2
x 30)=45 psi


PECivilExam.com

42

36. PROBLEM (Energy Dissipation)

A box culvert, W=2400 mm by L=1800 mm, Q=24.0 m
3
/sec, supercritical flow in
culvert, the normal flow depth = brink depth is yo =1.3 m, the tail water depth is
TW=0.90 m. What is length of the energy dissipating pool if d
50
/ye =0.45?

a. 20.8 m
b. 16.4 m
c. 13.6 m
d. 7.2 m
PECivilExam.com

43

36. Solution:

W
0
=2400mm=2.40m

yo =ye for rectangular section, ye =1.3 m

Vo =Q/A=24.0/(2.40 x 1.3)=7.69 m/s

Fr=Vo /[(9.81)(ye )]
1/2
=7.69/[(9.81)(1.3)]
1/2
=2.15

TW/ye =0.9/1.3=0.69, TW/ye <0.75 O.K.

Given, d
50
/ye =0.45, d
50
=(0.45) (1.3)=0.58 m

From Graph hS /ye =1.6

hS =(1.3)(1.6)=2.08 m

hS /d
50
=2.08/0.58 =3.58 m, 2<hS /d
50
<4 OK.

The length of the energy dissipating pool is 10(hs) or 3Wo

LS =10xhs=(10)(2.08)=20.8 m

LS min=(3)(Wo)=(3)(2.4)=7.2 m,

Considering, LS =20.8 m


PECivilExam.com

44

37. PROBLEM (Open Chanel)

What is the width of a broad-crested weir to convey a river discharge that varies
between 0.15 and 30.0 m
3
/sec, y
max
=1.75 m, y
min
=1.05 m?

a. 29.0 m
b. 38.0 m
c. 12.0 m
d. 17.0 m.

37. Solution:


PECivilExam.com

45

38. PROBLEM

Determine the 3-hour, 2-year rainfall depth for Fulton County. Where e = 0.767, b =
40, and d = 7.6 for the 2-year frequency.

a. 4.30 inches
b. 1.50 inches
c. 3.20 inches
d. 2.16 inches

38. Solution:

Where:
D = rainfall depth (in.)
I = design rainfall intensity (in./hr)
T
d
= storm duration (min.)
and
e = 0.767, b = 40, and d = 7.6
t
c
= 3 hours = 180 minutes

Therefore: I = 40/ (180 + 7.6)
0.767

I= 0.72 in/hr
D = 0.72 x 180 / 60 = 2.16 inches

PECivilExam.com

46

39. PROBLEM (Collection systems -infiltration, inflow)

Which of the following statements is not true for Inflow and infiltration (I/I) in
sewer systems?

a. Increased operational and capital costs in the sewer network and at
treatment plants;
b. Reduced sewer and treatment capacity leading to increased operation of
combined sewer overflows, flooding and pollution;
c. Increased sewer and treatment capacity restricting for future development;
d. Lowering of groundwater levels leading to detrimental effects on local water
resources and loss of soil into sewers causing operational problems and
structural damage.

39. Solution:

C is not true.
Reduced sewer and treatment capacity restricting for future development.


PECivilExam.com

47

40. PROBLEM (Water Collection)

A community has a population of 40,000. What would be the storage tank capacity
for fire flow?

a. 1.2 MG
b. 3.6 MG
c. 4.5 MG
d. 2.2 MG

40. Solution:

P=40,000
The fire flow is calculated as follows:
Fire flow (gpm) =
Where "P" is the population in 1,000's of people. So, for our community with a
population of 40,000, the fire flow would be:

The required storage capacity for fire flow is calculated as follows:
Capacity, Q = Fire flow Duration
Capacity, Q = 6,043 gpm 360 minutes
Capacity, Q = 2,175,480 gal
The storage tank must thus have a fire flow capacity of 2.2 million gallons.


--------------------END---------------------------------------

PE Civil Exam 40-Mix Questions & Answers (PDF Format) For Breath Exam (Morning Session) Set #-3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PE Civil Exam 40-Mix Questions & Answers (PDF Format) For Breath Exam (Morning Session) Set #-3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PECivilExam.

You might also like