Workshop Solutions

PE Civil Transportation Depth
CODE: Fall 2020 MATERIAL: Workshop Solutions

This copy is given to the following student as part of School of PE course. Not allowed to distribute to others.
Adriano Guedes (aguedes@mtabt.org)
Transportation Workshop
Table of Contents
1 – Stationing .................................................................................................................. 1
2 – Stopping Sight Distance ............................................................................................ 1
3 – Stopping Distance, A Cow in the Road .................................................................... 1
4 – Stopping Distance, Crash Scene Analysis ................................................................ 2
5 – Passing Sight Distance .............................................................................................. 3
6 – Stopping Distance, Separation Between Two Vehicles ........................................... 4
7 – Horizontal Curve Degree of Curvature ..................................................................... 5
8 – Horizontal Curve – Properties .................................................................................. 5
9 – Horizontal Curve – Properties .................................................................................. 6
10 – Horizontal Curve – Inaccessible PI (Homework) .................................................. 7
11 – Horizontal Curve – Properties, Coordinates ........................................................... 7
12 – Horizontal Curve – Curve Layout by Chord Offset (Homework)......................... 9
13 – Horizontal Curve – Properties of Curve (Homework) ......................................... 11
14 – Horizontal Curve – Properties of Curve (Homework) ......................................... 13
15 – Stopping Sight Distance on a Horizontal Curve ................................................... 16
16 – Stopping Sight Distance on a Horizontal Curve ................................................... 17
17 – Horizontal Curve – Find Maximum Speed for R and e ........................................ 18
18 – Horizontal Curve – Find R Given Design Speed and Superelevation.................. 19
19 – Superelevation Design Using AASHTO Green Book .......................................... 19
21 – Horizontal Curve, Compound, Minimum Radius of Successive Curves ............. 22
22 – Horizontal Curve, Reverse Curve Layout – Equal Radii ..................................... 23
23 – Horizontal Curve, Compound, Two Centered (Homework) ................................ 25
24 – Vertical Curve, Turning Point Station and Elevation ........................................... 26
25 – Vertical Curve Through a Fixed Point .................................................................. 27
26 – Vertical Curve Through a Fixed Turning Point .................................................... 27
27 – Vertical Curve, Depth of Flood Water.................................................................. 28
28 – Vertical Curve, Actual Sight Distance / Maximum Design Speed....................... 29
32 – Intersection Sight Distance, Stop Control ............................................................ 33
i
33 – Highway / Railroad Grade Crossing, Sight Triangle, Case B. ............................. 34

34 – Interchange Ramps Deceleration Lengths ............................................................ 35
35 – Average Travel Speed, Average Running Speed ................................................. 36
36 – Busway, Acceleration / Deceleration Distance, Space Mean Speed .................... 37
37 – Speed Study: Time Mean, 85th Percentile, Modal, and Pace ................................ 39
38 – Automatic Traffic Counter .................................................................................... 40
39 – Highway Safety – Human Factors ........................................................................ 41
40 – Highway Safety – Crash Rates ............................................................................. 41
41 – Highway Safety – Crash Rates by Type of Median – Urban and Suburban ........ 42
42 – Highway Safety – Crash Severity Codes .............................................................. 43
43 – Highway Safety – Crash Rates by Type of Median – Rural Areas ...................... 43
44 – Highway Safety – Expected Crash Frequency ..................................................... 44
45 – Multilane Highway Capacity Analysis ................................................................. 45
46 – Signalized Intersection, Minimum Green Time ................................................... 47
49 – Signalized Intersection, Minimum Cycle Length ................................................. 49
50 – Sidewalk, Level of Service ................................................................................... 49
52 – Signalized Intersections, Platoon Ratios and Arrival Types ................................ 50
53 – Traffic Control, Interchange Guide Signs............................................................. 50
54 – Traffic Control Device, Guide Signs .................................................................... 50
55 – Traffic Signal, Conceptual .................................................................................... 51
56 – Traffic Control Device, Placement of Advance Warning Signs .......................... 51
57 – Traffic Control Device, Placement of Advance Warning Signs .......................... 52
58 – Traffic Control Device, Delineator Spacing ......................................................... 52
59 – Traffic Control Device, Advance Placement of Warning Signs .......................... 52
60 – Traffic Signal, Conceptual ................................................................................... 53
61 – Traffic Signal Warrants, Conceptual .................................................................... 53
62 – Temporary Traffic Control, Merge Taper Length ................................................ 54
63 – Temporary Traffic Control, Signing ..................................................................... 54
64 –Temporary Traffic Control, Signing ...................................................................... 55
65 – Roadside Design, Clear Zone Width .................................................................... 55
ii
66 – Roadside Design, Channel Cross Section ............................................................. 56

67 – Design Vehicle Dimensions .................................................................................. 56
68 – Design Vehicle Dimensions .................................................................................. 56
69 – Design Vehicle, Minimum Turning Radius.......................................................... 57
70 – Roadway Typical Sections, Frontage Roads ........................................................ 57
71 – Roadside Design, Minimum Horizontal Clear Zone Width ................................. 57
72 – Pavement Design, Total Design ESALs ............................................................... 58
73 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Primary Causes................................................ 59
74 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Insufficient Adhesion ...................................... 59
75 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Excessive Asphalt Cement Content ................ 59
76 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Polishing .......................................................... 59
77 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Washboarding ................................................. 60
78 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Slippage Cracking ........................................... 60
79 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Causes of Channelization ................................ 60
80 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Smooth Textured Coarse Aggregate ............... 61
81 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Pavement Depressions .................................... 61
82 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Loss of Bond ................................................... 61
83 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Inadequate Shoulder Compaction ................... 61
84 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Delamination ................................................... 62
85 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Excess Asphalt Binder .................................... 62
86 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Transverse Cracking.......................... 62
87 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Punchouts. ......................................... 63
88 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Fatigue Cracking. .............................. 63
89 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Deteriorated Cracked Slabs. .............. 64
90 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Performance Indicators. .................... 64
91 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Distress Prediction. ........................... 65
92 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rehabilitation Strategy ...................... 65
93 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rehabilitation Method. ...................... 66
94 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, JPCP Joint Faulting. .......................... 66
95 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Block Crack Prevention. ................... 67
iii
96 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rubblization Site Conditions. ........... 67

97 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Input Levels ....................................... 68
98 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Repair Block Cracking ...................... 68
100 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Slab Cracking Remedy .................... 69
101 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Punchout Remedy ........................... 70
102 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Leveling Course .............................. 70
iv
1 – Stationing
A local survey crew measures a distance of 2,500 ft for a new road construction. The
beginning point for the road is located at station 5+00. Assume stationing increases in
the direction of construction, what is the station of the endpoint of the road?
A) 30.00 Sta B) Sta 3+00 C) 3.00 Sta D) Sta 30+00
SOLUTION
Endpoint station = Sta 5+00 + 2,500’=500’+2,500’=3,000’ = Sta 30+00 Answer D
2 – Stopping Sight Distance

A vehicle is traveling at 60 mph on a level roadway when the driver notices traffic
stopped in its path. If the driver’s perception reaction time is 2.5 seconds,
approximately how much distance does the driver take to perceive, decide, react, and
stop the vehicle at a deceleration rate of 11.2 ft/sec2 after noticing the stopped traffic?
A) 220 ft B) 345 ft C) 570 ft D) 645 ft
SOLUTION
v = 60 mph; tp = 2.5 sec; a = 11.2 ft/sec2 ; G = 0
60
S 1.47 2.5 60 566 ft
11.2
30 0
32.2
Answer C
3 – Stopping Distance, A Cow in the Road

A vehicle is traveling down a 5 percent grade at 50 mph. The driver spots a cow
standing in the middle of the road and applies the brakes. The car comes to a
complete stop 25 feet from the cow. The driver’s perception reaction time is 2.5
seconds. The friction is 0.30.
(a) What is most nearly the total distance (ft) from the vehicle to the cow when the
driver first spotted it?
A) 447 B) 517 C) 540 D) 542
(b) Repeat part (a) using a +5 percent grade. What is most nearly the total
distance (ft) from the vehicle to the cow when the driver first spotted it?
A) 447 B) 517 C) 540 D) 542
1
SOLUTION
V0 = 50 mph; Vf = 0 mph; tp = 2.5 sec; f = a/32.2 = 0.30 G = -0.05

50
Total distance to cow: 25 1.47 2.5 50 25′ 542.1′
30 0.30 0.05
For Problem 3(a): Answer D
V0 = 50 mph; Vf = 0 mph; tp = 2.5 sec; f = a/32.2 = 0.30 G = +0.05

50
Total distance to cow: 25 1.47 2.5 50 25′ 446.8′
30 0.30 0.05
For Problem 3(b): Answer A
4 – Stopping Distance, Crash Scene Analysis

Elm Street is a concrete paved road on level grade that ends at a T-intersection. As
shown in the figure a truck ran through the stop sign and hit a bridge pier. The ground
around the pier is level and covered with a layer of loose gravel. Based on the damage
to the truck, it’s estimated speed on impact was 25 mph. The truck left the skid marks
shown in the figure. The speed (mph) of the truck at the instant the driver first
applied the brakes was most nearly:
A) 67 B) 70 C) 72 D) 75
2
SOLUTION
For the distance traveled on loose gravel before hitting the bridge pier:
25 625
40 ;
30 30 0.40 12
40 12 625 1105 . ∴ 33.24
This indicates the truck was traveling at 33.24 mph when it left the concrete
pavement. Repeat this calculation to determine the speed of the truck when
the brakes were first applied.
33.24 1105
210 ;
30 30 0.60 18
18 210 1105 4885 . ∴ 69.89
Answer B
5 – Passing Sight Distance

Two vehicles are traveling in the same direction at different speeds on a two-lane rural
highway. The lead vehicle is traveling at 40 mph speed. The following is traveling at
50 mph and intends to overtake and pass the lead vehicle. What is the approximate
passing sight distance required in this situation.
A) 600 ft B) 700 ft C) 800 ft D) 900 ft
SOLUTION
See Table 3-4 in AASHTO GB. Use the row that has 38 mph for passed vehicle and
50 mph for passing vehicle. Then, PSD = 800 ft
Answer C
3
6 – Stopping Distance, Separation Between Two Vehicles

Two semitrailers are traveling down a 5.5% grade at 40 mph on a two lane highway in
the same lane. Truck A has new tires. Truck B has worn tires. The roadway is paved
with Portland cement concrete.
Driver A suddenly slams on the brakes to make a panic stop. Assume it takes Driver
B 1.5 seconds to react to Driver A.
Friction factors for New Tires = 0.76; Friction factors for Worn Tires = 0.33
(a) What is the new distance between Trucks A & B?
(b) Repeat the problem assuming Truck A has worn tires and Truck B has new
tires.
(c) Repeat the original problem assuming the trucks are going up the 5.5% grade,
Truck B following Truck A.
(d) Repeat case (b) with both trucks heading up the 5.5% grade.
SOLUTION
New
Case Truck A Truck B
Distance
(a) s bA = 1.47t p Vmph +
2
Vmph
 CERM eqn .79.43( b )
2
Vmph
s bB =1.47t p Vmph + ;
30(f+G) 30(f+G)
s bA = 1.47  0  40+
40 2
=75.65' s bB = 1.47  1.50  40 +
40 2 76’+250’-
30(0.76-0.055) 30(0.33-0.055) 283’=43’
s bA ~76' s bB = 88.2'+193.94' = 282.14' ~ 283'
(b) 40 40
193.94 ~194 88.2 194’+250’-
30 0.33 0.055 30 0.76 0.055
163.87 ~164 164’=280’
(c) S 65.44 ~66 40

. . 88.2 66’+250’-
30 0.33 0.055 227’=89’
226.73 ~227
(d) 40
30 0.33 0.055 40
88.2 139’+250’-
138.53 ~139 30 0.76 0.055 154’=235’
153.64 ~154
4
7 – Horizontal Curve Degree of Curvature

For a circular curve, what is its degree of curvature for the following:
i) A Roadway curve with 800 feet radius using arc definition
A) 709’43” B) 8051’18” C) 8055’55” D) 7051’18”
ii) A Railroad curve with 800 feet radius using chord definition
A) 6050’55” B) 7010’00” C) 8055’55” D) 7051’18”
SOLUTION
5729.578
i For Roadway Curve: D 7° 9 43.1"
800 ft
50
ii For Railroad Curve: D 2 sin 7° 9 59.92."
800 ft
7° 10 00"
8 – Horizontal Curve – Properties

A running racetrack consists of two semicircles and two tangents and is exactly five
miles long as measured along its centerline. The two semicircular curves constitute
exactly one-half its totally length.
i) What is the length of each curve?
A) 26,400 ft B) 13,200 ft C) 6,600 ft D) 3,300 ft
ii) What is the radius of each curve?

A) 4,000 ft B) 3,204 ft C) 1,208 ft D) 2,101 ft
iii) What is the degree of curvature of each curve?

A) 2043’37” B) 2020’27” C) 3043’42” D) 3020’27”
5
SOLUTION
i Length
5 miles 5,280 ft⁄mi 26,400 ft
1 26,400
L 6,600 ft
2 2
ii Radius
1
Circumference 2πR 26,400 ft
2
13,200 ft
13,200
R 2,101 ft
2π
iii Degree of Curve

5,729.578
D 2° 43 37"
2,101

Determine angle ‘α’ for the circular curve at right:
A) 44040’
B) 44’25”
C) 88050’
D) 44025’
SOLUTION
α Where I 180° 45° 20 45° 50 88° 50
88° 50
α 44° 25
2
Answer D
6
10 – Horizontal Curve – Inaccessible PI (Homework)

You are staking out a horizontal curve on
a cliff high above a swift flowing river.
Subtangent BD is 1,168.54 ft long,
Angle alpha is 59.800, and
angle Beta is 43.480.
The radius (ft) of the curve
that will be tangent to
lines AB, BD, and
DE is most nearly:
A) 750
B) 890
C) 1020
D) 1200
SOLUTION
Notice that the deflection angles, α and β, are the intersection angles of the arcs AC
and CE, and that the sum of these deflection angles = I = 59.80 + 43.480 = 103.280.
Let Points A, C, and E be the points of tangency.

and tan
Combine:
tan tan 1,168.54 ft.
Rearrange:
1,168.54

59.8 43.48
tan tan tan tan
2 2 2 2
1,168.54
1199.733 say 1200 ft.
0.575 0.399
Answer D
11 – Horizontal Curve – Properties, Coordinates

A horizontal curve is shown in the figure below. Using the information provided,
determine the following:
7
i) the back tangent bearing

ii) PT Station
iii) PT Coordinates
iv) Center Point
coordinates
SOLUTION
Strategy –
 Draw a rough sketch of the curve
 Convert degree of curvature,
D, to radius, R.
 Find the tangent length, T.
 Use R and T to solve for angle, I.
 Use R and I to solve for arc length, L.
 Determine the bearing of the back tangent.
 Determine the PT Station.
 Use latitudes and departures to find the
coordinates of the PT and Center Point.
 Check the Center Point coordinates using
trigonometry and working from the PI.
R = 5729.578 / Da = 5729.578 / 100 = 572.9578 ft.

T = PI Sta. – PC Sta. = 89000.00 – 88750.00 = 250.00 ft.
I = 2 tan-1(T/R) = 2 tan-1(250.00/572.9578) = 47.14640
L = 2πRI/3600 = 2π572.9578(47.14640)/3600 = 471.464 ft
i) Back Tangent Bearing – see sketch

1800 - 47.14640 - 600 00’ = 72.85350 = N 72.85350 E
8
ii) PT Station = PC Station + L =

Sta. 887+50.00 + 471.464 =
PT Sta. 892+21.464
iii) PT Coordinates – see sketch

Departure = 250 sin 600 = 216.51ft
EPT = 500,000 + 216.51 = 500,216.51
Latitude = - 250 cos 600 = -125.00 ft

NPT = 400,000 - 125 = 399,875.00
iv) Center Point Coordinates – see sketch
Departure = - 572.9578 sin 300 = -286.479 ft

ECC = 500,216.50635 - 286.479 = 499,930.0274
Latitude = - 572.9578 cos 300 = -496.1960 ft

NCC = 399,875.0000 - 496.1960 = 399,378.804
12 – Horizontal Curve – Curve Layout by

Chord Offset (Homework)
A horizontal curve has a radius of 800’. The
back tangent bearing is N 810 30’ E and the ahead
tangent bearing is S 080 30’ E. The distance RN
is 400’ and Point Q is located on the curve and
opposite Point R as shown.
What is most nearly the distance QR in feet?
A. 207.06 B. 216.83 C. 222.32 D. 224.47
9
SOLUTION
Using the bearings, determine Angle I.
Note that Angle I = 81.50 + 8.50 = 900
Note that Angle I/2 is at the vertex of

PC-N-PI which is 450
Solve for distance QR using the Method

of Curve Layout by Chord Offset and
solving for Angle α by trial and error.
1
NR NQ cos α
2
1
2R sin α cos α
2
400 1600 sin α cos 45 α
Notice that this equation contains the Angle alpha twice. Instead of simplifying this
equation to solve for the Angle alpha directly, an alternative method is to solve for
alpha by trial and error.
Based on the sketch, assume the angle 2 Alpha is about 300. Make the first trial = 150.
Trial Angle NR Calculated
0
15 358.6 < 400; 400 - 358.6 = 41.4 > 1.0 NG
0
14 331. 8< 400; 400 - 331.8 = 68.2 > 1.0 NG
0
16 385.7 < 400; 400 - 385.7 = 14.3 > 1.0 NG
0
16.5 399.36 < 400; 400 -399.36 = 0.64 < 1.0 OK!!!
Therefore, if the Angle Alpha is set equal to 16.500 the distance NR is 399.36’, which
is within 1.0’ of 400’. This confirms that with the Angle Alpha set to 16.500 we can
calculate the Distance QR as follows:
1 1
RQ chord offset NQ sin α 2R sin α sin α
2 2
90°
RQ 2 800′ sin 16.50° sin 16.50° 1600 0.284 sin 28.5°
2
RQ 454.4246 0.47716 216.83′
Answer B
10
13 – Horizontal Curve – Properties of Curve (Homework)

The PT of a horizontal curve is at Sta. 800+20.00. The Main Chord has a length of
750 ft. The back tangent bearing is N 200 E. The ahead tangent bearing is S 850 W.
What is most nearly the radius in feet?
A. 222.32 B. 444.63 C. 454.64 D. 889.28
1. What is most nearly the PI Station?

A. 791+27.57 B. 793+22.07 C. 798+25.50 D. 807+17.93
SOLUTION
Draw a simple sketch of the back and ahead tangents.
Use the sketch to determine the deflection angle I.
Note that if we convert the back and

ahead tangent bearings to azimuths
we get:
Az 200 for the back tangent and
Az 2650 for the ahead tangent.
These azimuths are shown above in green.

The difference between them is 2450.
Turning the projection of the back tangent

(green line) through 2450 in a clockwise direction
about the PI aligns it with the ahead tangent.
The angle I is the difference between 3600 and the 2450 rotation of the back tangent.
Therefore I = 3600 - 2450 = 1150
11
(1) What is the radius in feet?

Solve for R using the equation for the long
chord.
I I I
C 2 T cos 2 R tan cos ;
2 2 2
115 115
750 2 R tan cos
2 2
Therefore, R 444.633′
Answer B
(2) What is the PI Station?

Solve for the PI Station
Solve for L.

2πRI 2π444.63 115°
L 892.43′
360° 360°
Sta PT Sta PC L (Eq 79.11)
Sta 800 20.00 Sta PC 892.43;
Sta PC 800 20.00 892.43 791 27.57
Solve for T.
I 115
T R tan 444.63 tan 697.93′
2 2
Sta PC Sta PI T (Eq 79.12)
Sta PI Sta PC T
Sta PI 791 27.57 697.93 798 25.50.
Answer C
12

of Curve (Homework)
A 24” watermain parallel to a
roadway centerline, offset 120 ft
right and at Point P, the roadway
curves to the right and crosses the
watermain as shown. The PT
Station is 64+34.50 and has the
coordinates shown.
Using this information, determine:
(1) The station of Point P.

A) 50+82.22 B) 55+77.19 C) 59+83.75 D) 60+06.15
(2) The PI Station.

A) 50+82.22 B) 56+32.20 C) 58+84.52 D) 68+08.45
(3) The coordinates of Point X, where the watermain crosses the long chord.
A) N 9,027.16 B. N 7,738.95 C) N 8,261.05 D) N 8,000.00
E 3,738.95 E 4,261.05 E 2,972.84 E 5,027.16
(4) The middle Ordinate, M.

A) 176.01 B). 211.04 C) 213.42 D) 220.01
(5) The external, E.

A) 248.21 B) 266.78 C) 282.05 D) 310.27
13
SOLUTION
(1) The station of Point P.
Notice that the watermain is offset from the highway
centerline by 120’ and that it forms one leg of the right
triangle, POQ. Given the radius R = 1000 ft and the side
adjacent = 800 ft, we can solve for the angle POQ.
880
1000 cos θ 880 ; cosθ 0.88;
1000
θ 28.36
Therefore Angle P-O-PT
77.48° 28.36° 49.12°
Find the length of arc PT-P.

49.12°
L 2π1000 857.31′
360°
The station of Point P is:
64+34.50 – 857.31 = Point P Sta 55+77.19 Answer B
(2) The PI Station

To find the PC and PI Stations, must first find the
Angle I. Then take the difference in the back and
ahead azimuths to find I = 77.480.
Then find arc length, L and tangent length, T.

77.48°
L 2π1000 428.35′
360°
PC Station = PT Station – L= Sta 64+34.50 – 428.35’

= PC Sta 50+82.22
I 77.48°
T R tan 1000 tan 802.298′
2 2
PI Station = PC Station + T = PC Sta 50+82.22 + 802.30’ = PI Sta 58+84.52

Answer C
14
(3) The coordinates of Point X, where the

watermain crosses the long chord.
Solve Triangle PC-X-Q for the length of Side PC-X.
.
Angle O-PC-PT
51.26°

Side PC-X
. °
191.76′
Determine the length and Bearing of long chord, C.

. °
, 2 ; 2 802.298
1604.596 0.7799 1251.57’
PC PT Bk tangent 90° O_PC_PT
62.52° 90° 51.26° 101.26°
Convert azimuth to bearing. 180° 101.26° 78.74°;
. °
Therefore, the Bearing of Line PT-X = N 78.740 W

Find the distance X-PT = Long Chord – Side PC-X = 1251.57’ – 191.76’ = 1059.81’
Determine the latitude and departure of line X-PT.
Latitude of Line PT-X:

Length x cos bearing angle
= 1059.81 cos 78.74° . ′
Departure of Line PT-X:

Length x sin bearing angle
1059.81 sin 78.74° . ′
Solve for the coordinates of Point X

N N Latitude of Line PT X: N 8000.00 206.94 , .
E E Departure of Line PT X: E 4000.00 1039.41 , .
Answer C
15
(4) The middle ordinate, M,

77.48°
M R 1 cos 1000 1 cos 1000 1 cos 38.74°
2 2
M . ′
Answer D
(5) The external, E

tan I tan I . ° . °
E R 1000
2 4
E = 282.05’ Answer C
15 – Stopping Sight Distance on a Horizontal Curve

A four-lane undivided highway has a design speed of 40 mph. The lanes are 12 ft
wide. The centerline Degree of Curvature, D is 10o 45’ Determine the required
clearance (or in other words HSO) from the center of the curve’s inside lane (or in
other words center line of the lane with the shortest radius) based on Stopping Sight
Distance criteria.
A) 22.41 ft B) 21.67 ft C) 305 ft D) 533 ft
16
SOLUTION
For V = 40 mph, S = 305 ft.
.
D = 10o 45’ = 10.75 o R 532.98 ft
.
The centerline of the inside lane is offset 18 ft (12 ft + 6 ft) from the roadway
centerline. Therefore, R lane centerline = 532.98 ft – 18 ft = 514.98 ft
28.65S 28.65 305

HSO R 1 cos 514.98 1 cos 22.41 ft
R 514.98
Answer A
16 – Stopping Sight Distance on a Horizontal Curve

You are travelling on a two-lane highway in eastbound direction that curves to the
right. The following curve data describes the centerline: Da = 9o30’; PI Sta. 16+00.
The lanes are 12-feet wide and a continuous hedge of 8-foot high trees is located
along the right side of the highway in your travel direction, exactly 29.32 ft from the
highway centerline. Based on this data, what should be the maximum safe posted
speed of this highway?
SOLUTION
Use the following solution procedure:
 Convert Da = 9o30’ to R = 5729.578 / 9.5 = 603.11’ (radius of roadway centerline).
 Determine the radius of the centerline of the inside lane (603.11’ – 6’ = 597.11’)
 Find the actual HSO distance: 29.32’- 6’ = 23.32’
 Plug the above values of R and HSO values into the following equation and solve
for S.
28.65
17
597.11 597.11 23.32

28.65 597.11
 Your calculation should result in S = 335’.

 Notice that S = 335’ falls in between S = 305’ for 40 mph and 360’ for 45 mph.
Therefore, the maximum safe posted speed is 40 mph
17 – Horizontal Curve – Find Maximum Speed for R and e

A rural highway curve has a radius of 150 m (500 ft.) and a superelevation of six
percent. If the posted speed limit is 55 mph, what is the MOST appropriate advisory
speed for this curve?
A) 50 mph B) 45 mph C) 40 mph D) 35 mph
SOLUTION
Refer to Table 3-7 in the AASHTO Green Book:
For given e = 6%, 500 feet radius falls between 485 with associated speed of 40 mph
and 643 ft with the associated speed of 45 mph. Take the lower of the two speeds
which is 40 mph.
Answer C
18
18 – Horizontal Curve – Find R Given Design Speed and Superelevation

A horizontal curve will be designed for a high-speed urban street with a design speed
of 50 mph and a maximum superelevation rate of 4%. Using AASHTO criteria, the
minimum rounded radius (ft) is most nearly:
A) 1,050
B) 1,190
C) 926
D) 711
SOLUTION
Reference AASHTO GB Table 3-7, p 3-32
Answer C
19 – Superelevation Design Using AASHTO Green Book

A proposed highway is to have four lanes and a design speed of Vd = 55 mph, and a
1637 ft radius horizontal curve. Policy dictates that emax= 8%. Determine the following:
a) Required rate of superelevation, ed
b) Length of Superelevation runoff, Lr
c) Length of Tangent Runout, Lt
SOLUTION
Part a)
To find Required rate of superelevation, ed,, use AASHTO GB Table 3-10b
(emax= 8%.U.S. Customary) as shown on the next page.
For R =1637 ft, use the next smaller radius, R = 1560 ft.
19
Find ed= 6.8%
20
Part b)
To find the Length of Superelevation runoff, Lr , go to AASHTO GB Table 3-17b (U.S.
Customary) shown on the next page. Knowing that Vd = 55 mph, ed is 6.8% and the
number of lanes rotated (on a four-lane roadway) is two lanes, we find the
Superelevation runoff, Lr = 260 ft.
Part c)
Calculate required tangent runout, Lt using Equation 3-24, page 3-66
2.0
260 76
6.8
21
20 – Spiral, Length and Rate of Change of Degree of Curvature

A new rural highway is to be designed with a design speed of 70 mph and a max rate of
superelevation, emax = 0.08 ft/ft. The highway will have a curve of degree of curvature
30. A design criterion requires that this curve be spiraled.
i) What is the length of spiral curve given the rate of increase of lateral
acceleration is 2 ft/sec3?
A) 1910 ft B) 5729 ft C) 179 ft D) 283 ft
ii) What is the rate of change in degree of curvature (in degrees per station) along
the spiral?
A) 30 B) 2.870 C) 1.500 D) 1.060
SOLUTION
i)
3.15v
L Length of Spiral Curve
R C ⁄
5729.578
R 1909.86 ft
3°
3.15 70
L 282.84 ft
1910 2
Ls = 282.84 ft = 2.8284 stations Answer D
ii)
The rate of change of curvature = DC / LS = 30 / 2.8284 stations = 1.06070 / station.
Answer D
21 – Horizontal Curve, Compound, Minimum Radius of Successive Curves

The horizontal alignment of an interchange exit ramp consists of a series of three
consecutive and progressively sharper circular curves that form a single compound
circular curve. Proceeding in the direction of traffic, if the first curve has degree of
curvature, Da = 20, what is the minimum radius of the third curve?
A) 2865 ft B) 1432 ft C) 716 ft D) 358 ft
SOLUTION
As per AASHTO Green Book’s page 3-84, for compound curves at intersections where
drivers accept more rapid changes in direction and speed, the radius of the flatter arc
can be as much as 100 percent greater than the radius of the sharper arc, a ratio of 2:1
22
5729.578 5729.578
R 2864.79 ft
D 2°
R R
R 1432.40 ft; R 716.20 ft
2 2
Answer C
22 – Horizontal Curve, Reverse Curve Layout – Equal Radii

A 4-lane, east-west highway intersects a 2-lane, north-south crossroad as shown. The
highway is divided by a 12-foot wide grassed median. A 12-foot wide left turn lane is
to be constructed in the median on the eastbound approach to the intersection, using a
reverse curve taper, which measured parallel to the median is to be 80 feet long.
Assume the following:

 the median edges are parallel
 both arcs of the reverse curve have the same radius
 the reverse curve stationing starts at PC STA 200+00.00 and continues eastward
1) What is the largest radius that can be used on the reverse curve that will connect
the existing eastbound and westbound median edges?
A) 126.33’ B) 131.44’ C) 136.33’ D) 139.44’
23
2) What is the PRC station?

A) 200+40.35 B) 200+40.60 C) 200+40.77 D) 200+40.98
3) What is the PT station?

A) 200+81.20 B) 200+81.60 C) 200+82.30 D) 200+82.60
SOLUTION
Part 1)
Note that p = 12’, m = 6’, and L1 =

L2 = 40’.
Create a sketch similar to the

figure at right.
Note the right triangle created by

connecting the center points of the
two arcs.
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to

solve for R:
2
2
2 6 40 40
2
48 6544 0
R = 136.33’ Answer C
24
Part 2) Determine the intersection angle I.
136.33 6
17.06
136.33
Determine the arc length, L1arc

17.06
2 2 136.33 40.597′
360 360

Determine the PRC Station
PC STA 200+00.00
+ L1 arc= 40.597
PRC STA 200+40.60 Answer B.
Part 3) Determine the PT Station

PRC STA 200+40.60
+ L2arc = 40.60
PT STA 200+81.20 Answer A.
23 – Horizontal Curve, Compound, Two Centered (Homework)
Given the following information for

a two-centered compound curve,
Back Tangent Bearing

Ahead Tangent Bearing
L2 = 91.87’
R1 = 100.00’
R2 = 188.00’
Find Angle, I1
25
SOLUTION
Find Overall Angle, I. I = Az 1860 – 900 = 960
Find Angle, I2.
L 91.87
I 360 180
2πR π188
I1 = I – I2 = 960 – 280 = 680
24 – Vertical Curve, Turning Point Station and Elevation

A +5.00 % grade intersects a -2.75% grade at Sta. 21+75, and elevation 1682.20 ft. A
400-ft vertical curve connects the two grades. Determine:
i) the turning point station
A) Sta 19+75 B) Sta 21+75 C) Sta 22+33 D) Sta 23+75
ii) the turning point elevation

A) 1698.65 ft B) 1678.65 ft C) 1682.20 ft D) 1700.00 ft
iii) clearance available at the overpass point above the vertical curve (Overpass is
located at Sta 22+40 with bottom of beam elevation 1698.65 ft)
A) 1698.65 ft B) 1678.65 ft C) 20.00 ft D) 26.45 ft
SOLUTION
i) Find the rate of grade change, R.
R = (-2.75-5.00)/4= -1.9375
x = -G1/R = 2.5806 sta
Sta. = PVC Sta. + x = 1975 + 258.06
= Sta 22+33.06 Answer C
ii) Elevation at PVC = 1682.20 - 2(5) = 1672.20’

Elev. = (R/2)x2+G1(x)+PVC Elev. = 1678.65 ft Answer B
iii) Determine the elevation of the vertical curve at Sta. 22+40 >>> x=2.65
Elev. = (R/2)x2+G1(x)+PVC Elev. = 1678.65 ft
Vertical clearance = 1698.65 – 1678.65 = 20 ft Answer C
26
25 – Vertical Curve Through a Fixed Point

A -6.0% grade intersects a +3.0% grade at PVI Sta. 80+00 and Elev. 700.00. The
vertical curve connecting the grades passes through a fixed point located at Sta.
80+20, and elevation 711.36. What is the length of the vertical curve?
A) 698 ft B) 711 ft C) 1035 ft D) 1200 ft
SOLUTION
Step 1. Calculate the elevations of points
A, B, and C.
Point Calculation Elevation
A Given 711.36
B 700 + 0.2’(3) = 700.60
C 700 + 0.2’(-6) = 698.80
Step 2. Calculate the constant z.
ElevA ElevC 711.36 698.80

z 1.0804
ElevA ElevB 711.36 700.60
Step 3. Solve the following equation for L.
2w z 1 2 0.2 1.0804 1
L 10.35 sta 1035 ft
z 1 1.0804 1
Answer C
26 – Vertical Curve Through a Fixed Turning Point

A -6.0% grade intersects a +3.0% grade at PVI Sta. 80+00 and Elev. 700.00. The
vertical curve connecting the grades passes through a turning point at elevation
711.36. What is the length of the vertical curve?
A) 700 ft B) 1136 ft C) 1200 ft D) None of the above
SOLUTION
Determine the length of vertical curve using the following equation:
2 G G elev elev 2 3 6 700 711.36
L 11.36 sta
G G 6∗3
1136 ft Answer B
27
27 – Vertical Curve, Depth of Flood Water

State Route (S.R.) 707 crosses the Raging River in a
narrow mountain valley. After a heavy storm the
river overtops the bridge and crests at elevation
552.00. Given the vertical alignment data, determine:
S.R. 707 Vertical Alignment
PVI Station 889+50
PVI Elev 545.00
L = 500 ft
G1 = -4.0%
G2 = +3.0%
i) How deep the water is at Station 890+50 at the roadway centerline?

A) 2.42 ft B) 7.00 ft C) 0 ft D) 2.71 ft
ii) How deep is the water at the low point in the profile?
A) 2.42 ft B) 7.00 ft C) 0 ft D) 2.71 ft
SOLUTION
i) First, find the elevation on the vertical
curve at Sta. 890+50.
G G 3 4 7
R 1.4;
L 5 5
5
BVC Elev 545 4.0 555.00;
2
500
BVC Sta 88950 88700 Sta 887 00;
2
x 89050 88700 350 3.5 sta′s
Elev at Sta. 890 50:

R 1.4
x G x BVC Elev 3.5 4.0 3.5 555.00 549.58
2 2
Depth at Sta. 890 50 552.00 549.58 2.42 ft.

Answer A
28
ii) First, find the elevation on the vertical curve at the lowest point on the curve.
G 4
Low point turning point location: x 2.857 sta′s
R 1.4
Low Point Station: BVC Sta x 88700 285.7 88985.70 Sta 889 85.70
Elev. at Sta 889 85.70 ∶

R 1.4
x G x BVC Elev 2.857 4.0 2.857 555.00 549.29
2 2
Depth at Sta 889 85.70 552.00 549.29 2.71 ft.

Answer D
28 – Vertical Curve, Actual Sight Distance / Maximum Design Speed

An unlighted roadway is on a vertical curve with the following parameters:
G1 = -4.5%, G2 = +2.0%, L = 600 ft. Based on AASHTO criteria, determine:
i) the actual head light sight distance (HLSD) of the curve

A) 413 ft B) 851 ft C) 0 ft D) 500 ft
ii) the maximum design speed (based on HLSD)
SOLUTION
i) Assuming S < L, solve for S.
AS 6.5 S
L ; 600
400 3.5S 400 3.5S
S = 412.57 ~ 413 ft. This value of S agrees with the assumption: S < L
Answer A
ii) S = 413’ falls in between the S = 360’ for 45 mph and S = 425’ for 50
mph. Take the lower speed which is 45 mph even though 413’ is closer to
425’than 360’.
Answer B
29
29 – Intersection Sight Distance, Stop Control

You are the city engineer and recently you have been asked to evaluate the stop sign
controlled intersection described in the figure below. In this intersection the major road
is a two-lane east-west highway with a speed limit of 55 mph. The minor road is a two-
lane north-south highway with a speed limit of 35 mph. Compute the following items
for approach 1 with 4% uphill for single unit truck design vehicle. You may assume a
lane width on the minor road as 11 feet and a lane width on the major road as 12 feet.
i) Determine the maximum length of the “a1” leg of the intersection sight triangle for
a RIGHT turn at Approach 1.
ii) Determine the lengths of the “b” leg of the intersection sight triangle for a RIGHT
turn at Approach 1.
iii) Determine the maximum lengths of the “a2” leg of the intersection sight triangle for
a LEFT turn at Approach 1.
A) 36 ft B) 76 ft C) 687 ft D) 606 ft
iv) Determine the lengths of the “b” leg of the intersection sight triangle for a LEFT turn
at Approach 1.
A) 768 ft B) 868 ft C) 832 ft D) 606 ft
30
SOLUTION
Reference: AASHTO Green Book pages 9-28 to 9-41
A right turn is expressed by Case B2 per AASHTO for i) and ii)
i) a1 = 18 ft which is the max per page 9-36 + ½ LW = 18 + 6 = 24 ft
ii) b = ISD = 1.47 Vmajor tg = 1.47 x 55 (8.5+0.1x4) = 719.6 ft
NOTE: For tg value, see Table 9-7 in AASHTO Green Book
A left turn is expressed by Case B1 per AASHTO Green Book for iii) and iv)
iii) a2 = 18 ft which is the max +LW+ ½ LW = 18 + 12 + 6 = 36 ft
Answer A
iv) b = ISD = 1.47 Vmajor tg = 1.47 x 55 (9.5+0.2x4) = 832.8 ft
NOTE: For tg value, see Table 9-5 in AASHTO Green Book
Answer C
NOTE: See AASHTO Green Book Figure 9-15 for the a1, a2, and b dimensions.
31
30 – Decision Sight Distance

A minivan is traveling along a level one lane street in Center City Philadelphia at 30
mph when suddenly a jogger runs out into the street 495 feet ahead of the vehicle. The
travel lane is 12 ft wide and there are parked cars on both sides. What is the minimum
sight distance (ft) required to avoid hitting the jogger?
A) 220
B) 275
C) 330
D) 490
SOLUTION
AASHTO GB Reference Table 3-3, p. 3-7
Answer D

A passenger car is stopped at a stop sign, waiting to cross a two lane highway with 12-
foot lanes and a design speed of 70 mph. What is the required design intersection sight
distance (ft) for a P vehicle on a +2.5% approach making a crossing maneuver?
A) 600
B) 670
C) 750
D) 830
SOLUTION
AASHTO GB Reference p 9-40 and 9-41
Answer B
32

A manufacturer plans to build a new plant on SR 39, which is a windy, four-lane,
undivided highway west of town. The plant will generate a significant amount of
combination truck traffic. SR 39 has a design speed of 50 mph. In evaluating possible
sites for the new plant, you consider the required intersection sight distance. What is
the required intersection sight distance (ft) for left turns from the plant onto SR 39?
A) 501
B) 897
C) 712
D) 740
SOLUTION
AASHTO GB Reference Table 9-5, p. 9-37
ISD = 1.47Vtg
V = 50 mph;
tg = 11.5 sec + 0.7 sec = 12.2 sec (NOTE: 0.7 sec is for crossing the second lane for
combination truck)
ISD = 1.47 * 50 * 12.2 = 896.7 ft
Answer B
33
33 – Highway / Railroad Grade Crossing, Sight Triangle, Case B.

Given the physical layout of the grade crossing described below and assuming a train
is approaching the crossing at 50 mph, determine the required sight triangle distance
(ft) along the railroad for a truck stopped at the stop bar to safely depart and cross the
track in front of the approaching train. Note that this truck has a maximum speed in
first gear of 8.8 fps.
A) 720
B) 840
C) 960
D) 1275
SOLUTION
For Case B, using Eqn. 9-4, p. 9-189 in AASHTO GB
8.8 73.5 2 15 5 26.3

1.47 50 2.0 1274
1.47 8.8
Answer D
34
34 – Interchange Ramps Deceleration Lengths

A new interchange will be located on a north-south highway with a design speed of 70
mph. The northbound exit will have a -2.0% grade and an exit curve with a design
speed of 40 mph. Ramp is a taper type.
i) What is the minimum deceleration length, L, on the northbound exit ramp?
A) 490 ft B) 440 ft C) 550 ft D) 340 ft
ii) What is the average running speed, V’a, on the northbound exit ramp curve?
SOLUTION
Referring to the table below,
i) L = 440 ft Answer B
ii) V’a = 36 mph Answer D
AASHTO Green Book Table 10-5. Minimum Deceleration Lengths for Exit
Terminals with Flat Grades of Two Percent or Less.
35
35 – Average Travel Speed, Average Running Speed

A total of six test car travel time runs were conducted on a 2.75 mile route. The total
travel time and total delay for these runs are shown in the following table. Use this
information to answer the following questions:
Test Run Travel Time Delay (Sec)

1 5 min 40 Sec 50
2 6 min 10 Sec 90
3 7 min 0 Sec 100
4 5 min 0 Sec 0
5 7 min 20 Sec 150
6 5 min 30 Sec 20
i) What is the average travel speed for the test route?

ii) What is the average running speed for the test route?
SOLUTION
NOTE: This problem is asking for the Space Mean Speed
Total Travel Time in sec = 340 + 370 + 420 + 300 + 440 + 330 = 2200 sec
Total Delay in sec = 50 + 90 + 100 + 0 + 150 + 20 = 410 sec
i) Using the totals from the table, the mean travel speed is:
6 2.75
Mean Travel speed 27.00 mph
2200⁄3600
Answer D
ii) Similarly, the mean running speed is:
Total running time = total travel time – total delays = 2200 – 410 = 1790 sec
6 2.75
Mean Running Speed 33.18 mph
1790⁄3600
Answer D
36
36 – Busway, Acceleration / Deceleration Distance, Space Mean Speed

Bus stops are located 2.5 miles apart on a commuter busway that serves a large urban
area. The busway has a design speed of 70 mph. Bus performance characteristics:
 Maximum acceleration rate: 4.8 ft/sec2
 Maximum deceleration rate: 4.0 ft/sec2
 Maximum running speed: 55 mph
 Dwell time at bus stop: 2.0 minutes
i) What is the acceleration distance between bus stops?

A) 1,320 ft B) 980 ft C) 678 ft D) 813 ft
ii) What is the deceleration distance between bus stops?

A) 1,320 ft B) 980 ft C) 678 ft D) 813 ft
iii) What is the distance travelled at a constant speed between bus stops?
A) 13,200 ft B) 12,522 ft C) 12,387 ft D) 11,709 ft
iv) What is the space mean speed between bus stops?

SOLUTION
i) What is the acceleration distance between bus stops?

Let daccel equal the distance a bus needs to accelerate from a stop condition to 55 mph:

v v 55 mi⁄hr 0 mi⁄hr 5280 ft 1 hr
d
2a 2 4.8ft⁄sec mi 3600 sec
677.8 ft
Answer C
ii) What is the deceleration distance between bus stops?

Let ddecel equal the distance a bus needs to decelerate from 55 mph to a complete stop:
37

d
2a 2 4.0 ft⁄sec mi 3600 sec
813.4 ft
Answer D
iii) What is the distance travelled at a constant speed between bus stops?
The total distance traveled between bus stops consists of three parts.
dtotal = daccel + d55 + ddecel = 2.50 mi x 5280 ft = 13,200 ft.
Determine the total distance traveled at a constant speed of 55 mph, d55.

d55 = dtotal - (daccel + ddecel ) = 13,200 ft – (677.8 ft + 813.4 ft) = 11,708.8 ft.
Answer D
iv) What is the space mean speed between bus stops?
Determine the total time required to travel between bus stops:
v
v 55 mi⁄hr 0 mi⁄hr 5280 ft 1 hr
t 16.8 sec.
a 4.8 ft⁄sec mi 3600 sec
t 20.2 sec.
a 4.0 ft⁄sec mi 3600 sec
s 11,708.8 ft 1 mile 3600 sec
t 145.15 sec.
v 55 mi ⁄hr 5280 ft 1 hr
The total time needed to travel between bus stops is the sum of the following three
t t t t 16.8 sec 20.2 sec 145.15 sec 182.1 sec
Determine the space mean speed between stations.
2.5 mi 3600 sec

v 49.4 mph 49 mph
182.1 sec 1 hr
Answer B
38
37 – Speed Study: Time Mean, 85th Percentile, Modal, and Pace

Given the following speed data that were collected on a highway:
Speed Group Freq- Determine the following:

in MPH uency i) Time Mean Speed in mph
A) 55 B) 58 C) 32 D) 48
26 to 30 15
31 to 35 22 ii) 85th percentile Speed in mph
36 to 40 41 A) 50 B) 58 C) 32 D) 48
41 to 45 71
46 to 50 89 iii) Modal Speed in mph
51 to 55 75 A) 55 B) 58 C) 32 D) 48
56 to 60 55
61 to 65 26 iv) Upper Limit of Pace
66 to 70 6 A) 55 B) 58 C) 32 D) 48
SOLUTION
Expand the table as shown below (fill the missing cells):
Assumed Total Cum

Speed Group Frequency Speed Speed Frequency
(mph) (mph) (mph)
26 to 30 15 28 420 15
31 to 35 22 33 726 37
36 to 40 41 38 1558 78
41 to 45 71 43 3053 149
46 to 50 89 48 4272 238
51 to 55 75 53 3975 313
56 to 60 55 58 3190 368
61 to 65 26 63 1638 394
66 to 70 6 68 408 400
400 19240
i)
ii) Time Mean speed: x 48.10 mph
Answer D
39
iii) 85th percentile speed of vehicles:
Step 1: total # observations x 0.85 = 400 x 0.85 = 340th observation
Step 2: The 340th observation is in the 56 to 60 mph speed group. The

associated assumed speed is 58 mph. Therefore the 85th percentile
speed is 58 mph.
Answer B
iv) Modal Speed = Mode. The mode is the “Assumed Speed” with the greatest
frequency. As shown in the above expanded table, the greatest frequency, 89, is
associated with the 46-50 mph speed group. Therefore the mode is 48 mph.
Answer D
v) Pace is 46 to 55. Upper limit of the Pace is 55 mph. This is an indicator of

Max. Speed Limit. Therefore, maximum speed limit is 55 mph.
Answer A
38 – Automatic Traffic Counter

An automatic traffic counter indicates that 2340 axles passed over its detector. It is
known that 8% of the vehicles were 3-axle trucks. How many 2-axle passenger cars
actually passed over the detector?
A) 90 B) 900 C) 975 D) 1035
SOLUTION
Given the information provided above, it is possible to write the following
simultaneous equations:
T
2C 3T 2340 and 0.08
C T
Where: C = the number of passenger cars; T = the number of trucks.
Solve these two equations: T 0.08 C T 0.08C 0.08T
0.92
C T ∴ C 11.5 T
0.08
Substituting the above expression for C into the first equation:
40
2 11.5T 3T 2340 ∴ T 90 trucks

∴ C 11.5 ∗ 90 1035 cars
Answer D
ALTERNATE METHOD: 2340 = 0.08(3)X + 0.92(2)X (Where X = Total Vehicles)
39 – Highway Safety – Human Factors

The three major subtasks performed by drivers include which of the following?
A) Communication, Control, and Maneuvering

B) Guidance, Navigation, and Control
C) Guidance, Communication, and Control
D) Communication, Guidance, and Navigation
SOLUTION
HSM, Section 2.2 Driver Task Model, Figure 2-1, Page 2-2. Answer B.
40 – Highway Safety – Crash Rates

A traffic study of an urban freeway corridor identified the locations with the highest
incidence of crashes. The corridor includes three freeway segments and three
interchanges. Using the crash data and traffic volumes tabulated below,
a. Rank the interchanges by number of crashes per year per million vehicles for each
interchange from highest to lowest.
b. Rank the highway segments by number of crashes per year per million vehicle
miles.
Inchg Crashes Highway Crashes Segment

Exit ADT per yr Segment ADT per yr Length
48 28500 73 48 to 55 68000 890 7.18

55 11250 49 55 to 58 72000 490 3.12
58 23150 68 58 to 61 63000 478 2.96
41
SOLUTION
a. Interchanges Ranking
73 crashes⁄yr 10
R Inchg 7.02 crashes⁄MEV 3
28,500 veh⁄day 365 days⁄yr
49 crashes⁄yr 10

68 crashes⁄yr 10
b. Highway segments. Use 106 instead of 108 because the ranking is per million
vehicle miles, not 100 million.
890 crashes⁄yr 10
R Inchg 4.99 crashes⁄MVM 3
68,000 veh⁄day 365 days⁄yr 7.18 mi
490 crashes⁄yr 10
478 crashes⁄yr 10
41 – Highway Safety – Crash Rates by Type of Median – Urban and Suburban

You’re traveling on an undivided highway in a suburban area. There are 20 access
points per mile. What is most nearly the crash rate per Million Vehicle Miles of Travel?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
i.
SOLUTION
See AASHTO GB Figure 2-32. Answer D
42
42 – Highway Safety – Crash Severity Codes

On the KABCO scale, what does a “K” code represent?
A) Fatality
B) Incapacitating Injury
C) Possible Injury
D) Property Damage Only
SOLUTION
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Traffic Safety Research Program. Answer A.
43 – Highway Safety – Crash Rates by Type of Median – Rural Areas

The estimated crash rate per Million Vehicle-Miles of Travel on undivided rural
roadways with a total of 20 Driveways per mile is most nearly:
A) 2.5
B) 3.5
C) 4.5
D) 5.5
SOLUTION
AASHTO GB Reference Figure 2-33, p 2-76 Answer B
43
44 – Highway Safety – Expected Crash Frequency

The expected crash frequency for a three-legged, stop-controlled intersection on a rural
four-lane highway was calculated to be 12.4 crashes per year using a safety performance
function. Over the past five years, 40% of the intersection’s crashes have occurred in
nighttime conditions. The County Engineer is considering the installation of
intersection lighting as a safety countermeasure. What would be the expected crash
frequency with intersection lighting at this location?
SOLUTION
Crash prediction for rural multilane highways is covered in Part C, Chapter 11 of the
HSM. The SPF for a rural intersection assumes no lighting in its “base condition” (p.11-
20). The CMF to incorporate intersection lighting into the SPF is defined in Equation
11-22 (p.11-35), as follows:
1.0 0.38
Where:
CMF4i = crash modification factor for the effect of lighting on total crashes; and
Pni = proportion of total crashes for unlighted intersection that occur at night.
The proportion of nighttime crashes was given in the problem statement to be 40%, so:
1.0 0.38 0.40 0.85
The CMF is applied to the SPF estimate of 12.4 crashes per year.
12.4 12.4 0.85 10.5 crashes per year
44
45 – Multilane Highway Capacity Analysis

A 5-mi undivided 4-lane highway is located on level terrain. A 6,600-ft. segment with
2.5 percent grade also is included in the study. Determine the peak hour LOS for the
upgrade portion of the highway given the following:
 46.0 mi/h field-measured FFS; 11-ft lane width

 1,900 veh/h peak-hour-volume in one direction
 7 percent trucks; 1 percent buses; and 2 percent RVs
 PHF = 0.90
SOLUTION 1
This is a Multilane Highway Problem.
Step 1 – Compute Free Flow Speed – Given as 46 mi/h
Step 2 – Convert volume to flow rate (HCM Equations 12-9 and 12-10)
Where:
1,900 ; 0.90; 2
For the upgrade, the HCM states on page 12-35, any grades between 2% and 3% and
longer than 0.5 miles, should be considered a separate segment and the upgrade
tables should be used to find the PCEs.
This segment is 6,600 ft (1.25 mile) long and on a +2.5% grade. 1.25 mile > 0.50
mile. Therefore, use the specific grade tables HCM Exhibits 12-26 through 12-28.
Select the appropriate exhibit based on the breakdown of SUTs and TTs. With 3%
SUTs (buses and RVs) and 7% TTs (trucks), the total truck percentage is 10%. The
3% SUTs represents 30% of the total truck percentage, and the 7% TT’s represents the
remaining 70%.
Therefore, we use Exhibit 12-26, which provides PCEs for a mix of 30% SUTs and
70% TTs. Select the ET = 2.83 from Exhibit 11-26 as shown below and plug into
Equation 12-10 to compute fHV.
45
ET = 2.83
1 1
0.85
1 1 1 0.10 2.83 1
1,236
Step 3: Determine LOS

1,236
26.9 / ⁄
46
Refer to HCM Exhibit 12-15. For D = 26.9 pc/mi/ln, LOS = D
46
46 – Signalized Intersection, Minimum Green Time

The signalized intersection shown in the
figure is located in a suburban area near a
retirement home with pedestrian volumes of
10 ped/cycle. Determine the minimum
green time for North-South pedestrian
intervals.
SOLUTION
Per HCM Eq. 19-65, the minimum green time for a phase is estimated as:
3.2 0.27 10
From the above figure, the N-S crosswalk length is 69 ft. Use 3.3 ft/sec walk
speed due to proximity to retirement home. See HCM page 19-81 for discussion of
walking speed.
69
3.2 0.27 10 26.81
3.3
47 – Signalized Intersection, Level of Service

A signalize four-leg intersection has the adjusted flow rates and total delays by
approach indicated below. Based on this data and the HCM LOS criteria for
signalized intersections provided below, determine the:
(a) LOS of each approach.
(b) Average control delay of the intersection.
(c) LOS of the intersection.
Approach EB WB NB SB
Adjusted flow rate,
(vph) 491 672 825 858
Avg. Control Delay
by approach (sec/veh) 16.2 23.6 58 32.0
47
SOLUTION
a) Per HCM Exhibit 19-8:
EB – LOS B; WB – LOS C; NB – LOS E; SB – LOS C
b) Average control delay of the intersection.

Σ
, d s⁄veh
Σv
Σ 16.2 491 23.6 672 58 825 32 858
d
491 672 825 858
d 34.8 .
c) Per HCM Exhibit 19-8, 34.8 sec delay is equivalent to LOS C
48 – Signalized Intersection, Cycle Length

The traffic volumes for a two phase signal at the intersection of First Street and Main
Street are
Street Flow Rate Max Saturation Flow
First St. 890 vph 2400 vph
Main St. 750 vph 1800 vph
 lost time/ phase: 4 sec;
 desired intersection volume to capacity ratio = 0.90
What Cycle length should be used?
SOLUTION
Using Eqn 19-30 (modified) from HCM,
L X 8 0.9
C
X v ⁄s v ⁄s v ⁄s . . . v ⁄s 0.9 0.37 0.42
66 sec
Where:
v ⁄s 890⁄2400 0.37
v ⁄s 750⁄1800 0.42
Total Lost time: L = 2 x 4 = 8 sec / cycle
48
49 – Signalized Intersection, Minimum Cycle Length

A two-phase signal has flow ratios on the major roadway as 0.46 and the minor
roadway as 0.29, and the assumed lost time of 4.0 sec/phase. Estimate the minimum
cycle length.
SOLUTION
Using Eqn 19-30 (modified) from HCM, (Use Xc = 1.00 for min cycle length)
8 1.0
32
Σ 1.0 0.46 0.29
50 – Sidewalk, Level of Service

A 20 ft wide off-street pedestrian facility along a highway is bordered by curb with
trees on one side and fence on the other side. The peak 15-min pedestrian flow rate is
1,600. What is the LOS during the peak 15 min on the average with no other
obstructions on the side walk?
SOLUTION
Using equation 24-1 of HCM,
20.0 4.0 1.5 14.5
Using equation 24-3 in HCM,

1,600
7.35 ⁄ /
15 15 14.5
Using Exhibit 24-1 in HCM, answer is LOS C.
51 – Traffic Growth, Time to Reach Maximum Capacity

In approximately how many years will a one lane ramp reach its capacity given the
following?
Ramp Capacity = 1,200 veh/h

Current Traffic = 750 veh/h
Traffic growth rate = 3% per year
SOLUTION
This is more like logical type problem
750(1.03)n=1,200  (1.03)n = 1,200/750 = 1.6
n ln(1.03) = ln(1.6)  n = 15.9 = 16 years
49
52 – Signalized Intersections, Platoon Ratios and Arrival Types

What is the appropriate default platoon ratio for a coordinated signal system on a one-
way street in a central business district with an average signal spacing of 600 feet?
A) 1.00 B) 1.33 C) 1.67 D) 2.00
SOLUTION
Use Exhibit 19-14 (HCM 6) to assume Arrival Type 6 for the given scenario, for which
the default platoon ratio is 2.00 (Exhibit 19-13, HCM 6). Answer is D.
53 – Traffic Control, Interchange Guide Signs

You are designing guide signs for a new major interchange of a freeway connecting
another freeway. What is the minimum size (inches) of upper-case letters to be used
for the names of destinations shown on sign legends?
A) 12 B)15 C) 16 D) 20
SOLUTION
According to the MUTCD Section 2E.32 Interchange Classification, this is a category
(a) Major Interchange. See Table 2E-4. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for
Freeway Guide Signs According to Interchange Classification. The required letter size
is 20 inches.
Answer D
54 – Traffic Control Device, Guide Signs

You are designing new guide signs for Enterprise Avenue, an urban street with a
posted speed of 25 mph. What is the minimum size (inches) upper letters to be used
for the principal legend.
A) 3.0 B) 3.5 C) 4.0 D) 5.0
SOLUTION
The situation described above requires design of a guide sign for a conventional road.
See MUTCD Section 2D.06 Size of Lettering. “…on urban streets with speeds of 25
mph or less, the principal legend shall be in letters at least 4 in in height for all upper-
case letters, or a combination of 4 inches in height for upper-case and three inches in
height for lower-case letters.” Therefore, the required letter size is 4.0 inches
Answer C
50
55 – Traffic Signal, Conceptual

A flashing WALKING PERSON indication symbolizes which of the following?
A) A pedestrian facing the signal indication is permitted to start to cross the roadway.
B) A pedestrian facing the signal indication shall not start to cross the roadway because
the signal is about to change.
C) A pedestrian facing the signal indication should yield the right-of-way to vehicles
lawfully within the intersection at the time this indication is first shown.
D) Nothing. A flashing WALKING PERSON indication has no meaning and shall not
be used.
SOLUTION
According to MUTCD Section 4E.02, Meaning of Pedestrian Signal Head Indications,
a flashing WALKING PERSON indication has no meaning and shall not be used
Answer D
56 – Traffic Control Device, Placement of Advance Warning Signs

Ridge Road is a three lanes wide (two lanes northbound / one lane southbound) as it
heads north from Downtown and up-hill into Valley View Park. The lanes are all 12-
feet wide and the 85th percentile speed throughout is 40 mph. A short distance beyond
the crest of the hill, the two northbound lanes reduce to one lane. The required length
of taper (ft) for the lane reduction is most nearly:
A) 240 B) 280 C) 320 D) 480
SOLUTION
See MUTCD Figure 3B-14, Examples of Applications of lane-Reduction
Transitions Markings.

45 , :
60

, 85 ,

12 40
320
60 60
Answer C
51
57 – Traffic Control Device, Placement of Advance Warning Signs

A “Lane Ends” (W4-2) warning sign is placed on the side of the northbound lanes a
short distance to the south of the Ridge Road lane reduction described above. The 85th
percentile speed throughout is 40 mph. The required advance placement (ft) for the
lane reduction taper is most nearly:
A) 670 B) 775 C) 885 D) 990
SOLUTION
See MUTCD Table 2C-4, Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Signs. This
is Condition A: Speed reduction and lane changing in heavy traffic. For an 85th
percentile speed of 40 mph, the advance placement distance is 670 ft. Answer A
58 – Traffic Control Device, Delineator Spacing

A rural interchange contains an entrance ramp with a 140 horizontal curve. Determine
the appropriate spacing (ft) of delineators along the curve.
A) 55 B) 60 C) 65 D) 70
SOLUTION
This problem involves the placement of a delineator panels on a horizontal curve. Refer
to MUTCD Table 3F-1. First determine the radius of a 140 curve.
5729.578 5729.578
409.25
14
Calculate the appropriate spacing, S, using the formula:
3√ 50 3 409.25 50 56.86; 55 Answer A
59 – Traffic Control Device, Advance Placement of Warning Signs
A two-lane highway with an 85th percentile speed of 60 mph crosses a railroad. How
far (ft) in advance of the stop bar at the grade crossing should a Highway-Rail Grade
Crossing sign (W10-1) be located?
A) 250 B) 325 C) 400 D 1,100
SOLUTION
See MUTCD Table 2C-4, Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Signs. The
situation described is Condition B: Deceleration to the listed advisory speed (mph) for
the condition. For an 85th percentile speed of 60 mph, the advance placement distance
is 400 ft. Answer C
52
60 – Traffic Signal, Conceptual

The installation of a new traffic control signal at an existing intersection is most likely
to cause which of the following traffic conflicts to increase?
A) Minor street left-turn and major street right turn
B) Through movements in opposing directions
C) Through movements in same direction
D) Through movements on crossing streets
SOLUTION
See MUTCD Section 4B.03 Advantages and Disadvantages of Traffic Control Signals.
The installation of a new traffic control signal at an existing intersection can cause a
significant increase in the frequency of collisions (especially rear-end collisions).
Answer C
61 – Traffic Signal Warrants, Conceptual
Which of the following is not a valid warrant for installing a traffic control signal?
A) Two- hour Vehicular Volume
B) Peak Hour
C) Crash Experience
D) School Crossing
SOLUTION
See MUTCD Section 4C.01 Studies and Factors for Justifying Traffic Control Signals.
Answer A
53
62 – Temporary Traffic Control, Merge Taper Length

On a four-lane undivided highway in north-south direction, right most lane in the
northbound direction needs some repairs for one mile long. The 85th percentile speed
on this highway is 45 MPH. All lanes are 12 feet wide and the shoulders are 6 feet
wide. What is the most appropriate merge taper length to place cones for this work
zone inside the northbound right most lane?
A) 203 ft B) 270 ft C) 405 ft D) 540 ft
SOLUTION
Refer to Figure 6C-2 and Tables 6C-3 and 6C-4 in MUTCD
L = WS = 12 x 45 = 540 ft
Taper length = L = 540 ft (Answer D)
63 – Temporary Traffic Control, Signing

Shoulder work needs to be completed on an urban two-lane low speed highway. The
85th percentile speed is 25 MPH and the offset required is 12 ft. How far in advance
of the shoulder work area should the very first sign be placed that drivers will see
notifying them of the road work?
A) 125 ft B) 200 ft C) 242 ft D) 42 ft
SOLUTION
See Tables 6H-3, 6H-4, and Figure 6H-3 in MUTCD.
L = WS2/60 = (12) (252)/60 = 125 ft
Distance to first sign from the shoulder work area = 1/3 L + A + B

= 1/3*125+100+100 = 242 ft
Answer C
54
64 –Temporary Traffic Control, Signing

Shoulder work needs to be completed on a freeway. The 85th percentile speed is 65
MPH and the offset required is 18 ft. How far in advance of the first cone should a
driver see the first “Right Side Shoulder Closed” sign?
A) 1000 ft B) 1500 ft C) 1890 ft D) 2890 ft
SOLUTION
See Tables 6H-3, 6H-4, and Figure 6H-5 in MUTCD.
Distance from work area to the first “Right Side Shoulder Closed” sign = A = 1,000 ft
Answer A
65 – Roadside Design, Clear Zone Width

A two-lane rural highway has a design speed of 65 mph and a Design ADT of 8800
vpd. It has 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders, and is located in a rock cut with
backslopes of 1V:6H. A utility company plans to install poles along the right side of
the highway for a new electric transmission line in an area where the roadway curves to
left on a 1640-foot radius curve. The utility should place the poles beyond what range
of required clear-zone width (ft) to avoid the need to protect them?
A) 14 to 16
B) 20.7 to 22.8
C) 28 to 30
D) 36.4 to 39
SOLUTION
See AASHTO Roadside Design Guide Table 3-1, p. 3-3 and Table 3-2, p. 3-4
From Table 3-1, for 65 MPH, ADT, 8800, Backslopes of 1V:6H gives a range of 28 to
30 feet
Since the poles are on the right side road on a curve to the left, an adjustment factor of
1.3 should be selected from Table 3-2. After multiplying by the factor, the range is 36.4
to 39 ft.
Answer D
55
66 – Roadside Design, Channel Cross Section

Which of the following combinations of foreslope (vertical to horizontal) and backslope
(vertical to horizontal) is NOT an AASHTO preferred cross-section for channels with
gradual slope changes?
A) 1:4 and 1:3
B) 1:4 and 1:5
C) 1:4 and 1:6
D) 1:4 and 1:10
SOLUTION
See AASHTO Roadside Design Guide Figure 3-7, p. 3-10
The 1:4 and 1:3 combination is the only one that does not fall in the “Preferred
Channel Cross-Section” of the graph area. Answer A.
67 – Design Vehicle Dimensions

What is the overall length, (ft), of a “Double-Bottom Semitrailer/Trailer” (WB-67D)?
A) 72.3
B) 97.3
C) 104.8
D) 114.0
SOLUTION
Reference AASHTO GB Table 2-1b, p. 2-4 Answer A
68 – Design Vehicle Dimensions

What is the rear overhang (measured from back axle of tandem axle assembly) of a
Turnpike Double-Semitrailer?
A) 3.0
B) 4.5
C) 5.0
D) 6.0
SOLUTION
Reference AASHTO GB Table 2-1b, p. 2-4 Answer B
56
69 – Design Vehicle, Minimum Turning Radius

What is the minimum turning radius, (ft), of a City Transit Bus (CITY-BUS) making a
180-degree turn?
A) 22.3
B) 24.5
C) 37.8
D) 41.6
SOLUTION
Reference AASHTO GB Figure 2-6, p. 2-15 Answer D
70 – Roadway Typical Sections, Frontage Roads

Frontage roads serve numerous functions, including controlling access to an arterial and
segregating local traffic from higher speed through traffic. In urban areas a minimum
spacing of ____ ft between arterial and frontage roads is desirable.
A) 75
B) 100
C) 125
D) 150
SOLUTION
Reference AASHTO GB Paragraph 4.12, Frontage Roads, p. 4-36 Answer D
71 – Roadside Design, Minimum Horizontal Clear Zone Width

The minimum horizontal clear zone width (ft) for a low-speed rural collector is most
nearly:
A) 24
B) 18
C) 14
D) 7
SOLUTION
Reference AASHTO GB Section 6.2.4, p. 6-8 Answer D
57
72 – Pavement Design, Total Design ESALs

A new roadway is planned to serve a new automobile manufacturing plant. It will be
used exclusively by the four different types of trucks listed below. The Average Annual
Daily Traffic (AADT) volume of all the trucks in the first year is 5,000. Note that the
number of trips made by each truck type is growing at different rates.
Truck Type Percent of AADT at T0 (%) Annual Growth Rate (i)

Panel/Pickup Trucks 40 5.00%
2-axle, 6-tire Trucks 30 2.00%
3-axle semi-trailer 20 0.75%
5-axle semi-trailer 10 1.50%
Determine the total number of ESALs (to the closest 1 million) that will be imposed on
the pavement over the next 20 years (ESAL20).
A. 17 million B. 18 million C. 20 million D. 22 million
SOLUTION
Organize the data provided into the table below. Note that annual growth rates vary by
truck type. Use the uniform series compound amount factor equation to calculate the
Growth Factors (also known as a F/A factor). Enter the F/A factors in column (4). See
AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures, 1993, Table D.23 (page D-28) for
the Design Truck Factors. Enter the truck factors in column (5). Compute the 20-Year
ESALs per truck type product of columns (1) thru (5) in column (6). ESAL20 is the sum
of the entries in column (6).
Truck Type Percent AADT Days Growth Design 20-Year

of AADT per Factor Truck ESALs
at T0 Year (F/A Factors) Factor
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Panel/Pickups 0.40 5,000 365 33.0660 0.0122 294,486
2-axle, 6-tire truck 0.30 5,000 365 24.2974 0.1890 2,514,234
3-axle semi-trailer 0.20 5,000 365 21.4912 0.8646 6,782,171
5-axle semi-trailer 0.10 5,000 365 23.1237 2.3719 10,009,596
ESAL20 = 19,600,488
The table indicates ESAL20 is 19,600,488 or 20 million.
Answer C.
58
73 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Primary Causes

Which of the following is NOT one of the five primary causes of pavement
deterioration?
A) Traffic Loading
B) Construction Quality and Materials
C) Moisture
D) Superelevation
SOLUTION
Answer D.
74 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Insufficient Adhesion

Which of the following types of pavement deterioration is the result of insufficient
adhesion between the asphalt cement and aggregate?
A) Bleeding
B) Reflective cracking
C) Raveling
D) Shoving
SOLUTION
Answer C.
75 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Excessive Asphalt Cement Content

What is the name of the condition that is caused by an excessively high asphalt
cement content in the mix, using an asphalt cement that is too flowable, too heavy a
prime or tack coat, or an improperly applied seal coat
A) Bleeding
B) Reflective cracking
C) Raveling
D) Shoving
SOLUTION
Answer A.
76 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Polishing

Why is pavement polishing undesirable?
A) Problems created by people stopping along the road to steal chunks of the
pavement.
B) Polishing causes pavement slabs to crack.
59
C) Loss of surface friction is a safety concern.

D) Pavement slabs becomes too thin, crack, break-up, make a mess.
SOLUTION
Polishing causes loss of surface friction which is necessary for braking.
Answer C.
77 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Washboarding

Which of the following pavement conditions is also known as, “washboarding”?
A) raveling
B) pushing
C) corrugation or shoving
D) rutting
SOLUTION
Corrugation or shoving is also known as, “washboarding” Answer C.
78 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Slippage Cracking

What is often a prime cause of slippage cracking?
A) Not enough tack coat,
B) Too much asphalt in mix.
C) Traffic wearing away the pavement surface.
D) Drastic temperature change.
SOLUTION
Not enough tack coat is often a prime cause of slippage cracking. Answer A.
79 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Causes of Channelization

Which of the following is the most likely NOT the cause of channelization?
A) Hydroplaning.
B) Mechanical deformation.
C) Plastic deformation of the asphalt mixtures near the pavement surface
D) Consolidation.
SOLUTION
Hydroplaning is the result of channelization. Channelization is not the result of
hydroplaning. Answer A.
60
80 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Smooth Textured Coarse Aggregate

Which of the following conditions could be caused by rounded or smooth textured
coarse aggregate?
A) swell
B) Block cracking
C) Corrugation
D) Crocodile cracking
SOLUTION
Corrugation can be caused by rounded or smooth textured coarse aggregate.
Answer C.
81 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Pavement Depressions

What causes pavement depressions?
A) Too much traffic.
B) hydroplaning
C) Localized consolidation beneath the surface course.
D) Braking from high speeds.
SOLUTION
Answer C.
82 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Loss of Bond

What is the name of the condition caused by the loss of bond between aggregates and
asphalt binder that typically begins at the bottom of the HMA layer and progresses
upward?
A) stripping
B) rutting
C) shoving
D) corrugations
SOLUTION
Answer A.
83 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Inadequate Shoulder Compaction

Which of the following is a result of inadequate shoulder compaction during
construction?
A) Hydroplaning
61
B) Lane to shoulder drop-off

C) Alligator cracking
D) Edge cracking
SOLUTION
Answer B.
84 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Delamination

Which of the following is NOT a likely cause of delamination?
A) Highly polished underlying pavement surface?
B) Water seepage
C) Insufficient tack coat
D) Surface layer is too thick
SOLUTION
Answer D.
85 – Asphalt Pavement Deterioration, Excess Asphalt Binder

Excess asphalt binder in the HMA is a possible cause for which of the following
conditions?
A) Delamination
B) Swelling
C) Alligator Cracking
D) Bleeding
SOLUTION
Answer D.
86 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Transverse Cracking.

The flexible pavement on an Interstate highway exhibits 600 ft per mile of transverse
cracking. The Current Distress Level is considered which of the following:
A) Poor B) Fair C) Good D) Excellent
SOLUTION
According to the 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 9-10, (page 105), Distress Types
and Levels Recommended for Assessing Current Flexible Pavement Structural
Adequacy, 600 ft per mile of transverse cracking length is well within the limits
62
recommended for Marginal (Fair) condition. 500 < 600 < 800.
Answer B.
87 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Punchouts.

The continuously reinforced concrete pavement on a freeway exhibits a total of 450
(medium and high severity punchouts) on a four-lane section, 10-miles long. The
Current Distress Level is considered which of the following:
A) Inadequate B) Marginal C) Adequate D) Excellent
SOLUTION
The number of punchouts per lane-mile: 450 punchouts /(4 lanes x 10 miles) = 11.25
punchouts per lane-mile
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 9-9, (page 104), Distress Types and
Severity Levels Recommended for Assessing Rigid Pavement Structural Adequacy,
on an Interstate, Freeway more than 10 punchouts per lane-mile is considered
Inadequate. 11.25 > 10. Therefore, the pavement condition is Inadequate.
Answer A.
88 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Fatigue Cracking.

The flexible pavement on a primary route exhibits 358 yd2 of fatigue cracking in a
two-lane section, 2 miles long. The Current Distress Level is considered which of the
following:
A) Poor B) Fair C) Good D) Excellent
SOLUTION
Area of Distressed Pavement: 5,280’/mi x 2 lanes x 2 miles x 12’/lane/9 ft2/yd2 =
28,160 yd2 Determine area percent defective: 358 yd2 / 28,160 yd2 = 1.3%;
According to the 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 9-10, (page 105), Distress Types
and Levels Recommended for Assessing Current Flexible Pavement Structural
Adequacy, on a primary route fatigue cracking of less than 10% of the pavement area
is considered Adequate (Good). 1.3% < 10%. The pavement condition due to fatigue
cracks is considered Adequate (Good). Answer C.
63
89 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Deteriorated Cracked Slabs.

The jointed plain concrete pavement on a primary route exhibits a total of 350
medium and high-severity transverse and longitudinal cracks and corner breaks on a
two-lane section, 8-miles long. The slabs are typically 20 ft long by 12 ft wide. The
Current Distress Level is considered which of the following:
A) Poor B) Marginal C) Good D) Excellent
SOLUTION
The total number of slabs: 5280’/mi x 8 mi x 2 lanes / 20 ft per slab = 4,224 slabs.
Determine Percent defective (deteriorated cracked) slabs:
350 defects / 4,224 = 0.0828 = 8.28%
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 9-9, (page 104), Distress Types and
Severity Levels Recommended for Assessing Rigid Pavement Structural Adequacy,
on a primary route 8 to 15% JPCP Deteriorated Cracked Slabs is considered Marginal.
8 % < 8.28% < 15%. The pavement condition is Marginal. Answer B.
90 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Performance Indicators.

Which of the following is/are NOT a performance indicator of Portland Cement
Concrete-Surfaced pavements?
I. Mean Transverse Joint Faulting
II. Surface Smoothness
III. Bottom-Up Transverse Cracking
IV. Longitudinal Cracking (Top Down Cracking)
V. Top-Down Transverse Cracking
VI. CRCP Punchouts
A) I and II B) III and IV C) IV D) V and VI
SOLUTION
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG pages 32-34, Longitudinal Cracking (Top-
Down Cracking) is a property of HMA surfaced pavements. Answer C.
64
91 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Distress Prediction.

AASHTO Ware Pavement ME Design software makes extensive use of the Enhanced
Integrated Climatic Model (EICM) that is embedded in the software for adjusting the
pavement layer modulus values with temperature and moisture. How often does the
EICM calculates the temperature and moisture conditions throughout the pavement
structure?
A) hourly B) daily C) monthly D) quarterly
SOLUTION
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG pages 37, ICM calculates temperature and
moisture conditions throughout the pavement structure on an HOURLY basis.
Answer A.
92 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rehabilitation Strategy

The following is a list of steps for determining a preferred pavement rehabilitation
strategy.
I. Determine Cause and Mechanism of Distress.
II. Determine Trial Overlay Thickness and Material Properties.
III. Define Problems and Inadequacies of Existing Pavement; In-place or
Damaged Modulus of Bound Layers.
IV. Select Feasible Strategies for Trial Rehabilitation Design;
V. Select Proper Pre-Overlay Treatments for Existing Pavements (NHI, 1999);
VI. Perform Life-Cycle Cost Analysis;
VII. Execute MEPDG to Predict Distresses and IRI.
Which of the following sequences lists the above steps in the correct order?
A) I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII (2, 7, 3, 5, 6, 10, 8)

B) I, II, IV, III, V, VII, VI (2, 7, 5, 3, 6, 8, 10)
C) I, III, IV, V, II, VII, VI (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)
D) I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VI (2, 7, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10)
SOLUTION
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG Figure 12-1, Steps for Determining a Preferred
Rehabilitation Strategy, (page 144). This sequence includes Steps 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
10, which are in the numerical order shown in Figure 12-1. Answer C
65
93 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rehabilitation Method.

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate pre-overlay treatment for a
rehabilitation design of PCC pavement using a HMA overlay?
A) Crack and Seat
B) Break and Seat
C) Full Depth Slab Replacement
D) Rubblize
SOLUTION
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG Figure 12-2, Flow Chart of Rehabilitation
Design Options Using HMA Overlays, (page 145), Full Depth Slab Replacement is an
appropriate pre-overlay treatment of Composite pavements, but not for PCC
pavements. Answer C
94 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, JPCP Joint Faulting.

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate preventive treatment for JPCP Joint
Faulting?
A) Reseal joints
B) Restore load transfer
C) Subsurface drainage
D) Full Depth Slab Repair
SOLUTION
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG Table 12-2, Candidate Repair and Preventive
Treatments for Flexible, Rigid, and Composite Pavements, (page 149), Full Depth
Slab Repair. This is an appropriate preventative treatment for JPCP slab cracking, but
not for JPCP joint faulting. Answer D
66
95 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Block Crack Prevention.

Which of the following preventive treatments is appropriate for Block Cracking?
A) Seal cracks / chip seal
B) Surface/fog seal
C) Surface patches
D) Rejuvenating seal
SOLUTION
Treatments for Flexible, Rigid, and Composite Pavements, (page 149), Seal cracks /
chip seal. This is an appropriate preventative treatment for block cracking of flexible
and composite pavement. Answer A
96 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rubblization Site Conditions.

Which of the following site conditions are considered desirable for the use of
rubblization for the rehabilitation of PCC pavements?
A) Water table is within 5 feet of the rubblizer layer.
B) Rigid layer is within 3 feet of the rubblized layer.
C) Old/brittle underground utilities are within 5 feet of the rubblized layer.
D) A drainage layer placed to allow increase depth to the water table prior to
rubblization.
SOLUTION
According to 2015 AASHTO MEPDG Figure 12-3, Site Features Conducive to the
Selection of the Rubblization Process for Rehabilitating PCC Pavement, (page 160).
Installation of edge drains or placing a drainage layer to allow increase depth to the
water table prior to rubblization are appropriate measures. Answer D
67
97 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Input Levels

The MEPDG uses a hierarchical input level scheme to categorize the designer’s
knowledge of the input parameter. Which of the following input levels represents the
greatest knowledge about a particular input parameter for a project, but has the highest
testing and data collection costs to determine the input value?
A) Input Level 1
B) Input Level 2
C) Input Level 3
D) Input Level 4
SOLUTION
As explained in MEPDG Section 4.2, Hierarchical Input Levels, (page 31), Level 1.
Answer A
98 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Repair Block Cracking

Which of the following is an appropriate repair treatment for block cracking of
flexible, rigid, and composite pavement?
A) Full-depth repair
B) Partial depth repair
C) Chip seal
D) Mill surface and leveling course
SOLUTION
Treatments for Flexible, Rigid, and Composite Pavements, (page 149), Chip Seal.
Answer C
68
99 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Joint Faulting Remedy

A trial JPCP design pavement exhibits signs of joint faulting. Which of the following
is NOT a recommended modification to the design?
A) Include dowels or increase diameter of dowels.

B) Improve surface drainage.
C) Decrease joint spacing.
D) Increase PCC strength.
SOLUTION
According to the 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 12-13, Recommendations for
Modifying Trial Design to Reduce Distress/Smoothness for JPCP Rehabilitation
Design, (page 175), the correct answer is D, Increase slab thickness. Answer D
100 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Slab Cracking Remedy

A trial JPCP design pavement exhibits signs of slab cracking. Which of the following
is NOT a recommended modification to the design?
A) Include dowels or increase diameter of dowels.
B) Use PCC with lower coefficient of thermal expansion
C) Increase PCC strength.
D) Increase slab thickness.
SOLUTION
According to the 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 13-4, Guidance on Modifying JPCP
Trial Designs to Satisfy Performance Criteria, (page 188), Include dowels or increase
diameter of dowels are recommended modifications for Joint LTE, but not for Joint
Crack Width. Answer A
69
101 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Punchout Remedy

A trial Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement design pavement exhibits signs
of punchouts. Which of the following is NOT a recommended modification to the
design?
A) Increase percent longitudinal reinforcement.
B) Reduce PCC coefficient of thermal expansion
C) Increase PCC strength.
D) Increase slab thickness.
SOLUTION
According to the 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, Table 13-5, Guidance on Modifying
CRCP Trial Designs to Satisfy Performance Criteria, (page 188), Reduce PCC
coefficient of thermal expansion is a recommended modification to minimize or
eliminate Crack width, not a recommended modification for Punchouts. Answer B
102 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Leveling Course

A leveling course is an integral component of a PCC pavement rubblization design.
Which of the following is NOT true of a leveling course applied over a rubblized PCC
layer.
A) is needed to restore grade and make profile corrections to the rubblized layer
B) may consist of crushed aggregate, milled or recycled asphalt pavement
C) acts as a cushioning layer for the HMA overlay.
D) should have high surface friction coefficient to resist skidding.
SOLUTION
See the 2015 AASHTO MEPDG, page 159, Leveling Courses. Answer D
70

Workshop Solutions

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

Workshop Solutions

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PE Civil Transportation Depth

CODE: Fall 2020 MATERIAL: Workshop Solutions

33 – Highway / Railroad Grade Crossing, Sight Triangle, Case B. ............................. 34

66 – Roadside Design, Channel Cross Section ............................................................. 56

96 – Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design, Rubblization Site Conditions. ........... 67

2 – Stopping Sight Distance

3 – Stopping Distance, A Cow in the Road

V0 = 50 mph; Vf = 0 mph; tp = 2.5 sec; f = a/32.2 = 0.30 G = -0.05

V0 = 50 mph; Vf = 0 mph; tp = 2.5 sec; f = a/32.2 = 0.30 G = +0.05

4 – Stopping Distance, Crash Scene Analysis

5 – Passing Sight Distance

6 – Stopping Distance, Separation Between Two Vehicles

(c) S 65.44 ~66 40

7 – Horizontal Curve Degree of Curvature

8 – Horizontal Curve – Properties

ii) What is the radius of each curve?

iii) What is the degree of curvature of each curve?

iii Degree of Curve

9 – Horizontal Curve – Properties

α Where I 180° 45° 20 45° 50 88° 50

10 – Horizontal Curve – Inaccessible PI (Homework)

Let Points A, C, and E be the points of tangency.

11 – Horizontal Curve – Properties, Coordinates

i) the back tangent bearing

R = 5729.578 / Da = 5729.578 / 100 = 572.9578 ft.

i) Back Tangent Bearing – see sketch

ii) PT Station = PC Station + L =

iii) PT Coordinates – see sketch

Latitude = - 250 cos 600 = -125.00 ft

iv) Center Point Coordinates – see sketch

Departure = - 572.9578 sin 300 = -286.479 ft

Latitude = - 572.9578 cos 300 = -496.1960 ft

12 – Horizontal Curve – Curve Layout by

What is most nearly the distance QR in feet?

A. 207.06 B. 216.83 C. 222.32 D. 224.47

Note that Angle I = 81.50 + 8.50 = 900

Note that Angle I/2 is at the vertex of

Solve for distance QR using the Method

13 – Horizontal Curve – Properties of Curve (Homework)

A. 222.32 B. 444.63 C. 454.64 D. 889.28

1. What is most nearly the PI Station?

Use the sketch to determine the deflection angle I.

Note that if we convert the back and

These azimuths are shown above in green.

Turning the projection of the back tangent

(1) What is the radius in feet?

(2) What is the PI Station?

14 – Horizontal Curve – Properties

Using this information, determine:

(1) The station of Point P.

(2) The PI Station.

(4) The middle Ordinate, M.

(5) The external, E.

Find the length of arc PT-P.

(2) The PI Station

Then find arc length, L and tangent length, T.

PC Station = PT Station – L= Sta 64+34.50 – 428.35’

PI Station = PC Station + T = PC Sta 50+82.22 + 802.30’ = PI Sta 58+84.52

(3) The coordinates of Point X, where the

Determine the length and Bearing of long chord, C.

Therefore, the Bearing of Line PT-X = N 78.740 W

Determine the latitude and departure of line X-PT.

Latitude of Line PT-X: