Practice Exam 4

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Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 1

A 6-lane freeway is planned to operate at 85,000 vpd through mountainous terrain. There
will be an estimated 8% trucks and 3% buses and 5% RVs. The FFS is estimated at 70
mph and the PHF is 0.9 with a directional split of 60/40 and k = 0.12. The LOS of the
peak direction of the road is most nearly:

(A) LOS C
(B) LOS D
(C) LOS E
(D) LOS F

Solution
DDHV = AADT * K * D = 85000 * 0.12 * 0.60 = 6,120 vph
v
vp 
PHF * N * fHV * f p
v = 6,120 vph PHF = 0.9 N = 3 lanes
fP = 1.0
fHV = heavy vehicle factors from Exhibit 23-9 on Page 23-10 of the 2000 HCM
1
f HV 
(1 PT ( ET 1) PR ( ER 1))
Percentages for each class of heavy vehicle are provided. Busses and trucks are
combined for freeways. Because no specific grade is provided, the general freeway
segments for the rolling terrain provides E factors from Exhibit 23-8, page 23-9 of 2000
HCM.
PT = 8% + 3% = 11% PR = 5%
ET = 6.0 for Mountainous Terrain
ER = 4.0 for Mountainous Terrain
1
f HV  0.588
(1 0.11(6.0 1) 0.05(4.0 1))
6120
vp  3.855 pcphpl
0.9 *3*0.588*1
Refer to Exhibit 23-2 on page 23-4 of the 2000 HCM. For a 70 mph free-flow speed and
a service flow rate, vp, of 3,855 pcphpl, the LOS is F since 2,400 is the maximum service
flow rate for LOS E.
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (D)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 2

The table below gives the sub-watershed characteristics of an 8 acre watershed.

Sub Watershed Area (Acre) Tc (min) C
I 3 4 0.6
II 5 7 0.75
The watershed has the following constants for rainfall:
c = 124.2 e = 0.81 f = 6.19
Using the Rational Formula the Peak Flow Rate, in cubic feet per second is most nearly:

(A) 50
(B) 55
(C) 60
(D) 70

Solution
Given:
C = 124.2, e = 0.81, f = 6.19
Tc = Td = 7 min
Q = CIA
 Q = cubic feet per second (cfs)
 C = coefficient of imperviousness
 I = intensity of rainfall (in/hr)
 A = Area (acres)
1.008cfs = 1.00 acre-in/hr
 Cw = weighted coefficient
C A
Cw  i i
A
Time of concentration
Tc = L/V = distance traveled /velocity
Time of concentration is the duration of design storm length and is used to find the
intensity (in/hr) from I-T-T curves for a given area.
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
c
Compute rainfall intensity using: I e
Tc f
= (124.2)/(70.81 + 6.19)
= 11.3 in/hr
Therefore –Flow Rate Q = I*CA
= 11.3 * (0.6*3 + 0.75*5)
Q = 62.7 cfs or Q = 63 cfs
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 3
A rural two-lane class II highway has a maximum hourly volume of 700 vehicles on level
terrain, with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. There are 11-foot lanes and 2-foot shoulders
and 60 percent no passing. There is a 80/20 directional split with 8 percent trucks, and 3
percent RVs. The LOS is most nearly:

(A) LOS A
(B) LOS B
(C) LOS C
(D) LOS D

Solution
The LOS is determined by computing Percent Time Spent Following and Average Travel
Speed.
SF = Hourly / PHF
Without a PHF provided and the LOS is unknown, a PHF of 0.92 is taken as the default
value.
SF = 700 / .92 = 761 vph
1
FHV 
(1 PT ( ET 1) PR ( ER 1))
Percentages for each class of heavy vehicle are provided.
PT = 8% PR = 3% ET = 1.2, ER = 1.0, E factors are taken from Exhibit
20-9 and 20-10, p.20-8 of HCM 2000.
1
FHV  0.984
(1 0.08(1.2 1) 0.03(1.0 1))
FG value = 1.0 from Exhibit 20-7, p.20-7 of HCM 2000
V 761
So, vp = = 774 pc / hr
PHF * f G * f HV 1.0* 0.984
Determing Percent Time Spent Following:
PTSF = BPTSF + fdnp,
BPTSF = base percent time spent following both directions of travel combined
Fd/np = adjustment for the combined effect of the directional distribution of traffic and of
the percentage of no passing zones on the percent time spent following, Exhibit 20-11,
p.20-10, HCM 2000.
0.000879*v p
BPTSF = 100(1 e )
BPTSF = 49.35
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
PTSF = 49.35+ 16.74 = 66.09 %
Looking in Exhibit 20-4 on page 20-4 of the 2000 HCM for 66.09% Percent Time Spent
Following , the LOS of the Class II highway is C.
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS ( C )
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 4
The mechanical and plasticity tests of a soil under consideration as a fill material are
shown below:

Mechanical Analysis Plasticity

Sieve % finer Liquid Limit Plastic Limit
10 49 0 No Plasticity
40 27
200 5

The soil may be classified, according to the AASHTO classification system as:

(A) A-1-a(0)
(B) A-1-b(5)
(C) A-3(0)
(D) A-4(10)

Solution

Refer to the Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and methods of

Sampling and Testing, 16th edition, Washington D.C.: The American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials copyright 1993. Note, this classification
table is reproduced in most geotechnical textbooks. You will find it typically titled as
“TheAASHTOSoi lCl a
ssificationSy stem” .

The AASHTO Soil Classification system has two components:

1. Group Classification
2. Group Index
The selection of the Group Classification is by a process of elimination. The
identification of the Group Index is through the application of the Group Index empirical
formula:
GI = (F200–35)[0.2 + 0.005(LL –40)] + 0.01(F200–15)(PI –10)
Where GI = Group Index
F200= % soil passing the # 200 (0.075mm) sieve
LL & PI are the Liquid Limit and Plasticity Indices expressed as integers.
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Group Classification
more than 35% passes # 200 sieve:
Group Elimination
A-1-a
A-1-b
A-2-4
A-2-5
A-2-6
A-2-7
A-3
A-4 x
A-5 x
A-6 x
A-7-5 x
A-7-6 x

% passing sieve #40<30%

Elimination
A-1-a
A-1-b x
A-2-4 x
A-2-5 x
A-2-6 x
A-2-7 x
A-3 x

Therefore, soil can be classified as A-1-a

Group Index
GI = (F200–35)[0.2 + 0.005(LL –40)] + 0.01(F200–15)(PI –10)
GI = (5-35)[0.2 + 0.005(0 –40)] + 0.01(5 –15)(0 –10)
GI = 0
The soil can be classified as A-1-a(0)
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 5
A two-lane rural Class I highway has 12-ft lanes and 6-ft shoulders has a free flow speed
of 50 mph. The no-passing zone along is 60 percent with a directional split of 70/30 and
the Percent-time-spent-in-following is 65%. The traffic consists of 85 percent passenger
cars, 15 percent trucks. With a PHF = 0.9, the maximum hourly volume, in vehicles, that
can be maintained if the average speed should not be less than 40 mph is most nearly,
ignoring access point density:

(A) 650
(B) 725
(C) 600
(D) 675

Solution:
The maximum hourly volume is computed by first finding the flow rate vp. vp is
computed from PTSF value and is compared with computed ATS values from FFS, such
that the derived vp is above the given ATS value of 40 mph.
Fw = 12 foot lane, 6 foot shoulder, fLS = 0 from Exhibit 20-5, p.20-6, HCM 2000.
PTSF = BPTSF + fdnp,
BPTSF = base percent time spent following both directions of travel combined
fd/np = adjustment for the combined effect of the directional distribution of traffic
and of the percentage of no passing zones on the percent time spent following,
Exhibit 20-11, p.20-10, HCM 2000.

BPTSF = 100(1 e
0.000879*v p
)  v p  1 0.000879 log 
1

e
BPTSF 
 100 


Different values of fd/np and fnp are used to obtain vp that matches the computed ATS
values. ATS is computed from the equation ATS = FFS –0.00776vp –fnp (equ. 20-5,
pg.20-9, chapter 20, HCM 2000)

Derived FFS/
Case fd/np BPTSF fnp ATS/mph
vp pc/hr mph

I 24.8 40.2 584.94 50 2.4 43.06

II 22 43 639.50 50 3.5 41.537

III 19.1 45.9 698.9 50 3.0 41.576

IV 13.3 51.7 827.92 50 2.4 41.175

V 7.4 57.6 976.13 50 1.2 41.225

 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
IV 3.5 61.5 1085.91 50 0.9 40.673

Revising vp of Case IV for fd/np , vp becomes 834.89 pc/h.

PT = 15 %, PR = 0%, ET = 1.2, ER = 0
E factors Exhibit 20-9 and 20-10 p.20-8 of HCM 2000
1 1
FHV   0.97
(1 PHV ( ET 1)) (1 0.15(1.2 1))
PHF = 0.9
V
vp = equation is used to find the maximum hourly volume from
PHF * f G * f HV
the
selected flow rate from the table above.
SF = Hourly Volume / PHF  Max Hourly Volume = SF * PHF *fHV =
834.89 * 0.9 * 0.97 = 728.86 or 729 vph
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS ( B )
Note:
The fnp values used in the table correlate with the fd/np values (from Exhibit 20-12, pg.20-
11) used in the solution based on the same range of two-way flow rate values, vp (pc/h).
These fnp values are used to find if the 'derived vp' satisfies the condition: 'the hourly
volume travels at average speeds greater than 40 mph'. ATS values are computed to serve
as a cross check for the 'derived vp' values.
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 6

The 25 year peak flow at a storm water inlet is to be determined for a 60 acre area. The
average rainfall intensity is 5.9 inches per hour. Land use is as follows:

Land Use Acres Runoff Coefficient

Single Family Residence 40 0.40
Commercial 6 0.60
Park 14 0.15

The Peak Flow in (acre-inches per hour) is most nearly:

(A) 120
(B) 130
(C) 140
(D) 150

Solution
Given:
I = 5.9 in/hr
A = 60 acre
Q = CIA
 Q = cubic feet per second (cfs)
 C = coefficient of imperviousness
 I = intensity of rainfall (in/hr)
 A = Area (acres)
1.008cfs = 1.00 acre-in/hr
 Cw = weighted coefficient
c A
Cw  i i
A
Find Area-Weighted runoff coefficient
Cw = (Ai*Ci)/(Ai) = (40*.4 + 6*0.6 + 14*0.15)/(40+6+14) = 0.36
Find Peak Flow - Qp = (0.36)(5.9)(60) = 127 (acre-inches/hr)
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 7
Shuttle buses stop at the curbside at an airport every 15 minutes. The buses stop on a
road with a recorded space mean speed of 30 mph. When a bus stops to pick up
passengers, taking 5 minutes, the flow and speed of the road is disturbed as tabulated
below.
Space mean speed and flow observations are tabulated below:
Upstream Downstream
Flow (vph) 1250 900
Space mean speed (mph) 25 10

The intensity and direction of the shock wave created by the bus berth, in miles per hour,
is most nearly:

(A) +5
(B) –9
(C) +12
(D) -15

Solution
The speed of a shockwave, uw, is given by:
q q
uw  2 1
k2 k1
Where q1 is the flow rate upstream of the shock wave (vph) = 1250
q2 is the flow rate downstream of the shock wave (vph) = 900
k1 is the density upstream of the shock wave (vpm)
k2 is the density downstream of the shock wave (vpm)
k1 = q1 / u1 = 1250 / 25 = 50 vpm
k2 = q2 / u2 = 900 / 10 = 90 vpm
900 1250
uw  8.8mph
90 50
(The minus indicates that the shockwave is traveling backward)
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 8
The following laboratory test results for Atterberg limits and particle-size distribution
(sieve analysis) were obtained for a soil.

particle size distribution

(percent passing)
sieve no. B3(10-11 ft)
no. 4 (4.75 mm) 80
no. 10 (2.00 mm) 60
no. 40 (0.425 mm) 30
no. 200 (0.075 mm) 10
Atterberg limits
liquid limit 31
plastic limit 25

Classify the soil according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).
(A) SM
(B) SP
(C) SW-SC
(D) SW-SM

Hint: There is no need to graph the given data. Use the coefficient of conformity and the coefficient of
curvature to help assess the shape parameter of the gradation curve.

Solution
The plasticity index, PI, the Hazen uniformity coefficient, Cu, and the coefficient of
curvature, Cz, should be calculated to assist with the soil classification procedure.
PI = LL-PL
D
Cu  60
D10

( D )2
C z  30
D10 D60
Calculate the PI.
PI = LL –PL = 31 –25 = 6
Assign the grain diameter coefficients.
D10 = no. 200 sieve opening = 0.075 mm
D30 = no. 40 sieve opening = 0.425 mm
D60 = no. 10 sieve opening = 2.00 mm
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Calculate the Hazen uniformity coefficient.
2.00 mm
Cu  27
0.075 mm
Calculate the coefficient of curvature.
(0.425 mm) 2
Cz  1.20
(0.075 mm)(2.00 mm)
Use the USCS chart to determine the major division between coarse- and fine-grained
soils using the sieve analysis results. Because 10% of the total weight is finer than the
no. 200 sieve, 90% is retained on or above this sieve, indicating a coarse-grained soil.
Also, (20%)(90%), or 18% of the coarse fraction is retained on the no. 4 sieve, leaving
100% - 18%, or 72% of the coarse fraction passing the no. 4 sieve. Therefore, the criteria
for sand being over half of the coarse fraction is met.
In the USCS chart, there is a column labeled "laboratory classification criteria," with a
sub-column labeled "supplementary criteria requirements," where Cu and Cz are listed.
The values of Cu and Cz were previously calculated to be 27 and 1.20, respectively. The
criteria indicate that the classification symbol must start with an SW instead of one of the
remaining choices, SP, SM, or SC, because only the supplementary requirements for SW
are met for this soil.
Since the percentage passing the no. 200 sieve is within the range of 5-12%, the USCS
chart indicates that the result is a borderline case requiring the use of a "dual symbol."
The Atterberg limits, LL = 31 and PI = 6, both plot on the plasticity chart below the "A-
line" in the ML zone, indicating that the second part of the dual symbol is SM, making
the correct answer SW-SM.
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (D)
Why Other Options are wrong
(A) A classification of SM is possible because both the Atterberg limits values plot on
the plasticity chart below the "A-line." However, this answer fails to meet the
criteria for a single symbol because the soil has less than 12% passing the no. 200
sieve.
(B) This solution is incorrect because the percentage passing the no. 200 sieve is
greater than five. Therefore, the criteria for SP are not met.
(C) Although the result for Cu is greater than six and Cz is between one and three, LL
and PI are plotted on the plasticity chart in the ML zone rather than in the CL
zone. Therefore, a symbol of SC cannot be used as part of the required dual
symbol.
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 9

A triangular open channel shown below has a slope of 0.0005 feet per foot, a discharge of
50c ubicf eetpe rsecond,a ndaMa nning’scoefficient of 0.020.

d 1
3

The critical velocity, in feet per second, is most nearly:

(A) 1.63
(B) 1.72
(C) 1.84
(D) 1.91

Solution
Q = Peak flow rate
n = Manning coefficient
A = Cross sectional area
rH = Hydraulic radius = A/P
P = wetted perimeter
S = Bottom slope
S = 0.0005
Q = 50 ft3/s
n = 0.020
a) Normal depth
A = ½(3dn)(dn) * 2 = 3dn2
P = 2*(dn2 + 9dn2)1/2 = 6.32dn
rH = A/P = 0.475 dn
149
Q A(rH ) 2 / 3 ( S )1/ 2
n
50 = (1.49/0.02)(3dn2)(0.475dn)2/3(0.0005)1/2 = 5.0 * dn2(0.475dn)2/3
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
The simplest procedure is guessing a range for dn and find the flow, Q, closest to the
required 50 ft3/s.

dn(ft) Q (ft3/s)

2 19.3
4 122.7
3 57.0
2.8 47.4
2.85 49.7

b) Critical depth
Q 2 A3

g b
Assume dn = dc
A = 3dc2
P = 6.32dc
rH = 0.475dc
502 (3d c )3

9.81 6dc
dc5 = 56.6 dc = 2.2 ft
c) Critical velocity
Find Area and Perimeter with dc = 2.2 ft.
rH = A/P = 0.475 dc = 0.475 x 2.2 = 1.045
1.49
Q vA  A(rH ) 2 / 3 ( S )1/ 2
n
1.49 1.49
vc  (rH ) 2 / 3 ( S )1/ 2  (1.045)2 / 3 (0.0005)1/ 2
n 0.02
vc = 1.72ft/s
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 10
A 1:1.6:2.6 (by weight) mixture of cement, sand, and course aggregate is produced with
the following specifications.
cement specific gravity = 3.15
94 pounds per sack
sand specific gravity = 2.62
SSD
course aggregate specific gravity = 2.65
SSD
water 5.8 gal per sack cement
entrained air 3%

The quantity of cement, in pounds, required to produce 1 yd3 of concrete, is most nearly:
(A) 250
(B) 600
(C) 750
(D) 950
Solution
Calculate the volume for one sack of cement.
 lbf 
94 proportion 
V sack 
 lbf 
62.4 3  SG 
 ft 
SG=SSD specific gravity
Cement:
 lbf 
94 
1
V  sack 
0.48ft 3 / sack
 lbf 
62.4 3  3.15
 ft 
For 1 yd3,
 
 1 
 lbf 
cement =  
94 
 sack 
3
0.140 yd 
 
 sack 
671 lbf
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 11
The findings of a speed survey is summarized below.
Speed Interval(mph) Frequency
20 24 2
25 29 9
30 34 16
35 39 28
40 44 19
45 49 11
50 54 3
The 85 percentile speed, in mile per hour, is most nearly:

(A) 34
(B) 37
(C) 40
(D) 43

Solution
Construct a cumulative frequency table from the data given.
Interval Frequency Cumulative frequency
20 24 2 2%
25 29 9 13%
30 34 16 31%
35 39 28 63%
40 44 19 84%
45 49 11 97%
50 54 3 100%
Plot cumulative frequencies against lower interval limits
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions

100%
90%
80%
cumulative frequency

70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
speed

Read speed associated with 85% cumulative frequency. Plot shows 85% mile speed to be
close to 40 mph.

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)

 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 12

The dimensions for a concrete trapezoidal open channel Aqueduct are shown below.
When the water is 10 feet deep, the flow is measured as 1600 cubic feet per second.

50 ft

1
10 ft
1.5

20 ft
I
fMa
nni
ng’
scoefficient is 0.02, the slope of the channel is most nearly:

(A) 0.0003
(B) 0.0004
(C) 0.0005
(D) 0.0006

Solution
Q = Peak flow rate
n = Manning coefficient
A = Cross sectional area
rH = Hydraulic radius = A/P
P = wetted perimeter
S = Bottom slope
A = (20 x 10) + 2(1/2)(1.5 x 10)(1 x 10) = 350 ft2
P = 20 + 2{(1.5 x 10)2 + (1 x 10)2}1/2 = 56.06 ft
rH = A/P = 6.24 ft
1.49
Q
2/3
A(rH ( S )1/ 2
n
1600 = (1.49/0.02)(350)(6.24)2/3(S)1/2
S1/2 = 1.8 x 10-2
S =0.0003
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 13
The results tabulated below are from a modified Proctor compaction test of a soil sample
of excavated material. The natural moisture of the excavated material is 11%. 1.5
million cubic yards of the soil is to be used as fill, and compaction to a minimum of 90%
of the Modified Proctor maximum dry density has been specified.
weight moisture
of soil content
lb/oz %
W w
3lb 8.0oz 13 %
3lb 14.4oz 14 %
4lb 2.9oz 15 %
4lb 3.2oz 16 %
3lb 14.4oz 18 %
3lb 6.4oz 20 %
The volume of water, in gallons to increase the moisture content to the optimum level, in
millions of gallons, is most nearly:
(A) 12
(B) 16
(C) 19
(D) 24

Solution

Step 1: Convert soil weight from lb and oz to lb

weight weight
of soil of soil
lb/oz lb
W W
3lb 8.0oz 3.50
3lb 14.4oz 3.90
4lb 2.9oz 4.18
4lb 3.2oz 4.20
3lb 14.4oz 3.90
3lb 6.4oz 3.40
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Step 2: Derive unit weight from:

= weight of soil/volume of proctor mold,
where volume of proctor mold = 1/30 ft3.
WeightMoist unit
of soil weight
lb lb/ft3
W  
3.50 105.0
3.90 117.0
4.18 125.4
4.20 126.0
3.90 117.0
3.40 102.0
Step 3: Derive dry density 
d

d / (1+w)
Moist unitMoisture Dry
weight content density
lb/ft3 % lb/ft3
  w d
105.0 13 % 92.8
117.0 14 % 103.0
125.4 15 % 109.4
126.0 16 % 108.3
117.0 18 % 99.0
102.0 20 % 85.1
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Step 4: Plot Moisture content (w) vs dry density (
d)

120
d (lb/ft )
3

115
110
Dry unit weight, 

105
100
95
90
85
80
10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% 22%
Moisture Content, w (%)

Step 5: identify maximum dry density (

d) and optimum moisture content (w) from the
plot:

d(max) = 111 pcf

Optimum moisture content = wopt = 15.0%

Step 6: calculate the weight of water to be added
d = 0.9 
Ww = (vol in yd3) x (yd3 to ft3) x ( dmax) x (wopt –wnat)
zav) x (

Ww = (1,500,000) x (27) x (0.9) x () x (0.15 –0.11) = 161,838,000 lb

Step 7: calculate the volume of water to be added:
Vw = (Ww) / (lb to gallon)
Vw = (161,838,000) / (8.33) = 19.43 x 106 gallons

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: (C)

Other possible questions that could be posed:

(a) The Modified Proctor optimum moisture content, wopt = 15 %
(b) The Modified Proctor maximum dry density, 
d(max) = 111 pcf

(c) The weight of water to be added to increase the moisture content to the optimum
level, Ww = 162 x 106 lb
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 14

A 4 lane divided highway (2 lanes in each direction) is expected to have an initial average
daily traffic of 11,985 vehicles (each way). Approximately, 23% of the traffic consists of
trucks. The traffic is expected to grow at a 5% annual rate for the next 20 years. Table 1
shows data from a nearby weight station for 1,940 trucks. The data is considered
representative of the traffic seen in the highway.

Total Single Tandem

Load Axles Axles
Number Number
10,000 2,420
14,000 630
18,000 301
20,000 22
22,000 6 24
25,000 1 15
28,000 12
32,000 11

If the Asphalt Institute Equivalent Axle Load Factors are used to determine the truck
factors, the 20 design 18-kip equivalent axles are closest to ______ million

(A) 5
(B) 10
(C) 20
(D) 30

Solution
The design ESAL is calculated from the equation ADT*365*D*T*Tf*L*G*Y
Where:
ADT = average daily traffic (given: 11,985)
D = directional distribution (given as each way, thus: 1)
T = percent trucks (given: 0.23)
Tf = truck factor (calculated below)
L = Lane distribution (for an ADT of 12,000 and 2 lanes ~0.80)
G = growth factor (given: 5 percent)
Y = design life (given: 20 years)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
The truck factor is determined from the weight station data
Total Single Tandem EALF EALF EALF EALF
Load Axles Axles Single Tandem Sum
Number Number Single Tandem Xn Xn
10,000 2,420 0.0877 2420 x 0.0877 212.23
= 212.23
14,000 630 0.360 226.80 226.80
18,000 301 1.000 301.00 301.00
20,000 22 1.51 33.22 33.22
22,000 6 24 2.18 0.180 13.08 4.32 17.40
25,000 1 15 3.53 0.308 3.53 4.62 8.15
28,000 12 0.495 5.94 5.94
32,000 11 0.857 9.43 9.43
Total 814.17
Truck factor is then 814.17 divided by the number of trucks weighted (1,940). Thus Tf =
814.17/1940 = 0.42
The growth is calculated based on the interest equation

1 r 1 1 0.05 1
Y 20

GY  GY  = 33.06
r 0.05
Thus ESALs = 11,985*365*1*0.23*0.42*0.80*33.06 = 11,176,372
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 15
A soil sample needs to be classified. Mechanical and plasticity test results are shown
below:
Sieve Analysis Plasticity
Sieve Number % passing by weight Liquid Limit Plastic Limit
10 8 25 10
40 38
200 54
According to the Unified Soil Classification (USCS), the classification is most nearly:

(A) LC
(B) GL
(C) LG
(D) CL

Solution

Refer to the Unified Soil Classification System, Technical Memorandum No. 3-357, US
Army Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1960. Note,
this classification table is reproduced in most geotechnical textbooks. You will find it
typic all
yt itleda s“ TheUni f
iedSoilCl assi
ficationSy st
e m” .

The Unified Soil Classification system has two analytical components:

3. Particle size
4. Plasticity
Particle size
Less than half of the material is larger than No. 200 sieve: the material is a Fine-grained
soil.
Plasticity
The Liquid Limit is less than 50: the material is a Silt and clay soil
TheAt
te
rbe
rg’
spl
oti
sabovet
he“
A”l
ine
,int
heCLr
egi
on.
The soil can be classified as CL.
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (D)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 16

A trapezoidal channel with side slope of 3 to 1 is designed to carry a uniform flow. The
channe lhasMa nning’sc oefficien t
,n of 0.015 and bottom slope of 0.004 feet per foot
run.

1
2 ft 3

6 ft

If the water in the channel is flowing at a depth of 2 feet, the flow, in cubic feet per
second is most nearly:
.
(A) 180
(B) 270
(C) 320
(D) 470

Solution
Q = Peak flow rate
n = Manning coefficient
A = Cross sectional area
rH = Hydraulic radius = A/P
P = wetted perimeter
S = Bottom slope
A = (6 x 2) + (6 x 2) (2/2) = 24 ft2
P = 6 + 2 (62 + 22)1/2 = 18.65 ft.
rH = A /P = 24 / 18.65 = 1.29 ft
1.49
Q A(rH ) 2 / 3 ( S ) / 2 (1.49 / 0.015)(24)(1.29)2 / 3 (0.004)1/ 2 178.7 ft 3 / sec
n
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 17
An unconfined aquifer with a pumped well and an observation well is shown in the
illustration.

The pumped well diameter is 4 in, and the aquifer thickness is 18 ft with a hydraulic
conductivity of 7.2 ft/day. The observation well is located 30 ft from the pumped well,
and after 10 hr of pumping at 20 gal/min shows a steady-state drawdown of 14 in. What
is the radius of influence of the pumped well?
(A) 2.3 ft
(B) 31 ft
(C) 38 ft
(D) 53 ft
Hint: Under steady-state conditions, the radius of influence is not a function of time.
Solution
ho aquifer thickness ft
h-ho observation well drawdown ft
1 ft 
h 18 ft  14 in  16.83 ft
12 in 
K hydraulic conductivity ft/day
Q pumping rate gal/min
r distance from pumped well to observation well 30 ft
ro radius of influence ft
K  ho2 h 2 
Q
r
ln o
r
 gal   ft 3 
 min 
20  0.134 
1440 
 min   gal  day 
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
 ft 

 (18ft) 2 
7.2 day  16.83 ft 
2

 
r
ln o
30 ft
ro 38 ft
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)
Why Other Options Are Wrong
(A) This incorrect solution violates logarithm laws by distributing the natural log to
each term inside the parentheses. Other assumptions, definitions, and equations are the
same as those used in the correct solution.
1 ft 
h 18 ft (14 in)  16.83ft
12 in 


 gal  ft 3 
 min 
20 
0.134 
1440 
 min 
 gal  day 

 ft 
(18 ft (16.83 ft) 2 )
2
7.2 day 
 
r
ln o
30 ft

ln
 ft 
30 ft 
7.2 day 
 
 18ft 
2

16.83ft 
2

ln ro 
 gal   ft 3 
 min 
  
 day 
20 0.134 1440
 min   gal  
ro 2.3 ft
(B) This solution is incorrect because the unit conversion from gal to ft3 is not made
for flow. Other assumptions, definitions, and equations are the same as those used in the
correct solution.
1 ft 
h 18 ft  14 in  16.83 ft
12 in 
 gal   min 
20 
1440 
 min   day 
 ft 
 (18 ft 
16.83 ft )
2 2
7.2 day 
 
r
ln o
30 ft
ro 31 ft
Note that units are ignored.
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
(D) This solution is incorrect because the pumping time is included with the flow.
Other assumptions, definitions, and equations are the same as those used in the correct
solution.
1 ft 
h 18 ft- 
14 in  16.83 ft
 12 in 
 gal   min   ft 3 
20  
10 hr 60  0.134 
 min   hr   gal 
 ft 
 (18 ft 16.83 ft) 2 
2
7.2 day 
 
r
ln o
30 ft
ro = 53 ft
Note that the time units do not cancel and are ignored
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
Problem 18
An unconfined aquifer with a pumped well and an observation well is shown in the
illustration.

The pumped well diameter is 4 in, and the aquifer thickness is 18 ft with a hydraulic
conductivity of 7.2 ft/day. The observation well is located 30 ft from the pumped well,
and after 10 hr of pumping at 20 gal/min shows a steady-state drawdown of 14 in. What
is the radius of influence of the pumped well?
(A) 2.3 ft
(B) 31 ft
(C) 38 ft
(D) 53 ft
Hint: Under steady-state conditions, the radius of influence is not a function of time.
Solution
ho aquifer thickness ft
h-ho observation well drawdown ft
1 ft 
h 18 ft  14 in  16.83 ft
12 in 
K hydraulic conductivity ft/day
Q pumping rate gal/min
r distance from pumped well to observation well 30 ft
ro radius of influence ft
K  ho2 h 2 
Q
r
ln o
r
 gal   ft 3 
 min 
20  0.134 
1440 
 min   gal  day 
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
 ft 

 (18ft) 2 
7.2 day  16.83 ft 
2

 
r
ln o
30 ft
ro 38 ft
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)
Why Other Options Are Wrong
(A) This incorrect solution violates logarithm laws by distributing the natural log to
each term inside the parentheses. Other assumptions, definitions, and equations are the
same as those used in the correct solution.
1 ft 
h 18 ft (14 in)  16.83ft
12 in 


 gal  ft 3 
 min 
20 
0.134 
1440 
 min 
 gal  day 

 ft 
(18 ft (16.83 ft) 2 )
2
7.2 day 
 
r
ln o
30 ft

ln
 ft 
30 ft 
7.2 day 
 
 18ft 
2

16.83ft 
2

ln ro 
 gal   ft 3 
 min 
  
 day 
20 0.134 1440
 min   gal  
ro 2.3 ft
(B) This solution is incorrect because the unit conversion from gal to ft3 is not made
for flow. Other assumptions, definitions, and equations are the same as those used in the
correct solution.
1 ft 
h 18 ft  14 in  16.83 ft
12 in 
 gal   min 
20 
1440 
 min   day 
 ft 
 (18 ft 
16.83 ft )
2 2
7.2 day 
 
r
ln o
30 ft
ro 31 ft
Note that units are ignored.
 Practice Exam 4
PM (A)
Solutions
(D) This solution is incorrect because the pumping time is included with the flow.
Other assumptions, definitions, and equations are the same as those used in the correct
solution.
1 ft 
h 18 ft- 
14 in  16.83 ft
 12 in 
 gal   min   ft 3 
20  
10 hr 60  0.134 
 min   hr   gal 
 ft 
 (18 ft 16.83 ft) 2 
2
7.2 day 
 
r
ln o
30 ft
ro = 53 ft
Note that the time units do not cancel and are ignored