Geometric Design of Highways

Description: This quiz covers the fundamentals of Geometric Design of Highways, including concepts such as horizontal and vertical alignment, sight distance, and cross-sectional elements.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: geometric design highway engineering transportation engineering
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The primary objective of geometric design of highways is to:

  1. Minimize construction costs

  2. Maximize vehicle speed

  3. Ensure safe and efficient traffic flow

  4. Enhance the aesthetic appeal of the highway


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The primary goal of geometric design is to create roadways that allow vehicles to travel safely and efficiently, while considering factors such as traffic volume, speed, and driver behavior.

Horizontal alignment refers to the:

  1. Layout of the roadway in a horizontal plane

  2. Vertical profile of the roadway

  3. Cross-sectional design of the roadway

  4. Drainage system of the roadway


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Horizontal alignment encompasses the layout of the roadway in a horizontal plane, including the curvature and tangents of the roadway.

The minimum radius of a horizontal curve is primarily determined by:

  1. Design speed

  2. Traffic volume

  3. Superelevation

  4. Right-of-way constraints


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The minimum radius of a horizontal curve is primarily governed by the design speed of the highway, as it affects the vehicle's ability to safely navigate the curve.

Vertical alignment refers to the:

  1. Layout of the roadway in a horizontal plane

  2. Vertical profile of the roadway

  3. Cross-sectional design of the roadway

  4. Drainage system of the roadway


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Vertical alignment encompasses the vertical profile of the roadway, including the grades, crests, and sags along the highway.

The maximum gradient of a highway is primarily influenced by:

  1. Design speed

  2. Traffic volume

  3. Vehicle climbing ability

  4. Environmental factors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The maximum gradient of a highway is primarily determined by the climbing ability of vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles, to ascend the grade without losing momentum.

Sight distance is the:

  1. Distance required for a driver to stop a vehicle safely

  2. Distance required for a driver to see an object on the roadway

  3. Distance required for a driver to overtake another vehicle

  4. Distance required for a driver to change lanes safely


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sight distance refers to the distance along the roadway that is visible to a driver, allowing them to perceive and react to potential hazards or obstacles.

The minimum sight distance for a highway is primarily determined by:

  1. Design speed

  2. Traffic volume

  3. Vehicle braking distance

  4. Driver reaction time


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The minimum sight distance is primarily governed by the design speed of the highway, as it affects the distance required for a driver to perceive a hazard and react appropriately.

Cross-sectional elements of a highway include:

  1. Lane width

  2. Shoulder width

  3. Median width

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Cross-sectional elements of a highway encompass lane width, shoulder width, median width, and other elements that define the geometry of the roadway.

The primary purpose of a median in a highway is to:

  1. Separate opposing traffic lanes

  2. Provide space for landscaping

  3. Accommodate pedestrian crossings

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary function of a median in a highway is to physically separate opposing traffic lanes, thereby reducing the risk of head-on collisions.

The width of a traffic lane is typically determined by:

  1. Design speed

  2. Traffic volume

  3. Vehicle size

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The width of a traffic lane is influenced by factors such as design speed, traffic volume, and the size of vehicles using the roadway.

The purpose of superelevation on a horizontal curve is to:

  1. Increase vehicle speed

  2. Reduce vehicle rollover risk

  3. Improve drainage

  4. Enhance driver visibility


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Superelevation is applied on horizontal curves to counteract the centrifugal force experienced by vehicles, thereby reducing the risk of rollover and improving vehicle stability.

The maximum allowable superelevation rate is typically limited by:

  1. Design speed

  2. Traffic volume

  3. Driver comfort

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The maximum allowable superelevation rate is influenced by factors such as design speed, traffic volume, and driver comfort, as excessive superelevation can lead to discomfort and safety concerns.

The primary purpose of a transition curve in a highway is to:

  1. Connect a tangent to a circular curve

  2. Provide a gradual change in curvature

  3. Reduce vehicle speed

  4. Improve driver visibility


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Transition curves are used to connect a tangent section of a highway to a circular curve, providing a gradual change in curvature and allowing vehicles to smoothly transition between the two.

The length of a transition curve is typically determined by:

  1. Design speed

  2. Radius of the circular curve

  3. Traffic volume

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The length of a transition curve is influenced by factors such as design speed, the radius of the circular curve, and traffic volume.

The primary purpose of a roundabout in a highway intersection is to:

  1. Reduce traffic congestion

  2. Improve traffic flow

  3. Enhance pedestrian safety

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Roundabouts are designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance pedestrian safety by providing a continuous flow of traffic and reducing the risk of collisions.

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