Question 1

Which of the following theories is used to analyze active and passive lateral earth pressure on retaining walls?
A)Rankine
B)Coulomb
C)Kinetic
D)A) and B.

Accepted Answer

The Rankine and Coulomb Theories are used to analyze active and passive lateral earth pressure. The two theories are similar; however, the Rankine Theory assumes there is no adhesion or friction between the wall and the soil, and lateral pressure is limited to vertical walls. The Coulomb Theory assumes that there is friction between the wall and the soil and that lateral pressure is not limited to vertical walls.

Question 2

What is the passing sight distance for a section of 60 mile per hour (mph) 2-lane rural highway with a 1740-foot vertical sag curve where a bridge passes over at 16.8 feet? (Assume S > L and A = 3.15)
A)870 feet
B)2,210 feet
C)2,273 feet
D)3,389 feet

Accepted Answer

The passing sight distance for a section of 60 mph 2-lane rural highway with a 1,740-foot vertical sag curve where a bridge passes over at 16.8 feet is 2,273 feet.
Solution: Use sag vertical curve length at undercrossing equation (US Customary units)
S = L/2 + 400(C-5.75)/A
Where, L = 1740 feet
C = 16.8
A = 3.15
S = 1740/2 + 400(16.8-5.75)/3.15
= 2,273 feet

Question 3

Which of the following definitions best describes water hammer?
A)The impulsive force of water that is stopped too quickly
B)Properly backfill pipe trench
C)Use air pressure for testing
D)Use hydrostatic pressure for testing

Accepted Answer

Water hammer is the impulsive force of water that is stopped too quickly. In general, the maximum recommended average velocity in a closed pipeline is 5 feet/second. When the velocity of flow within a pipeline exceeds 5 feet/second, pressure surges may develop within the pipeline when flow is stopped suddenly. The rapid change in momentum of the water causes this impulsive force.

Question 4

In which of the following cases would an open-pit excavation to construct a spread footing not be permitted?
A)Not in or near open water
B)Soil material is adequately stable
C)Soil moisture content varies widely
D)There is no threat of compromising the stability of nearby structures

Accepted Answer

An open-pit excavation would not be permitted to construct a spread footing in cases where the soil moisture content is variable. Open-pit excavation is only recommended when soils can be maintained in a dry condition. Shoring and cribbing is needed in shallow foundation excavations where soil moisture content can vary widely due to the influence of groundwater or surface water runoff.

Question 5

Which of the following materials are sampled and tested by an inspector at a construction site?
A)Aggregate
B)Hydraulic cement
C)Reinforcing steel
D)Fresh concrete mix

Accepted Answer

Fresh concrete mix is sampled and tested by an inspector at a construction site. Field inspectors are typically required to do the following:
· check the mix design and obtain representative samples of reinforcing steel, joint materials, and curing compounds
· sample fresh concrete
· test fresh concrete for slump, air content, and temperature

Question 6

Which of the following may be a possible cause for not achieving required compaction parameters on a construction site?
A)Heavy machinery
B)Oversaturated soil
C)Excess traffic
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Heavy machinery, oversaturated soil, and excess traffic may be possible causes for not achieving required compaction parameters on a construction site. In order to achieve required compaction parameters, best practices should be followed to meet compaction specification requirements. In addition, the movement of heavy machinery and other traffic should be reduced throughout the project site where soil compaction is required. Compaction may be also need to be delayed due to extended wet weather and/or cold temperatures.

Question 7

The rate of flow in a force main leaving a stormwater pump station can be measured by which of the following?
A)Venturi meter
B)Disk meter
C)Positive displacement factor
D)Calibration meter

Accepted Answer

The rate of flow in a force main leaving a stormwater pump station can be measured by a Venturi meter. A Venturi meter are constructed with a converging section of pipe which increases the flow velocity and pressure loss. The rate of flow through the meter can then be calculated using the Bernoulli equation that is based on the conservation of energy fluid mechanics law.

Question 8

The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommended stopping sight distances are based on the operation of which type of vehicle?
A)Bicycle
B)Passenger car
C)Truck
D)Railroad car

Accepted Answer

AASHTO's recommended stopping sight distances are based on the operation of a passenger car. In general, large trucks require a longer stopping distance than a passenger car. However, since drivers in large trucks sit higher up than a driver in a car, they are able to see substantially further down a roadway. AASHTO does not provide recommendations for bicycle or railroad car SSDs.

Question 9

Which of the following philosophies is described as follows: "If the behavior of a structure is linearly elastic, the forces acting on it may be separated, and the structure analyzed for separate cases. The final results are found by summing the individual results."
A)Castigliano's First Theorem
B)Principle of Superposition
C)Clapeyron's Equation
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The Principle of Superposition can be described by the following: "If the behavior of a structure is linearly elastic, the forces acting on it may be separated, and the structure analyzed for separate cases. The final results are found by summing the individual results." This principle is very useful when analyzing different types of forces acting on a structure. The Principle of Superposition can be applied to reactions, shears, moments, stresses, and strains.

Question 10

Upon which of the following series of elements is a traverse that connects successive points based?
A)Bearings and distances
B)Angles and distances
C)Azimuths and distances
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Series of distances and bearings, angles, and azimuths are all used to connect a traverse. Traverses are used in surveying to establish control networks in order to identify specific points on the ground. This surveying method involves placing survey stations along a path (closed polygon, closed link, or open traverse) and measuring the angles and distances between the points.

Question 11

What is the most common way in which the foundation support cost is expressed when conducting a cost effectiveness analysis of foundation alternatives?
A)Total foundation system cost
B)Total foundation system cost / load the foundation supports
C)Total foundation system cost / foundation system footprint area
D)Total foundation system cost / foundation system volume

Accepted Answer

The most common way in which the foundation support cost is expressed when conducting a cost effectiveness analysis of foundation alternatives is the total foundation system cost / load the foundation supports. This cost is expressed in terms of $ / ton load supported. Other factors that are considered evaluating alternatives include local availability of materials and equipment, local contracting qualifications and experience, and environmental issues.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the term maximum bending moment in a beam?
A)Point along the beam that will deflect the furthest from the normal plane
B)Point at which shear forces change from positive to negative within the beam
C)Point at which a beam will fail due to bending
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

The term maximum bending moment in a beam is best described as the point at which shear forces change from positive to negative within the beam. Bending moments within a beam are rotational forces that cause the beam to bend, and the maximum bending moment is located at the peak of the bend. There may be more than one maximum bending moment within a beam if the forces applied on it cause the beam to bend in multiple places. The points where maximum bending moments occur can be seen on a bending moment diagram where the graphed cumulative moment passes through the x-axis.

Question 13

Which of the following assumptions regarding the compression strength of concrete used in reinforced concrete beam design is valid?
A)The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommends that all beams be designed using high strength concrete
B)High strength concrete compression strengths range from 3,000 to 7,000 pounds per square inch
C)Compression strength of normal concrete ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 pounds per square inch
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The assumption "compression strength of normal concrete ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 pounds per square inch" for the concrete used in reinforced concrete beam design is valid. ACI does not recommend that high strength concrete be used in the design of all beams. The compression strength of high strength concrete ranges from 7,000 - 15,000 pounds per square inch.

Question 14

What is the proper sequence of steps to construct a dewatering wellpoint system for a construction excavation? 1. Connect header pipe to suction pumps 2. Jet wellpoints into the ground 3. Connect wellpoints to header pipe with riser 4. Fill annular void with filter media
A)1, 2, 3, 4
B)3, 1, 2, 4
C)2, 4, 3, 1
D)1, 3, 2, 4

Accepted Answer

The proper sequence of steps to construct a dewater wellpoint system are as follows:
1. Jet wellpoints into the ground
2. Fill annular void with filter media
3. Connect wellpoints to header pipe with riser
4. Connect header pipe to suction pumps
A wellpoint system used to dewater a construction excavation consists of a series of small diameter wells that are closely spaced and installed at shallow depths. The wells are connected to a piping system that surrounds the excavation and is attached to a vacuum pump.

Question 15

Why is C considered to be a low-level programming language?
A)It gives the programmer direct control over memory and hardware.
B)It is usually learned early in a programmer's education.
C)It is not as powerful as some other languages.
D)It is only useful for simple tasks.

Accepted Answer

C is a low-level programming language in the sense that it gives the programmer control over memory allocation and hardware; it is low in the sense of being close to the hardware. Because it interacts with hardware directly, C is a high-performance language.

Question 16

Which of the following answers best describes why is it important to use critical path project management tools?
A)To ensure consistent reporting and project benchmarking
B)To produce reports or graphics that are easy to understand
C)To obtain the information needed to assess the cost, status or performance of the project
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Critical path project management tools ensure consistent reporting and project benchmarking by producing easily understood reports and graphics needed to assess the cost, status, and performance of a project. It is important to monitor the progress of a project to ensure the project is completed within budget and on time, the company's workforce is properly utilized, and the work performed is of the highest quality.

Question 17

Which of the following statements regarding concrete used as a building material are generally considered to be correct? 1. Commonly composed of water, cement, aggregate, and admixtures 2. Design criteria is established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 3. Concrete strength is normally tested at 28 days 4. Concrete mixes vary by specific use requirements
A)1, 2
B)1, 3
C)1, 2, 3
D)1, 3, 4

Accepted Answer

The statements regarding concrete used as a building material that are considered to be correct are as follow:
· Commonly composed of water, cement, aggregate, and admixtures
· Concrete strength is normally tested at 28 days
· Concrete mixes vary by specific use requirements
ASCE is not recognized as the provider of design criteria for concrete building elements - the American Concrete Institution (ACI) holds that distinction. The ACI building code standards are set in the document ACI 318-05 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.

Question 18

What type of survey operation utilizes measurements made on aerial images to determine the position of the items captured?
A)Control
B)Route
C)Photogrammetric
D)Topographic

Accepted Answer

Photogrammetric surveys utilize measurements made from aerial photographic images to determine the position of an item in the photograph.

Question 19

What is the amount of tension that should be applied to the spring balance of the end of a steel tape to yield the proper tension to the 75-ft increment? (Assume the final measurement in the line of tape is 75 ft and the normal 100-foot tape tension is 10 pounds (lbs).)
A)7)5 lbs
B)10 lbs
C)75 lbs
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

7.5 lbs. of tension should be applied to the 75-ft increment of tape.
Solution: Use the steel tape correction factor applied to the length of measurement
Tension = 10 lbs. /100 ft = 0.1 lb. /ft
Correction = (0.1 lb. /ft) (75 ft) = 7.5 lbs

Question 20

Which is not an example of an algorithm?
A)Software documentation
B)A cooking recipe
C)A computer program
D)Standard cryptographic attacks

Accepted Answer

Software documentation is not an example of an algorithm. An algorithm is a systematic method for solving a problem. That problem could be operating a factory, baking a cake or a wiping a hard drive.

Quiz 1: Engineering and Science

Which of the following theories is used to analyze active and passive lateral earth pressure on retaining walls?

What is the passing sight distance for a section of 60 mile per hour (mph) 2-lane rural highway with a 1740-foot vertical sag curve where a bridge passes over at 16.8 feet? (Assume S > L and A = 3.15)

Which of the following definitions best describes water hammer?

In which of the following cases would an open-pit excavation to construct a spread footing not be permitted?

Which of the following materials are sampled and tested by an inspector at a construction site?

Which of the following may be a possible cause for not achieving required compaction parameters on a construction site?

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

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

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

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

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

Which of the following best describes the term maximum bending moment in a beam?

Which of the following assumptions regarding the compression strength of concrete used in reinforced concrete beam design is valid?

What is the proper sequence of steps to construct a dewatering wellpoint system for a construction excavation? 1. Connect header pipe to suction pumps 2. Jet wellpoints into the ground 3. Connect wellpoints to header pipe with riser 4. Fill annular void with filter media

Why is C considered to be a low-level programming language?

Which of the following answers best describes why is it important to use critical path project management tools?

What type of survey operation utilizes measurements made on aerial images to determine the position of the items captured?

What is the amount of tension that should be applied to the spring balance of the end of a steel tape to yield the proper tension to the 75-ft increment? (Assume the final measurement in the line of tape is 75 ft and the normal 100-foot tape tension is 10 pounds (lbs) .)

Which is not an example of an algorithm?