Questions will be based on the notes you took in class, information on the class web page, your handouts, sample problems in the textbook and handouts, and your homework problems. This is a closed-book closed-notes test. Sheets with equations, figures and tables will be provided. You should know how to interpret (in plain English) and use the equations, figures and tables. Definitions should be memorized (for example "Degree of curvature," "external-distance"). You should also be able to draw the figures specifically mentioned below.
Bring with you a straight edge with English gradations, a good eraser and a calculator. You may need to measure dimensions off your test.
Topics covered in the test:
CHAPTER 2
ROADWAY DESIGN
Typical values for coefficient of forward and side friction (Dry, Wet )
AASHTO recommendation for perception/reaction time
2.4.4. Horizontal alignment
Tangents, curves.
Simple and transition curves. Draw examples with explanations.
How is length measured on plan view of a highway?
Be able to draw fig 2.4.6 and name the elements shown. Equations will be provided. Know how to use them.
Definition of Degree of curve in words. Be able to draw a figure to go along with your definition. Concepts should be clear.
2.4.5 Determination of design radius and design degree of curve-equations will be provided.
Example 2.15 p 51
2.4.6 Superelevation Design
Know all terminology.
Be able to draw figure 2.4.8 and explain all important points, draw cross sections (including cross slope) at those points.
Know how to use table 2.4.2 for 2- 3-, 4- and 6-lane pavements. Know factors applied for 3-, 4- and 6-lane pavements by heart.
Know all information of Figure 2.4.9. Know all terminology, use of figure, be able to explain what figure presents. Be able to draw the figure. Be able to fill-in terms, identify lines, fill-in cross-sections at points A, B, C, D, and E.
Be able to find superelevation at points A, B, C, D, and E.
Be able to find distances between points A, B, C, D, and E.
Example 2.16 p 53
Understand and be able to draw Figure 2.4.10. p 55 for a given situation.
2.4.7 Vertical Alignment
Types of vertical curves.
Maximum desirable gradients for specific highway types (freeways, local streets).
How is length of vertical curve measured.
Be able to draw figure 2.4.11 and identify all elements on this figure.
Important properties of symmetrical parabolas.
Know what AASHTO Exhibit 3-77 presents (see handouts).
Crest and Sag curve types (connecting positive with negative gradient, positive with positive, negative with negative etc.).
Definitions relating to vertical curves. Know equations for A and K by heart. Be able to give a definition of K in words. All other equations will be provided. Know how to use them.
Example 2.17 p. 57
Be able to use table 2.4.3 p 58. Be able to identify three ways recommended stopping distances are conservative. (Remember to use the upper values for stopping distance.)
Geometrics of sight distance (paragraph 2.4.9) Know what the figures provided in your handouts show. How do the figures work? What do they represent-what is the purpose of each figure? Be able to describe in words the dimensions, the assumptions and the logic in each of the three figures (passing sight distance on crests, stopping sight distance on crests, stopping sight distance on sags). Be able to draw these figures with all pertinent information (all necessary lines and their meanings; also dimensions).
Be able to use equations on p. 60.
Example 2.18 p 62.
Be able to explain in words the model used in determining availability of passing sight distance (Fig 2.4.13 p 59 textbook)
Geometrics of Sight Distance: know how to apply figure 2.4.14 and the equations on this figure.
Be able to explain how sight distance is measured on plan/profile drawings (Fig 2.4.16 p. 63).
Be able to explain what information is presented on plan and profile sheets (Fig 2.14.17 p. 64).
Delineation of vehicular paths (paragraph 2.4.11): describe three means by which delineation of vehicular paths is accomplished.
What is the authoritative source for information regarding traffic signs and pavement markings?
Pavement markings: what is the meaning of white / yellow lines? What is the meaning of continuous / broken lines?
Give five examples of pavement markings used at an intersection.
What is an intersection; what is an interchange?
How are the goals of minimizing the number and severity of vehicular conflicts accomplished at an intersection? How are these goals accomplished at an interchange?
Figure 2.4.19 p. 67:
Interchanges:
Be able to draw a trumpet, a three-leg directional and a diamond interchange. Be able to compare merits, disadvantages and special characteristics among interchange types. Be able to compare interchange types.Be able to draw full cloverleaf interchanges, one with auxiliary lanes and one without. Be able to compare these two interchanges among themselves and with other interchange types.
Be able to draw an all directional four-leg interchange. Know the characteristics of this interchange type.
Be able to compare a full cloverleaf and an all directional four-leg interchange.
Comparisons between interchange types based on:
What is a "design vehicle?"
What design vehicle is typically used for freeway design?
Know the definitions of wheelbase, front overhang, rear overhang.
Intersection types
Channelization rules of thumb
Goals in delineating vehicle paths at an intersection
What are the main characteristics of a "modern" roundabout? (See class handouts and textbook.)
How is traffic regulated in a "modern" roundabout?
Be able to draw a modern roundabout and identify its key elements. Show signs used, pedestrian crosswalks, truck apron etc.
What is the goal of "traffic calming?"
Provide six examples of techniques used in traffic calming (sketch and explanation)
What can be some negative impacts of "traffic calming" techniques?
Materials on the web page
What are contra-flow lanes? Why are they used? (logic-benefits; also disadvantages) How are they used? (which time of day, in which direction, by what type of vehicles, etc. Know the subject!) Be able to draw a picture and provide explanations.
What are reversible lanes? Why are they used? (logic-benefits; also disadvantages) How are they used? (which time of day, in which direction, by what type of vehicles, etc. Know the subject!) Be able to draw a picture and provide explanations.
CHAPTER 9
TRAFFIC IMPACT AND PARKING STUDIES
Describe parking impacts on individuals, communities and transportation systems.
How can parking affect transportation mode choice?
Explain how reduced parking availability in a downtown area affects employers and employees.
Typical parking type categorization (types of parking).
What can be some objectives of parking pricing? Describe the typical parking fee structure for parking facilities at an airport. Which facilities are near the terminal building, what type of user they are designed for, which facilities are further away etc.
Be able to describe and draw typical parking stall arrangements. Be able to explain the benefits and disadvantages of each.
Be able to draw typical on-street parking stall arrangements, including dimensions.
Be able to describe types of parking studies.
Be able to use figures 9.3.1 to determine parking requirements for specific developments. Be able to use materials provided with the parking project assignment to determine the number of needed parking stalls.
Know typical assumptions for maximum walking distance to parking locations.
Be able to discuss pedestrian concerns in parking facility design (protection from vehicles, safety etc.)
Parking entry design when an attendant booth is present.
Know how many entries are needed for a given number of spaces; how many vehicles a ticket spitter can serve per hour.
Be familiar with elements of good parking design. Be able to draw and explain in words good design principles (access point location, circulation, handicapped stalls, pedestrian walks, module length, end islands, speed regulation, lighting, employee versus customer parking, stall dimensions and angles for convenience versus economy, etc.)
Be familiar with parking lot dimension terminology (ex., parking angle, interlock-to-interlock width, aisle width, etc.)
CHAPTER 3
TRAFFIC STREAM FLOW MODELS
Derivation of safe Spacing equations (Figure 3.2.1) What the figure indicates-know how equation 3.2.4 is derived.
Understand Table 3.2.1 notion of safety regimes.
Know definitions (including units) of Spacing and Concentration-be able to calculate average spacing and concentration if you are given an aerial photograph.
Know definitions (including units) of Headway, Flow, Time Mean Speed and Space Mean Speed. Be able to calculate those traffic stream characteristics.
Be able to identify microscopic and macroscopic traffic stream characteristics.
Be able to extract traffic stream characteristics information from a time-space diagram, such as Figures 3.3.1 and 3.3.2.
Know the fundamental equation of a vehicular stream (including units).
Be able to interpret k-u, u-q, and k-q curves (describe traffic conditions along any one of these curves).
Be able to interpret the meaning of a "ray" drawn on a k-q curve from the origin (k,q) = (0,0), toward any point along the curve.
Be able to interpret Figure 3.4.5
Be able to explain shock waves in traffic; be able to interpret Figure 3.6.1.
Be able to explain Figures 3.6.3 and 3.6.4
Be able to use shock wave equations.
URBAN PLANNING
Urban Planning definition.
The three core tasks: their titles and the content of each.
What is a land use plan?
How is public involvement in the decision-making process accomplished?
What are the five key neighborhood design features?
What is the meaning of each of these plan implementation instruments: Zoning, Land subdivision, Official Map?