TEST REVIEW GUIDE
Last Updated on Thursday October 05, 2017 16:09:46 -0500 by Dr. A. Drakopoulos
When preparing for the test, please review project assignments, quizzes, class handouts and your notes. Make sure you understand the use of figures and tables that have been discussed in class. The test will include everything covered in lectures and projects. Tables and/or figures will be provided for problems requiring calculations. Please remember to turn off all devices during the test.
Bring with you the MUTCD printouts, a straight edge to use for any drawings, a good eraser and a calculator.
For full credit:
For tables and figures indicate table/figure number and circle/show the chosen values. Use the straight edge to draw lines on provided figures.
Show calculations and provide a few words to explain their meaning.
Show units.
Mark the answer clearly.
Draw a neat sketch of the situation where appropriate. Using a straight edge is not necessary as long as the figure is neat and dimensions are shown by arrows to their exact extents.
Please do not crowd answers in-between problem statements. Answer space is provided below the problem statements.
Project #1
Be familiar with the HCM 2010 pages mentioned in Project 1 instructions.
What does an intersection condition diagram include?
What kind of information should a three-block diagram contain?
Which traffic and intersection pieces of information are used in the Input Worksheet for a signalized intersection analysis?
Which vehicles are considered "heavy vehicles?"
What are "local" buses at a signalized intersection?
How is on-street parking (parking maneuvers) measured?
Know how to identify the Peak Hour and figure out the Peak Hour Factor, if you are given 15-min traffic counts.
Be able to provide an example a semi-actuated traffic signal installation (drawing and explanations how it works)
Be able to provide an example and correctly use the appropriate symbols in a phasing diagram for:
the phasing diagram of: a two-phase traffic signal (with or without an all-red interval),
the phasing diagram of: a three-phase traffic signal with a lead (or lag) through + left-turn phase,
the phasing diagram of: a three-phase traffic signal a lead (or lag) dual left-turn phase.
What is a pretimed traffic signal? Can signal timing change during the day in a pretimed traffic signal? What purpose would such a change serve?
What is an actuated traffic signal? What signal timing components may change from cycle-to-cycle in an actuated traffic signal? Why would they change? (Purpose.)
Where are traffic detectors placed? How do they operate? (what is the logic for their placement, what do they allow the signal controller to do?)
Know which pedestrian movement is important for Southbound (S/B) traffic and why. Know where it is entered in the Input Worksheet.
Definition of protected and permitted phases. Be able to draw the phases using the appropriate symbols. When is a right turn permitted; when is it protected? When is a left turn permitted; when is it protected; when is it unopposed?
Know how to determine change interval duration and how to allocate it to the yellow and all red intervals, if you are given table 17-1 and change interval formula.
What is a reasonable range for the yellow interval?
What is a reasonable range for the all-red interval?
What is "upstream," "downstream," "intersection confines," Eastbound, Pedestrian actuation button.
Know how to describe the location of a signal post using terms such as near/far curb/island, post/arm-mast-mounted.
Be able to point traffic departing an approach, approaching from a given direction.
Be familiar with "near side bus stop" and "far side bus stop."
Know what a signal head, signal section, signal lens, stacked-three/four/five signal head, doghouse display, green/red/yellow ball, green left-turn/right-turn arrow, backplate, LED light bulbs.
Know typical signal lens dimensions.
Know the symbols used for signal heads, know how to draw an intersection with span wire-mounted and mast arm-mounted signal heads.
Project #2
How is the Level of Service measured at a signalized intersection?
What is Control Delay? Drivers are delayed compared to what situation where they would not be delayed?
What are the three control delay components?
What factors affect intersection delay the most?
Intersection types/classification based on number of legs and intersection angle
Sight distance considerations @ intersections: no control, stop control on minor road, yield control, traffic signal control, all-way STOP control
How curb parking should be regulated at urban intersections in order to facilitate turning movements of large vehicles
Be able to identify intersection geometric features in an intersection plan view: free right-turn lanes, tapers
Criteria for single and double left-turn lanes
Intersection design elements including special treatment of minor intersections in residential neighborhoods
Channelization purposes, design principles
Roundabouts: rules of the road, design elements
Know what MUTCD stands for
Know what kind of information is included in the MUTCD.
Know the meaning of Engineering Judgment, Engineering Study, Standard, Guidance, Option, Support.
Know whether you are obligated to install a signal if conditions meet a Signal Warrant.
Know the benefits and disadvantages of traffic signals.
Know five alternatives you can apply before you install a warranted traffic signal, each with an example for which you can provide an explanatory sketch.
Know five applications of traffic signals (e.g., emergency vehicles, draw bridges, pedestrians, etc.)
Know how to apply each Signal Warrant (you can consult the MUTCD handout; must be familiar with the process).