FE Civil Transportation Depth Review

Transportation FE Civil Depth
1

Table of Contents
1. Surveying ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Bearings and Azimuths .......................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Stationing ............................................................................................................................... 2
2. Driver Performance and Behavior ................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Information Processing and Perception .................................................................................. 3
2.2 Driver Expectancy .................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Perception-Reaction Time ...................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Stopping Sight Distance ......................................................................................................... 4
3. Horizontal Curves ......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Circular Curves ...................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Superelevation ........................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Stopping Sight Distance on Horizontal Curve Section .......................................................... 9
4. Vertical Curves ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Vertical Curve Elevations .................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Vertical Curve Design .......................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Intersection Sight Distance ................................................................................................... 12
5. Speed Characteristics .................................................................................................................. 14
5.1 Time Mean Speed ................................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Space Mean Speed ............................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Spot Speed Data Analysis .................................................................................................... 15
5.4 Speed, Flow and Density Relationships ............................................................................... 17
5.5 Speed, Distance, and Time Relationships ............................................................................ 17
6. Signalized Intersections .............................................................................................................. 18
6.1 Change Interval .................................................................................................................... 18
6.2 Clearance Interval ................................................................................................................ 19
7. Traffic Safety .............................................................................................................................. 20
8. Pavement Design ........................................................................................................................ 21
9. Additional Problems for Self Study ............................................................................................ 22

NOTE
- CERM Civil Engineering Reference Manual for PE Exam, 11
th
Edition by
Michael Lindeburg
- SRHB Supplied-Reference Handbook, 8
th
Edition, 2
nd
Revision by NCEES

ahmed youssef (ahmed_usief@yahoo.com)
This copy is given to the following student as part of School of PE course. Not allowed to distribute to others.

2

1. Surveying
1.1 Bearings and Azimuths
See definitions on CERM page 77-11 under section 23.

PROBLEM 1 - Convert the following bearings to azimuths from north:

(a) N 74
0
24 01 W
(b) S 85
0
13 16 W
(c) N 84
0
28 13 E
(d) S 08
0
19 19 E

SOLUTION 1

(a) 285
0
35 59
(b) 265
0
13 16
(c) 84
0
28 13
(d) 171
0
40 41

1.2 Stationing
- Stationing concept is used along horizontal alignments for referencing purpose
- 1 station =100 feet
- How do you represent stationing?
o Specific location is represented as Sta 10+00
o Distance is represented as 10.00 sta

PROBLEM 2
What is the station at Point B?

SOLUTION 2
Station at Point A =Sta 22+45
Station at Point B =(Sta 22+45) +1028 =2245+1028 =3273
=Sta 32+73

3

PROBLEM 3
The survey has identified the beginning and ending points along an urban arterial
highway that require new sidewalks. The first station is located at 5+88 and the
second station is located at 10+05. What is the difference in length between stations
in feet and in stations?

SOLUTION 3
Difference in length =(10+05) (5+88) =1005 588=417
Difference in stations =4.17 sta

2. Driver Performance and Behavior
2.1 Information Processing and Perception
The time required to respond successfully to any driving situation, such as an
emergency, involves four stages:
- perception (detection and identification)
- decision
- reaction
- response of the vehicle.
2.2 Driver Expectancy
A fundamental component of driver information processing and perception. Drivers
operate with a set of expectancies, e.g.:
- freeway exits will be on the right side of the road (or the left in Britain,
Australia, etc.);
- advance warning will be given of hazards in the roadway;
- other drivers will obey traffic regulations, etc.
2.3 Perception-Reaction Time
A significant variable in the successful processing and use of information is the speed
with which this is done. Perception-Reaction Time (PRT) is a human factor often
cited by traffic engineers concerned with safety. PRT is the interval between the
appearance of some object or condition in the drivers field of view and the initiation
of a response such as braking or changing course. Note that PRT involves the
initiation of a response (e.g. pressing the brake), not the completion of the vehicle
maneuver (stopping).


4

PRT depends on the situation. Response time is generally quickest when there is one
specific response to be made to a single stimulus (brake lights of vehicle ahead). In
the case of choice reaction time, in which there is more than one stimulus and/or
more than one possible response (e.g. toll plaza), reaction time increases as a function
of the number of possibilities. A driver may, for example, have to decide whether to
steer or brake, or both, to avoid a pedestrian.

The PRT used for design standards by AASHTO includes 1.5 sec for perception and
decision, 1.0 sec for making a response, for a total of 2.5 sec, which is generally
considered adequate for all but the most complex driving situations.

PROBLEM 4

Which of the following factors affect driver performance and behavior?
A. cell phone use
B. fatigue
C. traffic
D. drugs and alcohol
E. young / old age
F. law enforcement
G. All of the above

SOLUTION 4

The correct answer is G. All of the above affect driver performance and behavior.

2.4 Stopping Sight Distance
See Chapter 3 in A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2004 by
AASHTO. This book is popularly known as Green Book

Stopping Sight Distance is the sum of two distances: (1) the distance traversed by the
vehicle from the instant the driver sights an object necessitating a stop to the instant
the brakes are applied; and (2) the distance needed to stop the vehicle from the instant
the brake application begins. These are referred to as brake reaction distance and
braking distance, respectively.

The AASHTO GB provides the following equations for calculating braking distance
and SSD, with and without the effect of grades.

5

The following equation includes terms for both the brake reaction distance and
braking distance (Use equation 78.43(b) on page 78-9 in CERM. Also see the same
equation on page 162 of SRHB):

First part of the equation represents brake reaction distance and the second part
represent braking distance

PROBLEM 5
A motorist is traveling on a level grade at 50 mph. A tree has fallen across the road
and forces the motorist to stop. Assuming a 2.5 sec PRT and 11.2 ft/sec
2
deceleration
rate, determine the brake reaction distance and braking distance in feet.
A. 147 and 154
B. 165 and 194
C. 184 and 240
D. 165 and 290

SOLUTION 5

The correct answer is C, 184 and 240
2
V
SSD = 1.47V t +
30
32.2
mph
mph
a
G
| |
| |

| |
\ .
\ .
Brake reaction distance =1.47Vt =1.47(50)(2.5) =184'

where:
SSD =Stopping Sight Distance, ft;

V =design speed, mph;

t = breaking reaction time, 2.5 sec

2

a =deceleration rate, 11.2 ft/sec
G =percent of grade divided by 100, it is in decimal
2
2
V
50
Braking distance = = = 240'
11.2
30 30 0
32.2 32.2
mph
a
G
| | | |
| | | |

| | | |
\ . \ .
\ . \ .

6

3. Horizontal Curves
3.1 Circular Curves
- Horizontal circular curve is a circular arc between two straight lines known as
tangents.

See equations 78.1 to 78.12 and Figure 78.1 on pages 78-2 of CERM. Also see
page 164 of SRHB.

PROBLEM 6

For the following circular curves having radius R, what is their degree of curve by
Arc definition and Chord definition?

SOLUTION 6

(a) Roadway curve with 500.00 ft
0
5729.578'
1127'33"
500
a
D
ft
= =

(b) Roadway curve with 1500.00 ft
0
5729.578'
349'10.99"
1500
a
ft
D = =


7

PROBLEM 7
Compute T, L, E, HSO, R, and stations of the PC and PT for the circular curve
described below:

Highway curve with R =750.000 ft, I =18
0
30, and PI Sta 123+24.80

SOLUTION 7

0 0 0
0
0
0 0
5729.578'
738'22"; I =18 +30' 60' =18.5 ;
750
I 18.5
T =R tan =750 tan =122.145 ft
2 2
18.5
L = 2 R = 2 750 =242.164 ft
360 360
a
D
ft
I
t t
= =
| | | |

| |
\ . \ .

0 0
0
I I 18.5 18.5
E =R tan tan =750 tan tan
2 4 2 4
=750 0.1629 0.0809 =9.881 ft
I 18.5
HSO =R 1 - cos =750 1-cos =750(0.013) =9.7
2 2
| | | | | | | |

| | | |
\ . \ . \ . \ .
| | | |
| |
\ . \ .
53ft
PC Sta. =PI Sta. - T =12324.800 - 122.145 =122+02.655
PT Sta. =PC Sta. +L =12202.655 +242.164 =124+44.819


8

PROBLEM 8
Compute interior (or intersection) angle for the following circular curve:

SOLUTION 8
0 0 0 0
180 60 60 60 I = =

3.2 Superelevation
- Used at horizontal curves
- Use equations 78.37(b) on page 78-7 of CERM. Also see on page 163 of
SRHB.

PROBLEM 9
What is the minimum radius, R
min
, that can be used on a horizontal curve with a 70
mph design speed, a maximum superelevation, e
max
=0.08, and a side friction factor, f
=0.10?

SOLUTION 9
Use equation 78.37(b)

e
max
=8%; V =70 mph; f
max
=0.10
2
min
max max
V
R =
15(e + )
mph
f

2
min
70
R = 1814.80
15(0.08 +0.10)
ft =

9

3.3 Stopping Sight Distance on Horizontal Curve Section
Obstructions along the inside of curves can limit the available (chord) sight distance.
A curve must be designed that will simultaneously provide the required stopping sight
distance while maintaining a clearance from a roadside obstruction. See equation
78.45 and figure 78.9 on page 78-10 in CERM. Also see on page 163 of SRHB.

PROBLEM 10
A four-lane undivided highway has a design speed of 40 mph. The lanes are 12 ft
wide. The centerline Degree of Curvature, D is 10
o
45 Determine the required
clearance from the center of the curves inside lane based on Stopping Sight Distance
criteria.
A) 22.41 ft B) 21.67 ft C) 305 ft D) 533 ft

SOLUTION 10
Using SSD equation (page 162 of SRHB), for V =40 mph, S =305 ft.

D =10
o
45 is equivalent to R=532.98 ft (using equation on page 164 of SRHB)

The centerline of the inside lane is offset 18 ft (12 ft +6 ft) from the roadway
centerline.

Therefore R
lane centerline
=532.98 ft 18 ft =514.98 ft
Using equation 78.45 in CERM (Also see on page 163 of SRHB),
28.65 28.65 305
1 cos 514.98 1 cos 22.41
514.98
S
HSO R ft
R
| | | | | | | |
= = =
| | | |
\ . \ . \ . \ .

Answer A


10

4. Vertical Curves
- Vertical curves are used to change the grade of a highway.
- Most vertical curves take the shape of an equal-tangent parabola. Such curves
are symmetrical about the vertex.
- Two types of vertical curves Crest and Sag

See figure 78.10 and equations 78.46 to 78.49 on pages 78-11 of CERM. Also see
on page 165 of SRHB.
4.1 Vertical Curve Elevations

PROBLEM 11
A +3.25% grade intersects a -2.00% grade at Sta. 45+25 and elevation 695.42 ft. A
1000 ft vertical curve connects the two grades. Determine:
a) the station and elevation of turning point
b) the elevations along the curve at Sta. 45+00; Sta. 50+25

SOLUTION 11
a)
Using equation 78.46 on page 78-11,
2 1
2.00 3.25
0.525
10
Sta
G G
R
L

= = =

Highest Point Location:
x =-G
1
/R =6.1905 Sta. (Eqn. 78.48)

Sta. =BVC Sta. +x =4025 ft +619.05 ft
=4644.05 ft =Sta 46+44.05

Using equation 78.47, Elev. = (R/2)x
2
+G
1
(x)+BVC Elev.

Elevation at BVC =695.42-500(0.0325) =679.17 ft
Elev. = (R/2)x
2
+G
1
(x)+BVC Elev. =689.23 ft

b)
Using equation 78.47,
Elev. = (R/2)x
2
+G
1
(x)+BVC Elev., results are tabulated


11

At Sta. 45+00 x
sta
=4.75
At Sta. 50+25 x
sta
=10.00

Sta. (R/2) x
sta
2
G
1
* x
sta
BVC Elev. Elev.
45+00 -5.92 15.44 679.17 ft 688.69 ft
50+25 -26.25 32.5 679.17 ft 685.42 ft

4.2 Vertical Curve Design
- Using AASHTO Guidelines
- Minimum vertical curve length is computed
- Based on sight distance criteria
- Use Table 78.4 in CERM (See page 163 of SRHB)

PROBLEM 12
You are designing a vertical curve on a two-lane highway with G
1
=+3.50%; G
2
=-
2.25%; PVI 85+00; PVI elevation =457.59 feet; and a Design Speed of 65 mph.
What is the most appropriate length of the curve you should design?

SOLUTION 12

From Table 78.4 of CERM (Also see page 163 of SRHB),

Using SSD equation, for V=65 mph, S=645 ft

Since S = 645 feet < L =1108.5 feet, our assumption is Good.

Therefore, L =1108.5 ft

2 2 2
2 1
Assume S <L;
( ) 5.75*645
L= = = =1108.5 ft
2,158 2,158 2,158
AS ABS G G S

12

4.3 Intersection Sight Distance

Reference AASHTO Geometric Design of Highways and Streets pages 651-675


13

Recommended dimensions of the sight triangles vary with the type of traffic control
used at an intersection. But, the equation to calculate side length b which is called
Intersection Sight Distance (ISD) is same for all scenarios. The equation is:

b =ISD =1.47V
major
t
g

Where
V
major
=Design speed in MPH on major street
t
g
=Time gap in seconds varies by vehicle type and movement type (AASHTO has
established guidelines to compute this value)

PROBLEM 13
A passenger vehicle is stopped on a minor street at a stop sign of stop controlled
intersection. The design speed of the major road is 60 mph. Stopped passenger
vehicle is getting ready to make right turn from minor street to major road. If this
vehicle requires a time gap of 6.5 to avoid a collision with the vehicle approaching the
intersection, at least how far the approaching vehicle has to be from the intersection
before the passenger car makes right turn?

SOLUTION 13

ISD =1.47V
major
t
g

=1.47 * 60 * 6.5
=573.3 ft


14

5. Speed Characteristics
5.1 Time Mean Speed
From spot speed studies which are measured as vehicles pass a point on the
road
It is the average (mean) of all vehicles passing a point on a road over some
specified time period

5.2 Space Mean Speed
From travel time runs for a given section of the roadway
It is the average (mean) of all vehicles occupying a given section of a highway
over some specified time period

PROBLEM 14
Six travel time runs are made on a 1000 feet section and the data is presented in the
following table. Compute average speed
Vehicle Measured Time (sec)
1 18
2 20
3 22
4 19
5 20
6 20
SOLUTION 14
6 1000
50.4 fps
119
s
S

= =

1

Where: speed of the vehicle, and
number of vehicles included in the measurement sample
n
i
i
t
th
i
S
S
n
S i
n
=
=
=
=
( )
1

Where: length of the segment
travel time of the vehicle to traverse the section
n s
i
i
th
i
nL
S
t
L
t i L
=
=
=
=


15

Example Graphs
5.3 Spot Speed Data Analysis

Mean speed or Time mean speed defined in the previous section

85th percentile speed speed at which 85 percent of free-flowing vehicles are
traveling at or below. To establish speed zones nearest 5 mph increment at or
below the 85th percentile speed.


16

PROBLEM 15
The following speed data was collected using a radar gun on an arterial street:

Estimate the following:
a) Mean speed
b) 85
th
percentile speed

SOLUTION 15 Expand the table as shown here:

a) Mean speed:
13820
x = =38.39 mph;
360
| |
|
\ .

b) 85
th
percentile speed of vehicles:
Step 1: Total #observations x 0.85 =360 x 0.85 =306

Step 2: The 306
th
observation is in the 46-50 mph speed group. Therefore the
85
th
percentile speed is 48 mph.

Speed
Group
(mph) Frequency
16 to 20 10
21 to 25 17
26 to 30 36
31 to 35 66
36 to 40 84
41 to 45 70
46 to 50 50
51 to 55 21
56 to 60 6
Speed Group Frequency Assumed Speed
Total
Speed
Cumulative
Frequency
16 to 20 10 18 180 10
21 to 25 17 23 391 27
26 to 30 36 28 1008 63
31 to 35 66 33 2178 129
36 to 40 84 38 3192 213
41 to 45 70 43 3010 283
46 to 50 50 48 2400 333
51 to 55 21 53 1113 354
56 to 60 6 58 348 360
360 13820

17

5.4 Speed, Flow and Density Relationships
Speed (S) Space mean speed (mph)
Flow/Rate of Flow/Volume (v) number of vehicles per hour per lane (vphpl)
Density (D) Number of vehicles per mile per lane (vpmpl)
v
D
S
=
Spacing Distance between common points (e.g. the front bumper) on
successive vehicles (ft/veh)
5280 ft/mile
Spacing in ft
D
=

Reference - Speed/flow/density relationships graphs from Page 73-7 of CERM (Also
see Page 163 of SRHB)

5.5 Speed, Distance, and Time Relationships

Distance =Speed * Time

PROBLEM 16
Refer to the figure at right.

At t =0, vehicle A, traveling at a
speed of 60 km/h, passes a road
marker on a straight section of a
four-lane divided highway.
Vehicle B, traveling with a speed
of 90 km/h, passes the marker 2
sec later. Find the time when
vehicle B overtakes vehicle A, and
the corresponding distance from the road marker.

SOLUTION 16
The figure above shows a sketch of the events. S is the distance from the marker
where B overtakes A at time t. From the figure, s =s
A
=s
B


18

Using s =vt , s
A
=v
A
t =16.7t and s
B
=v
B
(t -2) =25(t-2)

16.7t =25 (t-2)

t =6.02sec

s =s
A
=16.7(6.02) =101 m

6. Signalized Intersections
Cycle length the time required for one complete sequence of all signal indications

Phase the right-of-way (green), change (yellow), and clearance (all red) intervals in
a cycle that are assigned to an independent traffic movement or combination of
movements

Green interval the right-of-way interval during which the signal indication is green

Yellow Change interval the first interval following the green interval or which the
signal indication is yellow

Clearance interval an interval that follows a yellow change interval and preceds the
next conflicting green interval

6.1 Change Interval
- Also known as Yellow Interval

2Gg 2a
v
t y
+
+ =
Where: y =length of yellow interval (sec)
t =driver perception/reaction time (1.0 sec generally used)
v =velocity of approaching vehicle (fps)
a =deceleration rate (10 fps
2
generally used)
G =acceleration due to gravity (32.2 fps
2
generally used)
g =grade of approach (percent/100)

Also see page 162 of SRHB for the above equation.

19

6.2 Clearance Interval
- Also known as Red Clearance Interval and All Red
w L
r - If there is no pedestrian traffic
v
P L
r - If there is pedestrian traffic or the crosswalk is protected by ped. signal
v
+
=
+
=
Where: r =length of red clearance interval (sec)
w =width of intersection; more precisely, the length of the vehicle
path from the departure stop line to the far side of farthest
conflicting traffic lane (ft)
P =width of intersection; more precisely, the length of the vehicle
path from the departure stop line to the far side of farthest
conflicting ped crosswalk (ft)
L =Length of vehicle (20 ft generally used)
v =speed of vehicle through intersection (fps)

Also see Page 162 of SRHB for the above equation

PROBLEM 17
Estimate change interval for an approach with a grade -2% and an approach speed of
30 mph.

SOLUTION 17
- For -2% grade,
5280 ft/mile
30 miles/hour*
3600 sec/hour
1.0
2*10 2*32.2 (-2 0 )
y
/1 0
= +
+
=3.4 sec

20

7. Traffic Safety

Crash rates are normally considered better indicators of risk than crash frequencies.

- Crash rates for intersections are normally expressed in terms of crashes per
million entering vehicles (MEV), using the following equation:

V * T * 365
10 * A
R
6
int
=

- Crash rates for roadway segments are normally expressed in terms of crashes
per 100 million vehicle-miles (100 MVM), using the following equation:

L * V * T * 365
10 * A
R
8
sec
=

Where: R
int
=crash rate for the intersection
R
sec
=crash rate for the roadway section
A =number of reported crashes
T =time period of the analysis (years)
V =annual average daily traffic volumes (veh/day)
L =length of the segment (miles)

PROBLEM 18
An intersection has a total entering traffic volume of 42,000 vehicles per day. During
the past three years, there have been a total of 35 reported intersection-related crashes.
What is the crash rate for this intersection?

SOLUTION 18
6
int
35 10
R
365 3 42,000
=

= 0.76 crashes per MEV

PROBLEM 19
A five-mile long section of two-lane road has an AADT of 8,000. There have been
six crashes on this section of road during the past two years. What is the crash rate?

SOLUTION 19

8
sec
6 10
R
365 2 8,000 5
=

=20.5 crashes per 100MVM

21

8. Pavement Design
- Asphalt surface
- Using AASHTO Guidelines
o Estimate Design Traffic
o Determine the Structural Number (SN) for the given traffic, roadway, and
soil characteristics
o Compute layer-thickness using the following equation (see on page 166
of SRHB):

SN =a
1
D
1
+a
2
D
2
++a
n
D
n

Where SN =structural number of the pavement
a
i
=strength coefficient of the i
th
layer
D
i
=thickness of the i
th
layer in inches

PROBLEM 20
Determine the thickness of flexible pavement layer 2 given the following:

FACTS:
Total Structural Number required =7.0
Total number of layers =2
Layer 1 consists of asphalt concrete with a strength coefficient of 0.46
Layer 1 thickness =6 inches
Layer 2 consists of granular base with a strength coefficient of 0.15

SOLUTION 20
Using equation 75.29 in CERM,
1 1 2 2
SN Da D a = +

1 1
2
2
7.0 6 0.46
28.3"
0.15
SN Da
D
a

= = =


22

9. Additional Problems for Self Study

PROBLEM 21
The local survey crew measures a distance of 1,135 ft of new drainage pipe that is
required for the new road construction. The beginning point for the drainage is
located at station 8+77. What is the station number of the ending point?
A) 12.20 Sta B) Sta 12+20 C) 20.12 Sta D) Sta 20+12

SOLUTION 21
End point station =(Sta 8+77) +1,135 =877 +1,135 =2012 =Sta 20+12

Answer D

PROBLEM 22
A motorist is traveling down a 6% grade at 65 mph and needs to stop because of a
crash scene. Assuming a 2.0 sec PRT and 12.0 ft/sec
2
deceleration rate, determine the
total SSD in feet.

A) 524 ft B) 642 ft C) 750 ft D) 869 ft

SOLUTION 22

2 2
V 65
SSD =1.47Vt + =1.47(65)2 +
12
30 30 0.06
32.2 32.2
4225
= 191.1+ =641.52'
9.380
a
G
| | | |
| | | |

| | | |
\ . \ .
\ . \ .

Answer B


23

PROBLEM 23
Compute T, L, E, HSO, R, and stations of the PC and PT for the circular curve
described below.

Highway curve with D
a
=3
0
30, I =24
0
45, and PI Sta. 30+00.00.

SOLUTION 23
0 0
a
0 0
0
0
0 0
5729.578' 5729.578' 5729.578'
R = = = =1637.022 ft
D 3 30' 3.5
I =24 +45' 60' =24.75 ;
I 24.75
T =R tan =1637.022 tan =359.174 ft
2 2
24.75
L = 2 R = 2 1637.022 =707.143 ft
360 360
E =R t
I
t t
| |
| |

| |
\ .
\ .
0 0
0
I I 24.75 24.75
an tan =1637.022 tan tan
2 4 2 4
E =1637.022 0.2194 0.10841 =38.9368 ft.
I 24.75
HSO =R 1 - cos =1637.022 1-cos =1637
2 2
| | | |
| | | |

| | | |
\ . \ .
\ . \ .
| |
| |
| |
\ .
\ .
.022(0.0232) =38.0348 ft
PC Sta. =PI Sta. - T =3000.00 - 359.174 =2640.826 ~26+40.83
PT Sta. =PC Sta. +L =2640.826 +707.143 =3347.969 ~33+47.97

PROBLEM 24
A -3.00% grade intersects a +1.25% grade at Sta. 85+80 and elevation 210.00 ft. A
350-ft vertical curve connects the two grades. Determine the station and elevation of
turning point.

SOLUTION 24
R =(1.25+3.00)/3.5=1.214
Elev. at BVC =210.00+175(0.03) =215.25 ft

Low Point Station and Elevation
Location: x =-G
1
/R =2.4706 sta
Sta. =BVC Sta. +x =8405 ft +247.06 ft=8652.06 ft =Sta 86+52.06
Elev. = (R/2)x
2
+G1(x)+BVC Elev. =211.54 ft

24

PROBLEM 25
At a large port facility near New York City tractor-trailer trucks are lined-up in long
queues as their drivers wait to have their containers inspected and documents
processed. Assume the trucks have an average length of 73.5 ft and the average space
between the rear and front bumpers of successive vehicles is 10 feet. What is the best
estimate for the jam density (trucks/mile) in one lane of trucks?
A) 50 B) 63 C) 77 D) 84

SOLUTION 25
By definition, jam density is the density at zero speed. Based on the information
provided the average spacing between the front bumpers of successive vehicles is
about 83.5 feet, the jam density can be estimated as follows:

5280 feet vehicle
J am density = =63 vehicles mile
1 mile 83.5 feet

Answer B


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