Free Transportation Engineering MCQs with Answers

• A. Perception-reaction distance and braking distance
• B. Overtaking distance and passing distance
• C. Acceleration distance and merging distance
• D. Turning distance and clearance distance

Explanation: Stopping sight distance includes the distance travelled during the driver's perception and reaction time plus the braking distance after…

• A. e + f = gR/v²
• B. e + f = v²/(gR)
• C. e - f = v²/(gR)
• D. eR + f = v²g

Explanation: The basic equilibrium relationship is e + f = v²/(gR), when speed is expressed in metres per second.

• A. It requires reinforcement in every pavement layer
• B. It distributes loads mainly through slab flexural action
• C. It distributes loads mainly through layered granular action
• D. It transfers wheel loads directly to the subgrade

Explanation: Flexible pavement spreads wheel loads progressively through its bituminous and granular layers by grain-to-grain contact.

• A. The setting time of cement
• B. The viscosity of bitumen
• C. The abrasion resistance of aggregate
• D. The bearing strength of the soil

Explanation: The CBR test measures the penetration resistance of soil relative to a standard crushed-rock material and is used to assess subgrade…

• A. At or near the facility's capacity
• B. Free flowing with very low interaction
• C. Stable with considerable operating freedom
• D. Forced flow with frequent breakdowns

Explanation: Level of Service E indicates operation at or close to capacity, where small disturbances can produce congestion.

• A. To provide a constant radius throughout the route
• B. To introduce curvature and superelevation gradually
• C. To eliminate the need for stopping sight distance
• D. To increase the pavement thickness at intersections

Explanation: A transition curve changes curvature gradually from zero on the tangent to the full curvature of the circular curve.

• A. Lowering both rails below the formation level
• B. Raising the inner rail above the outer rail
• C. Raising the outer rail above the inner rail
• D. Increasing the spacing between the two rails

Explanation: Cant, also called superelevation, raises the outer rail on a curve to help balance the centrifugal effect of a moving train.

• A. Average temperature of the pavement
• B. Annual rainfall pattern at the airport site
• C. Distance from the nearest railway station
• D. Prevailing wind direction at the airport site

Explanation: Runways are oriented mainly to allow aircraft to take off and land into the prevailing wind, which improves lift and operational safety.

• A. Alligator or fatigue cracking
• B. Hydraulic uplift at the runway threshold
• C. Rail corrugation on the shoulder
• D. Expansion joints in a concrete slab

Explanation: Alligator cracking is a network of interconnected cracks caused mainly by repeated traffic loading and inadequate structural support.

• A. Stopping sight distance
• B. Intersection sight distance
• C. Headlight sight distance
• D. Decision sight distance

Explanation: Intersection sight distance allows a driver to see enough of the major road to accept a gap and complete the intended manoeuvre safely.

• A. Pavement colour and aggregate shape
• B. Traffic signal timing and lane markings
• C. Horizontal curves, sight distance and superelevation
• D. Bridge bearings and drainage outlet size

Explanation: Design speed provides the basis for selecting geometric elements such as curve radius, sight distance and superelevation.

• A. 500 vehicles per hour
• B. 1,000 vehicles per hour
• C. 2,400 vehicles per hour
• D. 1,800 vehicles per hour

Explanation: Traffic flow equals density multiplied by average speed, so q = 30 × 60 = 1,800 vehicles per hour.

• A. Express mixed traffic as an equivalent passenger-car flow
• B. Estimate pavement layer thickness directly
• C. Determine the legal speed limit on a road
• D. Calculate the axle load of a heavy vehicle

Explanation: Passenger car units provide a common measure for traffic streams containing cars, buses, trucks and other vehicles.

• A. A uniform pavement colour
• B. A high proportion of slow heavy vehicles
• C. A wider road shoulder beyond the carriageway
• D. A lower number of roadside advertisements

Explanation: Slow heavy vehicles occupy road space and reduce passing opportunities, especially on two-lane roads.

• A. The intersection is closed to all traffic
• B. The pedestrian phase has permanently ended
• C. The signal is changing from green to red
• D. The road is changing from two-way to one-way operation

Explanation: The yellow interval provides a transition between the green and red indications and warns approaching drivers to stop if it is safe to do…

• A. A fog spray
• B. A prime coat
• C. A seal coat
• D. A tack coat

Explanation: A tack coat is a light application of bituminous material used to bond successive bituminous layers.

• A. Transfer wheel loads across the joint
• B. Increase surface friction during rain
• C. Prevent all thermal expansion of concrete
• D. Replace the need for longitudinal drainage

Explanation: Dowel bars transfer load from one slab to the adjoining slab while permitting the joint to open and close.

• A. Upward movement of bitumen through asphalt pores
• B. Ejection of water and soil through joints under wheel loads
• C. Expansion of concrete caused by high temperature
• D. Loss of aggregate caused by wind erosion

Explanation: Pumping occurs when repeated wheel loads force water and fine subgrade material through joints or cracks.

• A. Fish plate
• B. Check rail
• C. Sleeper
• D. Rail flange

Explanation: Sleepers maintain the rail spacing and transmit rail loads to the ballast or supporting formation.

• A. Steel rail before fixing it to sleepers
• B. Finished asphalt surface to restore skid resistance
• C. Concrete joint to transfer wheel loads
• D. Clean granular base before placing a bituminous layer

Explanation: A prime coat penetrates and binds the surface of an absorbent granular base before the bituminous pavement layer is placed.