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Highway Engineering: Geometric Design MCQs (Code: 443)

Q.1) What are the two primary concerns of the geometric design of highways?

a) Traffic load and climatic conditions

b) Physical dimensions and layout of visible features

c) Material quality and cost

d) Sub-grade stability and drainage


Q.2) Which component of a road structure is directly responsible for transmitting load from the surface to the sub-grade?

a) Subsoil

b) Base Course

c) Wearing Course

d) Sub-grade


Q.3) What are the two layers that make up the base or foundation of a road?

a) Subsoil and Sub-grade

b) Wearing Course and Base Course

c) Bottom layer (subbase) and Base Course

d) Road surface and drainage layer


Q.4) Which of the following best describes the purpose of the wearing course?

a) To support the road's foundation

b) To provide a dense, smooth, and flexible riding surface

c) To reduce traffic stress on the sub-grade

d) To act as a separator between the sub-grade and base course


Q.5) What is the main function of the base course in road construction?

a) To prevent water percolation

b) To provide a decorative surface

c) To transmit load from the surface to the sub-grade

d) To act as a flexible riding surface


Q.6) Which of the following is NOT a function of the base course?

a) Reducing traffic stress on the sub-grade

b) Acting as a working platform for upper pavement construction

c) Providing drainage to prevent water infiltration into the sub-grade

d) Directly bearing traffic loads as the topmost layer


Q.7) What does the term “Right of Way” (ROW) refer to in highway design?

a) The width of the road’s pavement only

b) The width of land permanently acquired for road construction

c) The design of traffic lanes

d) The pattern of curves in the highway alignment


Q.8) Which of the following factors does NOT influence right of way requirements?

a) Width of formation

b) Expected traffic

c) Climatic conditions

d) Availability of funds


Q.9) What is the recommended standard carriageway width for a single-lane road?

a) 3.0 m

b) 3.5 m

c) 3.75 m

d) 4.0 m


Q.10) For pavements with two or more lanes, what is the typical recommended lane width per lane?

a) 3.0 m

b) 3.5 m

c) 3.75 m

d) 4.0 m


Q.11) Which factor is NOT considered when determining lane width?

a) Vehicle width

b) Minimum side clearance for safety

c) Increased side clearance for higher speeds

d) Color of the vehicle


Q.12) Which component of a road structure supports the road surface and foundation and largely influences the road’s lifespan?

a) Subsoil

b) Sub-grade

c) Base Course

d) Wearing Course


Q.13) Which of the following materials is commonly used in constructing the base course?

a) Asphalt

b) Broken granite stone

c) Concrete

d) Bitumen


Q.14) What is the purpose of increasing the side clearance in a traffic lane?

a) To decrease vehicle speed

b) To allow for decorative features

c) To accommodate higher speed vehicles and increase pavement capacity

d) To reduce the overall road width


Q.15) Which layer is most directly involved in interacting with traffic?

a) Subsoil

b) Sub-grade

c) Base Course

d) Wearing Course


Q.16) What is one of the primary functions of the subsoil in road construction?

a) To provide a smooth riding surface

b) To support roadway construction by being strong and stable

c) To act as a drainage layer

d) To prevent capillary action


Q.17) Which factor does NOT affect pavement width?

a) Number of lanes

b) Traffic lane width

c) Traffic separators or medians

d) Type of base material


Q.18) What is a desirable lane width for single-lane roads accommodating vehicles up to 2.44 m wide?

a) 3.0 m

b) 3.75 m

c) 3.8 m

d) 4.0 m


Q.19) What does the “width of formation” or “roadway” consist of?

a) Only the pavement

b) Pavement, separators, and shoulders

c) Only the traffic lanes

d) Only the sub-grade


Q.20) Which factor is NOT considered when calculating the land width required for constructing a road?

a) Sight distance on curves

b) Height and slope of roads

c) Availability of decorative elements

d) Drainage system considerations


Q.21) In addition to the pavement, what elements contribute to the formation width?

a) Traffic signals and road signs

b) Separators and shoulders

c) Vegetation and landscaping

d) Sub-grade and base course


Q.22) What is the maximum vehicle width mentioned?

a) 2.20 m

b) 2.44 m

c) 2.50 m

d) 3.0 m


Q.23) In road structure design, which layer is positioned directly beneath the wearing course?

a) Subsoil

b) Base Course

c) Sub-grade

d) Bottom layer of the base


Q.24) Which component of the road structure is primarily designed to provide a working platform for upper pavement construction?

a) Subsoil

b) Wearing Course

c) Base Course

d) Sub-grade


Q.25) Which factor is directly responsible for determining the number of lanes in a carriageway?

a) Vehicle color

b) Traffic load and lane width requirements

c) Climatic conditions

d) Geological features


Q.26) What is the recommended formation width for National and State Highways in plain and rolling terrain for a single lane?

a) 8.80 m

b) 12.00 m

c) 14.00 m

d) 10.00 m


Q.27) For National and State Highways in mountainous and steep terrain, what is the recommended formation width for a single lane?

a) 4.75 m

b) 6.25 m

c) 8.80 m

d) 12.00 m


Q.28) Which of the following is considered when calculating land width for a road?

a) Current vehicle colors

b) Density of traffic

c) Number of traffic signals

d) Presence of roadside advertisements


Q.29) What additional land consideration is mentioned for right of way requirements?

a) Extra land for landscaping

b) Additional strips for spoil banks or borrow pits

c) Land for roadside markets

d) Land for utility poles


Q.30) Which roadway classification has a recommended single-lane formation width of 7.50 m in plain and rolling terrain?

a) National and State Highways

b) Major District Roads

c) Other District Roads or Village Roads

d) Expressways


Q.31) In road design, which of the following is a factor influencing carriageway width?

a) Number of lanes

b) Type of base material

c) Subsoil composition

d) Geometric design of curves


Q.32) Why might the pavement width be increased on horizontal curves?

a) For aesthetic purposes

b) To accommodate larger vehicles

c) For safety reasons

d) To reduce construction costs


Q.33) Which option correctly describes the relationship between side clearance and vehicle speed?

a) Reduced side clearance increases vehicle speed

b) Increased side clearance increases vehicle speed

c) Side clearance does not affect vehicle speed

d) Increased side clearance decreases pavement capacity


Q.34) What is the primary consideration when preparing the sub-grade in road construction?

a) Its color

b) Stability and dryness

c) Its thickness

d) The type of vegetation present


Q.35) Which factor does NOT directly affect the design of a road structure?

a) Traffic load

b) Physical and geological features

c) Climatic conditions

d) The architectural style of nearby buildings


Q.36) What is camber in road design?

a) The longitudinal slope of a road

b) The cross slope provided across the road to raise its middle

c) The vertical alignment of the road

d) The thickness of the pavement


Q.37) Camber is also known as:

a) Crown

b) Superelevation

c) Cross fall

d) Banking


Q.38) What is the primary purpose of providing camber on a road?

a) To improve the road’s aesthetic appeal

b) To facilitate drainage by quickly disposing of rainwater

c) To increase the pavement’s load capacity

d) To reduce construction costs


Q.39) Which of the following is NOT an objective of providing camber?

a) Surface protection of the road

b) Sub-grade protection through proper drainage

c) Quick drying of the pavement for improved safety

d) Enhancing vehicle stability during high-speed overtaking


Q.40) Camber is measured in which of the following ways?

a) Degrees

b) Percent (%) or as a ratio (1 in n)

c) Meters per kilometer

d) Liters per square meter


Q.41) Which two factors determine the value of camber provided on a road?

a) Pavement type and amount of rainfall

b) Traffic volume and vehicle speed

c) Road width and construction cost

d) Sub-grade quality and material type


Q.42) For a bituminous surface under light rain, what camber value is recommended?

a) 1.7% (1 in 60)

b) 2% (1 in 50)

c) 2.5% (1 in 40)

d) 3% (1 in 33)


Q.43) Under heavy rain conditions, what camber is suggested for bituminous roads?

a) 2%

b) 2.5% (1 in 40)

c) 3%

d) 4%


Q.44) For a Gravel/WBM surface during light rain, which camber value is recommended?

a) 2%

b) 2.5% (1 in 40)

c) 3% (1 in 33)

d) 1.7%


Q.45) Under heavy rain, what camber value should be provided for a Gravel/WBM surface?

a) 2%

b) 2.5%

c) 3% (1 in 33)

d) 4%


Q.46) For earthen surfaces under light rain conditions, the recommended camber is:

a) 2%

b) 2.5%

c) 3% (1 in 33)

d) 4% (1 in 25)


Q.47) Under heavy rain, what camber value is suggested for earthen roads?

a) 2%

b) 3%

c) 4% (1 in 25)

d) 1.7%


Q.48) For Cement Concrete or High Type Bituminous surfaces in light rain, the recommended camber is:

a) 1.7% (1 in 60)

b) 2% (1 in 50)

c) 2.5%

d) 3%


Q.49) Under heavy rain conditions, what is the recommended camber for Cement Concrete or High Type Bituminous surfaces?

a) 1.7%

b) 2% (1 in 50)

c) 2.5%

d) 3%


Q.50) What is the necessity of providing camber on a road?

a) To enhance structural support

b) To improve surface and sub-grade protection through proper drainage

c) To increase the pavement’s thickness

d) To reduce construction time


Q.51) Which type of camber features a continuous parabolic or elliptical curve with a flat profile at the center and steeper slopes toward the edges?

a) Straight Line Camber

b) Combined Camber

c) Parabolic (Barrel) Camber

d) Uniform Camber


Q.52) Which type of camber is characterized by two straight slopes that meet at the center?

a) Parabolic Camber

b) Straight Line Camber

c) Combined Camber

d) Elliptical Camber


Q.53) Combined Camber is best described as:

a) A continuously curved profile throughout the road width

b) Two straight slopes at the edges with a parabolic curve at the crown

c) A flat road surface with no slope

d) An elliptical curve across the entire road width


Q.54) In road design terminology, the "crown" of a road is:

a) The edge of the pavement

b) The highest point on the road surface

c) The drainage channel beside the road

d) The lower portion of the road cross-section


Q.55) What is super elevation in the context of highway design?

a) The longitudinal slope of the road

b) The method of laying pavement layers

c) The raising of the outer edge of the pavement to counteract centrifugal force on curves

d) The use of elevated bridges


Q.56) Super elevation is also commonly referred to as:

a) Camber

b) Banking or cant

c) Crown

d) Slope gradient


Q.57) Which of the following is NOT a reason for providing super elevation?

a) Counteracting centrifugal force

b) Reducing the tendency of vehicles to skid or overturn

c) Increasing vertical clearance under overpasses

d) Enabling vehicles to negotiate curves at higher speeds safely


Q.58) How is super elevation typically expressed?

a) As an absolute height in centimeters

b) As the ratio of the height difference of the outer edge to the horizontal road width

c) In degrees of inclination

d) As a percentage of road length


Q.59) What requirement is specified regarding the minimum super elevation provided on a road?

a) It must be less than the camber

b) It must be equal to the camber

c) It must not be less than the camber at the section

d) It must be twice the camber


Q.60) What is the standard formula for calculating super elevation?

a) e = v²/(127R)

b) e = 127R/v²

c) e = v/(127R)

d) e = 127/(v²R)


Q.61) When the effective speed is taken as 0.75V, the formula for super elevation becomes:

a) e = v²/(127R)

b) e = v²/(225R)

c) e = v²/(100R)

d) e = 0.75v²/(127R)


Q.62) In the super elevation formulas, what does the variable 'v' represent?

a) The radius of the curve

b) Vehicle speed in km/hr

c) The road width

d) The coefficient of friction


Q.63) In the formula for super elevation, what does 'R' denote?

a) The road’s horizontal width

b) The radius of the curve in meters

c) The vertical rise of the road

d) The pavement thickness


Q.64) What is the maximum super elevation limit specified for plain terrain?

a) 5%

b) 7%

c) 10%

d) 12%


Q.65) For snow bound areas, the super elevation limit is maintained at:

a) 5%

b) 7%

c) 10%

d) 12%


Q.66) In hilly areas that are not snow bound, what is the super elevation limit?

a) 7%

b) 8%

c) 10%

d) 12%


Q.67) Which of the following is an advantage of providing super elevation on curved roads?

a) It increases construction complexity

b) It minimizes wear and tear on the pavement

c) It decreases vehicle speed excessively

d) It reduces the load-carrying capacity of the road


Q.68) How does super elevation enhance vehicle safety on curves?

a) By reducing friction between tires and pavement

b) By counteracting centrifugal force, allowing higher speeds safely

c) By decreasing the road width

d) By increasing the vehicle’s braking distance


Q.69) Which advantage of super elevation contributes to even tire wear on vehicles?

a) Improved drainage

b) Uniform pressure distribution

c) Increased road gradient

d) Enhanced road texture


Q.70) What impact does super elevation have on road drainage?

a) It reduces drainage capacity

b) It prevents water accumulation on the outer edge

c) It causes water to pool at the center

d) It has no measurable effect on drainage


Q.71) In the calculation problem provided, what is the design speed of the highway?

a) 50 km/hr

b) 60 km/hr

c) 70 km/hr

d) 80 km/hr


Q.72) For the calculation problem, what is the given radius of the curve?

a) 100 m

b) 150 m

c) 200 m

d) 250 m


Q.73) In the provided problem, what is the coefficient of friction (f) used?

a) 0.10

b) 0.15

c) 0.20

d) 0.25


Q.74) Using the formula e = V²/(127R) – f, what is the computed super elevation for the given problem?

a) 0.07

b) 0.038

c) 0.04

d) 0.15


Q.75) In the super elevation calculation, what role does the friction coefficient 'f' play?

a) It is added to the computed super elevation value

b) It is subtracted from the computed super elevation value

c) It is multiplied by the vehicle speed

d) It determines the curve’s radius


Q.76) What is the definition of sight distance?

a) The distance between two consecutive vehicles

b) The actual length of road over which a driver can see an object on the road

c) The length of the road where speed limits are posted

d) The distance required to decelerate to a stop


Q.77) Which of the following is NOT one of the types of sight distance mentioned?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Overtaking Sight Distance

c) Intersection Sight Distance

d) Turning Sight Distance


Q.78) How many types of sight distance are described in the document?

a) 3

b) 4

c) 5

d) 6


Q.79) What is Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)?

a) The distance a driver can see under headlight illumination

b) The minimum distance required for a vehicle to safely stop without colliding with an object

c) The distance needed for a driver to initiate an overtaking maneuver

d) The distance required at an intersection for safe entry


Q.80) In measuring SSD, what is the specified eye level of the driver above the carriageway?

a) 1.0 m

b) 1.2 m

c) 1.5 m

d) 1.22 m


Q.81) For SSD measurement, what is the height of the object above the carriageway?

a) 0.10 m

b) 0.15 m

c) 0.20 m

d) 0.25 m


Q.82) What is meant by Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD)?

a) The distance required to safely stop a vehicle

b) The minimum sight distance needed for a driver to overtake a slow-moving vehicle safely

c) The distance a driver can see at night

d) The sight distance available at intersections


Q.83) According to the IRC standard for overtaking, at what height should the driver’s eye level be measured?

a) 1.0 m

b) 1.2 m

c) 1.22 m

d) 1.5 m


Q.84) In the context of overtaking sight distance, what should a driver be able to see?

a) The top of an object 0.15 m high

b) The top of an object 1.22 m above the road surface

c) The pavement markings

d) Only the vehicle immediately ahead


Q.85) As per IRC recommendations, what is the desirable length of the overtaking zone?

a) Twice the overtaking sight distance

b) Three times the overtaking sight distance

c) Five times the overtaking sight distance

d) Ten times the overtaking sight distance


Q.86) Which factor does NOT affect overtaking sight distance?

a) Speed of the overtaking vehicle

b) Speed of the overtaken vehicle

c) Color of the vehicles

d) Reaction time of the overtaken vehicle driver


Q.87) Which of the following factors affects overtaking sight distance?

a) Speed of the overtaking vehicle

b) Vehicle spacing

c) Road slope

d) All of the above


Q.88) What factor is considered when determining overtaking sight distance?

a) Acceleration of the overtaking vehicle

b) Speed of the opposite vehicle

c) Reaction time of the overtaken vehicle driver

d) All of the above


Q.89) Which sight distance type is measured along the centerline of the pavement as per the IRC standard?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Overtaking Sight Distance

c) Intermediate Sight Distance

d) Headlight Sight Distance


Q.90) What is the definition of sight distance at an intersection?

a) The distance a driver must see to stop safely

b) The distance a driver needs to ensure clear visibility while entering an uncontrolled intersection

c) The distance for safe overtaking

d) The distance illuminated by the headlights


Q.91) What is the purpose of providing sight distance at intersections?

a) To allow high-speed travel

b) To ensure vehicle control and avoid collisions

c) To facilitate overtaking maneuvers

d) To measure road width


Q.92) How is Intermediate Sight Distance defined?

a) It is equal to the stopping sight distance

b) It is twice the stopping sight distance

c) It is half the overtaking sight distance

d) It is the same as headlight sight distance


Q.93) What is the primary purpose of providing intermediate sight distance?

a) To allow full-speed overtaking at all times

b) To provide limited overtaking opportunities when overtaking sight distance is not feasible

c) To increase road capacity for heavy vehicles

d) To improve nighttime visibility


Q.94) What does Headlight Sight Distance refer to?

a) The distance a vehicle can travel in daylight

b) The visible distance for a driver at night under headlight illumination

c) The distance measured during foggy conditions

d) The distance between streetlights


Q.95) For which road conditions is headlight sight distance particularly critical?

a) Flat straight roads

b) Ascending stretches of valley curves and summit curves

c) Urban intersections

d) Rural straight highways


Q.96) What does SSD stand for?

a) Standard Speed Distance

b) Stopping Sight Distance

c) Safe Stopping Diameter

d) Speed Safety Deceleration


Q.97) What is another name for Overtaking Sight Distance?

a) Passing Zone Distance

b) Safe Passing Sight Distance

c) Intersection Sight Distance

d) Reaction Sight Distance


Q.98) The measurement criteria for SSD include an eye level of 1.2 m. What does this measurement represent?

a) The height of the vehicle’s windshield

b) The height at which the driver’s eyes are assumed to be above the road

c) The maximum height of the road markings

d) The height of the roadside barrier


Q.99) In SSD measurement, why is the object height set at 0.15 m above the carriageway?

a) To simulate a small roadside sign

b) To represent the height of a typical stationary object

c) To determine the thickness of the pavement

d) To measure the clearance under bridges


Q.100) Which sight distance type is primarily used to ensure that a driver can see an object at night?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Overtaking Sight Distance

c) Headlight Sight Distance

d) Intermediate Sight Distance


Q.101) What is the key function of Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)?

a) To enable safe overtaking

b) To allow a vehicle to come to a complete stop without collision

c) To improve night driving

d) To enhance the road’s drainage capacity


Q.102) Which sight distance allows for safe overtaking maneuvers on highways?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Overtaking Sight Distance

c) Intersection Sight Distance

d) Headlight Sight Distance


Q.103) What is the main benefit of having an adequately designed sight distance at intersections?

a) It allows drivers to accelerate faster

b) It ensures drivers have enough time to control their vehicles and avoid collisions

c) It reduces the need for traffic signals

d) It provides more space for pedestrians


Q.104) When overtaking sight distance cannot be fully provided, which alternative is used?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Intermediate Sight Distance

c) Headlight Sight Distance

d) Passing Zone Distance


Q.105) What is the relationship between intermediate sight distance and stopping sight distance?

a) It is equal to SSD

b) It is 1.5 times SSD

c) It is twice SSD

d) It is three times SSD


Q.106) Which sight distance type is most directly associated with nighttime driving conditions?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Overtaking Sight Distance

c) Headlight Sight Distance

d) Intersection Sight Distance


Q.107) What critical safety need does sight distance at an intersection address?

a) Increasing vehicle speeds

b) Providing clear visibility to avoid collisions

c) Reducing vehicle emissions

d) Enhancing the road’s structural integrity


Q.108) In the context of overtaking, why is the reaction time of the overtaken vehicle driver important?

a) It affects the stopping distance of the overtaking vehicle

b) It determines how quickly a driver can respond to an overtaking maneuver

c) It influences the brightness of headlights

d) It is unrelated to overtaking safety


Q.109) Which factor is NOT listed as affecting overtaking sight distance?

a) Speed of the opposite vehicle

b) Spacing between vehicles

c) Road surface color

d) Acceleration of the overtaking vehicle


Q.110) What does a well-designed sight distance ensure for a driver?

a) Higher fuel efficiency

b) Adequate time to perceive and react to potential hazards

c) Increased road width

d) Reduced need for traffic signs


Q.111) Which type of sight distance is essential for a driver to safely determine if they can overtake a slow-moving vehicle?

a) Stopping Sight Distance

b) Overtaking Sight Distance

c) Intermediate Sight Distance

d) Headlight Sight Distance


Q.112) What standard measurement is used for the driver’s eye level in overtaking sight distance calculations?

a) 1.0 m

b) 1.2 m

c) 1.22 m

d) 1.5 m


Q.113) What purpose does the measurement of headlight sight distance serve?

a) To determine the vehicle’s braking distance in daylight

b) To ensure adequate visibility for drivers at night, especially on curves

c) To measure the distance between streetlights

d) To set speed limits on highways


Q.114) In sight distance terminology, which distance is crucial for determining if a vehicle can safely stop after a driver perceives a hazard?

a) Overtaking Sight Distance

b) Stopping Sight Distance

c) Intermediate Sight Distance

d) Headlight Sight Distance


Q.115) Which factor directly impacts the safe passing (overtaking) process by affecting the available sight distance?

a) The slope of the road

b) The color of the pavement

c) The type of roadside vegetation

d) The material used in the road construction


Q.116) What is the road gradient?

a) The horizontal distance between two points on a road

b) The rate of rise or fall of the road surface along its length

c) The overall curvature of the road

d) The surface friction of the pavement


Q.117) How is road gradient typically expressed as a ratio?

a) 1 in 50

b) 50 in 1

c) 2 in 100

d) 1 in 100


Q.118) If the level difference between two points is 1 m and the horizontal distance is 50 m, what is the gradient?

a) 1 in 25

b) 1 in 50

c) 1 in 100

d) 1 in 75


Q.119) How is the gradient expressed as a percentage if it is 1 in 50?

a) 1%

b) 2%

c) 5%

d) 50%


Q.120) Which of the following factors does NOT affect the gradient of a road?

a) Nature of traffic

b) Nature of ground

c) Rainfall in the locality

d) Color of the pavement


Q.121) Which physical factor is considered when determining road gradient?

a) Drainage requirements

b) Roadside advertising

c) Pavement marking colors

d) Vehicle brand preferences


Q.122) What is the purpose of a maximum gradient in road design?

a) To provide a gentle slope for easy drainage

b) To set the steepest allowable slope to avoid inconvenience for traffic

c) To ensure the road remains completely flat

d) To improve the aesthetic appeal of the road


Q.123) What is the standard maximum gradient for hill roads?

a) 1 in 10

b) 1 in 15

c) 1 in 20

d) 1 in 25


Q.124) For roads other than hill roads, what is the standard maximum gradient?

a) 1 in 10

b) 1 in 15

c) 1 in 20

d) 1 in 25


Q.125) What is the primary purpose of providing a maximum gradient on a road?

a) To reduce construction costs

b) To avoid deep excavations and long detours

c) To increase the road’s aesthetic appeal

d) To facilitate high-speed driving


Q.126) What is defined as the minimum gradient on a road?

a) The steepest slope allowed

b) The least slope required for efficient water drainage

c) The average slope between the highest and lowest points

d) The gradient used only on bridges


Q.127) What is the standard minimum gradient for general roads?

a) 1 in 100

b) 1 in 200

c) 1 in 300

d) 1 in 400


Q.128) For cement concrete roads, what minimum gradient is typically provided (depending on ground conditions and rainfall)?

a) 1 in 200

b) 1 in 250

c) 1 in 330

d) 1 in 400


Q.129) How is the average gradient of a road defined?

a) The steepest gradient along the road

b) The total rise or fall divided by the horizontal distance between two points

c) The gradient measured at the midpoint of the road

d) The gradient during rainy conditions


Q.130) What is the primary use of calculating the average gradient?

a) For setting speed limits

b) For preliminary surveys and paper location of roads

c) For determining the pavement color

d) For calculating toll charges


Q.131) What is the ruling gradient?

a) The steepest gradient allowed in any road section

b) The average slope calculated from all sections

c) The permissible gradient ensuring vehicles can travel long distances without fatigue

d) The gradient used only for mountain roads


Q.132) What is the recommended ruling gradient for hilly areas?

a) 1 in 10

b) 1 in 20

c) 1 in 30

d) 1 in 40


Q.133) What is the recommended ruling gradient for plains?

a) 1 in 20

b) 1 in 30

c) 1 in 40

d) 1 in 50


Q.134) What is the limiting gradient?

a) The same as the ruling gradient

b) A steeper gradient than the ruling gradient, used for short distances

c) A gradient only used in urban areas

d) The average gradient of a road section


Q.135) For plains, what is the recommended limiting gradient?

a) 1 in 10

b) 1 in 20

c) 1 in 30

d) 1 in 40


Q.136) For hilly areas, what is the recommended limiting gradient?

a) 1 in 10

b) 1 in 15

c) 1 in 20

d) 1 in 25


Q.137) What is an exceptional gradient?

a) A gradient that exactly meets the ruling gradient criteria

b) A gradient steeper than the maximum or less than the minimum for specific patches

c) The average gradient over a long distance

d) A gradient used exclusively on highways


Q.138) What is the maximum permissible length for an exceptional gradient?

a) 50 meters

b) 75 meters

c) 100 meters

d) 150 meters


Q.139) What is the floating gradient?

a) A temporary gradient used during construction

b) A gradient where the tractive effort required for descent equals the negative tractive force, maintaining uniform speed

c) A gradient measured only on bridges

d) The average gradient of all road segments


Q.140) What effect does a floating gradient have on a descending vehicle?

a) It increases fuel consumption

b) It helps maintain a constant speed

c) It requires frequent braking

d) It makes the road surface slippery


Q.141) According to the IRC table, what is the gradient for plain or rolling terrain?

a) 2.0%

b) 3.3%

c) 5.0%

d) 6.7%


Q.142) For plain or rolling terrain, what is the limiting gradient as per the IRC table?

a) 3.3%

b) 5.0%

c) 6.7%

d) 7.0%


Q.143) In plain or rolling terrain, what is the exceptional gradient according to the IRC?

a) 3.3%

b) 5.0%

c) 6.7%

d) 7.0%


Q.144) For mountainous terrain and steep terrain (elevation > 300 m), what is the gradient?

a) 3.3%

b) 5.0%

c) 6.0%

d) 7.0%


Q.145) In mountainous terrain, what is the limiting gradient?

a) 5.0%

b) 6.0%

c) 7.0%

d) 8.0%


Q.146) For mountainous terrain, what is the exceptional gradient?

a) 5.0%

b) 6.0%

c) 7.0%

d) 8.0%


Q.147) In steep terrain up to 3000 m above mean sea level, what is the gradient?

a) 5.0%

b) 6.0%

c) 7.0%

d) 8.0%


Q.148) For steep terrain up to 3000 m, what is the limiting gradient?

a) 6.0%

b) 7.0%

c) 8.0%

d) 9.0%


Q.149) For steep terrain up to 3000 m, what is the exceptional gradient?

a) 6.0%

b) 7.0%

c) 8.0%

d) 9.0%


Q.150) What does the expression "1 in 50" indicate?

a) A rise of 50 m over 1 m horizontal distance

b) A rise of 1 m over 50 m horizontal distance

c) A 50% gradient

d) That the road is 50 m wide


Q.151) How do you calculate the percentage gradient from a ratio?

a) Multiply the ratio by 100

b) Divide the rise by the run and then multiply by 100

c) Divide the run by the rise and then multiply by 100

d) Multiply the run by the rise


Q.152) Which gradient type is used to ensure vehicles do not experience excessive fatigue or high fuel consumption over long distances?

a) Maximum Gradient

b) Ruling Gradient

c) Minimum Gradient

d) Floating Gradient


Q.153) Which gradient is specifically used for short distances and is allowed to be steeper than the ruling gradient?

a) Average Gradient

b) Limiting Gradient

c) Exceptional Gradient

d) Floating Gradient


Q.154) What is the primary function of a minimum gradient on a road?

a) To ensure high-speed travel

b) To facilitate efficient drainage of water from the road surface

c) To improve road aesthetics

d) To reduce vehicle fuel consumption


Q.155) Which type of gradient helps maintain uniform speed while a vehicle is descending?

a) Maximum Gradient

b) Ruling Gradient

c) Floating Gradient

d) Limiting Gradient


Q.156) What is the primary purpose of providing curves in road alignments?

a) To increase the pavement thickness

b) To achieve a gradual change of direction in the horizontal or vertical plane

c) To reduce construction costs

d) To enhance the road’s color


Q.157) Which of the following is NOT a reason for incorporating curves in road design?

a) Accommodating the topography of the area

b) Providing highway facilities to a locality

c) Overcoming restrictions imposed by existing property

d) Maximizing the straight-line distance between locations


Q.158) Which factor is considered critical in the design of road curves?

a) Design speed of the vehicle

b) Pavement color

c) Number of streetlights

d) Nearby vegetation type


Q.159) What is one advantage of introducing curves in a roadway?

a) They reduce the driver’s alertness

b) They help maintain a uniform vehicle speed

c) They eliminate the need for signage

d) They increase construction time


Q.160) A simple circular curve is best defined as a curve that:

a) Connects two straight sections with a constant radius throughout

b) Consists of two arcs bending in opposite directions

c) Has a continuously varying radius

d) Combines both horizontal and vertical curvature


Q.161) In a compound curve, the simple curves:

a) Have the same radius and bend in opposite directions

b) Have different radii, bend in the same direction, and share a common tangent

c) Are separated by long tangents

d) Are always circular


Q.162) A reverse (serpentine) curve is characterized by:

a) Two arcs bending in the same direction

b) A gradual transition between a straight and a curved alignment

c) Two arcs with equal or different radii bending in opposite directions with a common tangent

d) A continuously varying curvature throughout the curve


Q.163) What distinguishes a transition (or easement) curve from a simple circular curve?

a) It has a constant radius throughout

b) It is a non-circular curve with a varying radius used to connect a straight section with a circular curve

c) It is used only in vertical alignments

d) It does not affect the steering of a vehicle


Q.164) Combined curves are typically used in which applications?

a) Only in urban streets

b) In railways and highways to merge simple circular curves with transition curves

c) Exclusively for pedestrian pathways

d) In vertical alignment designs only


Q.165) A broken-back curve is defined as:

a) Two circular curves with their centers on opposite sides connected by a long tangent

b) Two circular curves with centers on the same side connected by a short tangent

c) A continuously varying transition curve

d) A curve used only in vertical alignments


Q.166) Vertical curves provide a gradual change in:

a) Road color

b) Pavement material

c) Road grade

d) Traffic volume


Q.167) Which type of vertical curve is known as a crest or summit curve?

a) A curve with concavity upward

b) A curve with convexity upward

c) A curve with a constant gradient

d) A transition curve between horizontal curves


Q.168) For a crest (summit) vertical curve, which formula is used for Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)?

a) L = (NS²)/4.4

b) L = (NS²)/9.6

c) L = (NS²)/(1.5+0.035S)

d) L = NS/4.4


Q.169) For overtaking sight distance (OSD) on a crest vertical curve, what is the formula?

a) L = (NS²)/4.4

b) L = (NS²)/9.6

c) L = (NS²)/(1.5+0.035S)

d) L = (NS²)/7.0


Q.170) Valley curves (or sag vertical curves) are characterized by:

a) Convexity upward

b) Concavity upward

c) A constant vertical grade

d) Being used only for drainage


Q.171) The length of a valley (sag) vertical curve is determined by the formula:

a) L = (NS²)/4.4

b) L = (NS²)/(1.5+0.035S)

c) L = (NS²)/9.6

d) L = NS/1.5


Q.172) Why is pavement widening provided on horizontal curves?

a) To reduce the overall road length

b) To improve the aesthetic appearance of the road only

c) To enhance safe driving by accommodating vehicle off-tracking and maneuverability

d) To increase the speed limit


Q.173) Mechanical widening of the pavement is provided to account for:

a) Driver discomfort

b) Off-tracking due to the rigidity of the vehicle’s wheelbase

c) Increased traffic volume

d) Poor drainage conditions


Q.174) What is the formula for mechanical widening (wₘ) on a horizontal curve?

a) wₘ = (n·l)/(2R)

b) wₘ = (n·l²)/(2R)

c) wₘ = (n²·l)/(R)

d) wₘ = (R)/(n·l²)


Q.175) In the mechanical widening formula, what does the variable “n” represent?

a) Number of traffic lanes

b) Number of vehicles

c) The normal force acting on the pavement

d) The number of curves in the alignment


Q.176) In the same formula, “l” denotes:

a) The length of the road

b) The vehicle’s wheelbase

c) The lateral clearance required

d) The distance between curves


Q.177) Psychological widening is introduced primarily to improve:

a) The mechanical strength of the pavement

b) Driver maneuverability and visual perception on curves

c) The color contrast of the road

d) Road drainage efficiency


Q.178) What is the formula for psychological widening (wₚₛ) on horizontal curves?

a) wₚₛ = v/(9.5×√R)

b) wₚₛ = (9.5×√R)/v

c) wₚₛ = v×(9.5×√R)

d) wₚₛ = (v²)/(9.5×R)


Q.179) In the psychological widening formula, “v” stands for:

a) The volume of traffic

b) Vehicle speed

c) Vertical clearance

d) Viscosity of the road material


Q.180) Total widening (wₑ) on a horizontal curve is obtained by:

a) Adding mechanical widening and psychological widening

b) Multiplying mechanical widening and psychological widening

c) Dividing mechanical widening by psychological widening

d) Subtracting psychological widening from mechanical widening


Q.181) Extra widening is provided on horizontal curves to account for:

a) The increased cost of construction

b) The full application of super elevation and to enhance vehicle safety

c) Reducing the roadway width

d) Only aesthetic improvements


Q.182) How is extra widening typically introduced along a horizontal curve?

a) Abruptly at the curve’s midpoint

b) Gradually from the tangent point or the beginning of a transition curve

c) Only at the curve’s end

d) Uniformly across the entire road regardless of the curve


Q.183) When extra widening is provided, how is the added width typically distributed across the curve’s cross-section?

a) Entirely on the outer edge

b) Entirely on the inner edge

c) Equally on both sides up to half of the total extra widening (wₑ/2)

d) Randomly distributed along the width


Q.184) According to the extra widening table, what is the typical extra widening provided for a single-lane road with a curve radius up to 20 m?

a) 0.60 m

b) 0.9 m

c) 1.2 m

d) 1.5 m


Q.185) For a single-lane road with a curve radius between 21 m and 40 m, the extra widening provided is:

a) 0.9 m

b) 0.60 m

c) 1.20 m

d) Nil


Q.186) In a two-lane road, what is the extra widening provided for curves with a radius up to 20 m?

a) 0.9 m

b) 1.20 m

c) 1.50 m

d) 1.80 m


Q.187) For a two-lane road with a curve radius between 41 m and 60 m, the extra widening provided is:

a) 1.50 m

b) 1.20 m

c) 0.90 m

d) 0.60 m


Q.188) In a two-lane road, what extra widening is provided for curves with a radius between 61 m and 100 m?

a) 1.50 m

b) 1.20 m

c) 0.90 m

d) 0.60 m


Q.189) Which horizontal curve type is specifically designed to provide a gradual change from a straight alignment to a circular curve?

a) Simple circular curve

b) Transition curve

c) Reverse curve

d) Compound curve


Q.190) What is the main objective of a transition curve in road design?

a) To abruptly change the vehicle’s direction

b) To gradually introduce centrifugal force and super elevation, thereby enhancing passenger comfort

c) To increase vehicle speed immediately

d) To reduce the road’s overall length


Q.191) Which type of vertical curve is used to provide a smooth change in grade with a convex upward profile?

a) Valley (sag) curve

b) Summit (crest) curve

c) Transition curve

d) Compound curve


Q.192) Vertical curves with a concave upward profile are known as:

a) Summit curves

b) Valley curves

c) Broken-back curves

d) Reverse curves


Q.193) In the context of horizontal curves, which curve type is characterized by a combination of simple circular and transition curves?

a) Reverse curve

b) Combined curve

c) Compound curve

d) Broken-back curve


Q.194) Which factor does NOT directly affect the design of road curves?

a) Design speed

b) Maximum permissible super elevation

c) Permissible centrifugal ratio

d) Pavement marking colours


Q.195) Extra widening is primarily introduced on horizontal curves to:

a) Provide additional aesthetic appeal

b) Accommodate off-tracking and improve maneuverability where full super elevation is applied

c) Decrease the construction cost

d) Eliminate the need for transition curves