Design and Maintenance of Transportation Systems
1. What is the primary design factor in determining the thickness of a road pavement?
A. Traffic volume and load
B. Road width
C. Weather conditions
D. Drainage system
Answer: A
Explanation: Traffic volume and load are the most critical factors in pavement design, as heavier loads require thicker pavement layers.
2. Which type of pavement is known for its high initial cost but long-term durability?
A. Flexible pavement
B. Rigid pavement
C. Gravel pavement
D. Asphalt pavement
Answer: B
Explanation: Rigid pavements, made of concrete slabs, have a higher initial cost but require less maintenance over time.
3. What is the primary purpose of an expansion joint in bridge design?
A. To prevent vehicles from skidding
B. To allow movement due to temperature changes
C. To support heavy loads
D. To reduce the cost of construction
Answer: B
Explanation: Expansion joints allow bridges to expand and contract with temperature variations, preventing cracks and structural failure.
4. Which is the most commonly used design speed for urban roads in the Philippines?
A. 40 km/h
B. 60 km/h
C. 80 km/h
D. 100 km/h
Answer: A
Explanation: Urban roads typically have a design speed of 40 km/h, balancing safety and traffic flow.
5. What is the primary material used in asphalt pavement construction?
A. Cement and sand
B. Bitumen and aggregate
C. Concrete and steel reinforcement
D. Gravel and clay
Answer: B
Explanation: Asphalt pavements are made from bitumen (a binder) and aggregates (crushed stone, sand, and gravel).
6. Which of the following factors affects the selection of airport runway orientation?
A. Wind direction
B. Passenger capacity
C. Terminal location
D. Length of the taxiway
Answer: A
Explanation: Runways are typically oriented parallel to prevailing wind direction to aid aircraft during takeoff and landing.
7. What is the minimum vertical clearance for a highway bridge over a roadway?
A. 4.2 meters
B. 5.0 meters
C. 6.1 meters
D. 7.5 meters
Answer: B
Explanation: The minimum vertical clearance for a bridge over a roadway is 5.0 meters to accommodate large vehicles.
8. Which of the following is a common method for maintaining asphalt roads?
A. Crack sealing
B. Water curing
C. Reinforcement with steel bars
D. Using precast concrete slabs
Answer: A
Explanation: Crack sealing is a maintenance technique used to prevent moisture infiltration in asphalt roads.
9. What is the most common cause of road failures in the Philippines?
A. Vehicle overload
B. Poor drainage
C. Insufficient road signs
D. Lack of pedestrian lanes
Answer: B
Explanation: Poor drainage leads to water infiltration, which weakens the pavement and causes road failures.
10. Which agency is responsible for maintaining national highways in the Philippines?
A. MMDA
B. DPWH
C. DOTr
D. LTFRB
Answer: B
Explanation: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of national highways.
Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning
11. What is the primary objective of traffic engineering?
A. To maximize the number of vehicles on the road
B. To improve the efficiency and safety of transportation systems
C. To reduce the number of roads in urban areas
D. To increase vehicle speed regardless of safety
Answer: B
Explanation: Traffic engineering focuses on optimizing efficiency and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists on transportation networks.
12. What does the term "level of service" (LOS) refer to in transportation planning?
A. The quality of public transportation services
B. The volume of vehicles per hour on a road
C. The operational condition of a roadway based on traffic flow
D. The amount of fuel consumed by vehicles in traffic
Answer: C
Explanation: Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative measure describing roadway performance and traffic flow efficiency, graded from A (free flow) to F (severe congestion).
13. Which of the following traffic control devices is used to regulate, warn, or guide road users?
A. Road barriers
B. Traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings
C. Vehicle speedometers
D. Parking meters
Answer: B
Explanation: Traffic control devices, such as traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings, help regulate traffic flow, warn of hazards, and provide guidance for road users.
14. What is the purpose of a traffic impact assessment (TIA)?
A. To measure vehicle emissions
B. To evaluate how new developments affect traffic conditions
C. To determine the price of road tolls
D. To analyze fuel consumption trends
Answer: B
Explanation: A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) analyzes the effect of new developments (such as malls or residential areas) on road congestion and safety, ensuring proper planning.
15. Which traffic management strategy is most effective in reducing congestion during peak hours?
A. Increasing vehicle registration fees
B. Implementing bus-only lanes and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes
C. Removing pedestrian crossings
D. Reducing the number of intersections
Answer: B
Explanation: Bus-only lanes and HOV lanes encourage public transportation and carpooling, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles and alleviating congestion.
16. What is the main objective of traffic engineering?
A. To construct more roads
B. To reduce traffic congestion and accidents
C. To increase vehicle speeds
D. To eliminate traffic signals
Answer: B
Explanation: Traffic engineering aims to improve traffic flow and safety.
17. Which traffic control device provides guidance to drivers through colors and symbols?
A. Traffic lights
B. Road signs
C. Speed bumps
D. Pedestrian crossings
Answer: B
Explanation: Road signs use colors, symbols, and text to guide drivers.
18. What is the standard width of a single-lane road in the Philippines?
A. 2.5 meters
B. 3.0 meters
C. 3.5 meters
D. 4.0 meters
Answer: C
Explanation: The standard width of a single-lane road is 3.5 meters.
19. Which method is used to estimate future traffic volume?
A. Pavement deflection test
B. Traffic forecasting
C. Crash analysis
D. Road widening
Answer: B
Explanation: Traffic forecasting uses historical data to predict future demand.
20. Which organization is responsible for regulating public transportation in the Philippines?
A. MMDA
B. DPWH
C. LTFRB
D. DOTr
Answer: C
Explanation: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regulates public transportation services.
Pavement Design and Materials
21. What is the main function of the subgrade in a pavement structure?
A. To provide a smooth riding surface
B. To distribute traffic loads to the underlying soil
C. To act as a waterproof layer
D. To prevent vegetation growth
Answer: B
Explanation: The subgrade is the lowest layer in a pavement structure and is responsible for supporting and distributing traffic loads to the soil.
22. Which of the following materials is primarily used as a binder in asphalt pavement?
A. Cement
B. Lime
C. Bitumen
D. Fly ash
Answer: C
Explanation: Bitumen is a sticky, black, and viscous material used as a binder in asphalt pavement.
23. Which type of pavement consists of multiple layers of asphalt over a compacted base?
A. Rigid pavement
B. Flexible pavement
C. Composite pavement
D. Permeable pavement
Answer: B
Explanation: Flexible pavements are made of asphalt layers placed over a granular base and subgrade.
24. What is the primary advantage of using rigid pavements over flexible pavements?
A. Lower initial cost
B. Higher resistance to deformation
C. Easier repair process
D. More flexible under heavy loads
Answer: B
Explanation: Rigid pavements (concrete) have higher resistance to deformation and can withstand heavier loads compared to flexible pavements (asphalt).
25. Which test is used to determine the quality and strength of bitumen?
A. Marshall test
B. Penetration test
C. Slump test
D. Compression test
Answer: B
Explanation: The penetration test measures the hardness or consistency of bitumen by determining how deep a standard needle penetrates the material.
26. What is the purpose of adding air voids in asphalt concrete mixes?
A. To reduce construction cost
B. To improve workability
C. To allow expansion and contraction
D. To increase water resistance
Answer: C
Explanation: Air voids in asphalt concrete allow for expansion and contraction, preventing premature cracking and damage.
27. Which factor has the greatest impact on the design life of a pavement structure?
A. Type of vehicles using the road
B. Number of traffic lanes
C. Type of road markings
D. Color of the pavement surface
Answer: A
Explanation: The type of vehicles, particularly heavy trucks and buses, significantly affect the pavement's lifespan due to repeated loading.
28. Which component of pavement design helps in draining water away from the surface?
A. Wearing course
B. Base course
C. Subbase
D. Drainage layer
Answer: D
Explanation: The drainage layer is designed to prevent water accumulation that can weaken the pavement structure.
29. Which test is commonly used to evaluate the stability of an asphalt mix?
A. Marshall Stability Test
B. Atterberg Limit Test
C. Sieve Analysis Test
D. Specific Gravity Test
Answer: A
Explanation: The Marshall Stability Test determines the load resistance of asphalt mix, ensuring its durability under traffic conditions.
30. What is the typical service life of a properly designed and maintained asphalt pavement?
A. 5-10 years
B. 10-20 years
C. 20-30 years
D. Over 50 years
Answer: B
Explanation: Asphalt pavements have a typical service life of 10-20 years, depending on traffic load and maintenance practices.