Professional Engineering Exam Transportation Engineering: Study Guide

Professional Engineering Exam
Transportation Engineering
Study Guide
Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC)

National Center for Assessment (NCA)
May 2019
Professional Transportation Engineering Exam
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2
Table of Contents Page

Copyright Notice 2
1. Aim 4
2. Exam Structure 4
3. Table of Specifications 7
4. Standards for Transportation Engineering 8
4.1 Reference Design Standards & Manuals 13
5. Samples of Questions 15
6. Solution of Samples of Questions 22
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1. Aim:
The objective of this Instruction Manual is to provide guidelines for the NCA proposed
Professional Engineers Exam. These guidelines cover the eligibility conditions, the
grading and passing conditions, the structure of the exam and the distribution of exam
questions among various areas. In essence, this Instruction Manual represents a “bridge”
between the developed exam standards and the actual phrased questions. It is designed
to help item writers prepare questions in Transportation Engineering Discipline Exam as
well as a study guide for examinees.
2. Exam Structure:
2.1 Exam Type
The exam is initially paper-based with questions being a combination of multiple- choice
questions (MCQ) and essays.
2.2 Exam Organization

The exam will be conducted in two sessions for one day. The duration of the first session
is 2.5 hours while the second section is 4 hours long. There is one-hour break between
the two sessions.
2.2.1. Session #1
The first session is the common part to be taken by all the examinees from all disciplines.
This part includes seven topics: (Ethics – Professionalism - Laws for Professional
Practice, Professional Laws and Regulation - Environment and Natural Resources -
Engineering Management - Engineering Economics - Health, Safety & Security (HSS)).
The total duration of this session is 2.5 hours and the total number of questions is 30 MCQ
and 2 essays.
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2.2.2. Session #2
The second session is the Discipline Part. The following engineering disciplines are
considered:
Code Discipline
STE Structural Engineering
GTE Geotechnical Engineering
TRE Transportation Engineering

Water Resources and Environmental
WREE
Engineering
PE Power Engineering
Heating, Ventilation, and Air
HVAC Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration
Engineering
Thermal and Fluids Systems
TFSE
Engineering
CHE Chemical Engineering
FPE Fire Protection Engineering
ARCH Architecture
The total duration of this session is 4 hours and the total number of questions is 30 MCQ
questions and 5 essays. The examinee must answer all the MCQ questions and three
essays (one compulsory and two to be chosen out of four essays).
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2.3 Eligibility for the Exam

The eligibility to register for the exam is according to the requirements and conditions of
the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE).
2.4 Grades
Each part (common part and discipline part) carries a total grade of 100. The MCQs carry
a grade of 60% while the essays carry a grade of 40%. Each MCQ has 4 choices for the
answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
2.5 Passing Rules

 The eligible candidate must take in his/her first sitting the two exam parts
(common part and discipline part).
 In order to pass the exam, the candidate must obtain a grade of 60% or above in
each part of the exam.
 If the candidate fails both parts of the exam (by receiving in each part a grade less
than 60%), he/she can take the two parts of the exam but only when one full year
has passed.
 If the candidate fails only one part of the exam (common part or discipline part),
he/she must repeat only the part he/she failed, but he/she must pass this part
within one year.
 If a year passed and the candidate did not succeed in passing the part he/she
failed, then he/she has to take both parts of the exam.
2.6 Exam Rules

 No printed or electronic material is allowed during the exam. All necessary
reference materials will be provided by NCA.
 Calculators approved by NCA are allowed.
 Comprehensive exam rules will be provided by the examination authority, NCA, in

a separate manual.
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3. Table of Specifications for Transportation

Engineering Exam:
Multiple Choice Questions
(MCQs) Number of
Major Area Engineering
Essay Standard
% Number of Questions
Questions
1. Transportation Planning 6.67 2 TRE-T1
2. Traffic Engineering 16.67 5 1 TRE-T2
3. Traffic Signal Design 6.67 2 1 TRE-T3
4. Traffic Control Devices 3.33 1 TRE-T4
5. Traffic Safety 6.67 2 TRE-T5
6. Geometric Design - 13.33 4 1 TRE-T6
Alignments (Compulsory)
7. Geometric Design – 3.33 1 TRE-T7
Intersections
8. Geometric Design –
Roadside and Cross-Section 3.33 1 TRE-T8
Elements
9. Structural Analysis and 10 3 1 TRE-T9
Design
10. Materials and Mix Design 10 3 TRE-T10
11. Evaluation, Maintenance and 6.67 2 TRE-T11
Rehabilitations
12. Drainage Systems 6.67 2 TRE-T12
13. Economic Analysis 6.67 2 1 TRE-T13
1 Compulsory
Total 100% 30 and Choose 2
out of 4
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4. Standards for Transportation Engineering:

The Engineering Standards for the Transportation Engineering Discipline are structured
around thirteen major areas:
TRE-T1. Transportation Planning.
TRE-T2. Traffic Engineering.
TRE-T3. Traffic Signal Design.
TRE-T4. Traffic Control Devices (TCD).
TRE-T5. Traffic Safety.
TRE-T6. Geometric Design – Alignments.
TRE-T7. Geometric Design – Intersections.
TRE-T8. Geometric Design – Roadside and Cross-Section Elements.
TRE-T9. Structural Analysis and Design.
TRE-T10. Materials and Mix Design.
TRE-T11. Evaluation, Maintenance and Rehabilitations.
TRE-T12. Drainage systems.
TRE-T13. Economic Analysis.
Practicing transportation engineers are applying above mentioned topics in their field
practice during their engineering career. Each of these topics has a number of indicators
to ensure that the engineer has the necessary experiences to work in a transportation
engineering area.
Transportation Engineers are expected to possess and demonstrate command of the
following Transportation Engineering skills:
Group I: TRE-T1 to TRE-T5 (40%)

TRE-T1: Transportation Planning
Indicators
TRE-T1-1 Understand and be able to perform the travel demand forecasting process
(including the four-step model: trip generation, trip distribution, modal split
and traffic assignment).
TRE-T1-2 Understand and be able to conduct Traffic Impact Studies.
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TRE-T2: Traffic Engineering

Indicators
TRE-T2-1 Perform capacity and level of service analysis for an Uninterrupted flow
facility for different modes (highway, railway, bus transit).
TRE-T2-2 Analyze interrupted flow facility for different modes (e.g., level of service,
capacity, running time, travel speed) and for all road users (vehicles,
pedestrians, bicycles).
TRE-T2-3 Perform roadway intersection capacity analysis (e.g., at grade, signalized,
roundabout, interchange).
TRE-T2-4 Perform traffic studies and analyze it (e.g., volume studies, peak hour
factor, speed studies, parking studies and design), including methods for
estimating performance measures (delays, queues, travel times) for
intersections and roadways and understanding the use of simulation
models.
TRE-T2-5 Understand and be able to analyze traffic flow characteristics including
fundamental diagrams (speed- flow- density) and parameters (capacity,
free-flow speed, jam density), and models (e.g. car following (minimum
following distance), lane changing, gap acceptance, and shock waves).
TRE-T2-6 Ability to analyze and design non-motorized flow facilities (e.g., pedestrian,
bicycle).
TRE-T2-7 Recognize recent and emerging technologies in data collection and
processing (video, radar, blue tooth, GPS cell phone records).
TRE-T3: Traffic Signal Design

Indicators
TRE-T3-1 Ability to design traffic signal timing (e.g., signal phasing, clearance
intervals, pedestrian crossing timing).
TRE-T3-2 Understanding and ability to apply traffic signal warrants.
TRE-T3-3 Understanding and ability to design traffic signal interconnection and traffic
signal coordination (cycle length, green times, offsets).
TRE-T4: Traffic Control Devices (TCD)

Indicators
TRE-T4-1 Recognize the types and characteristics of TCD (signs, signals and
pavement markings), and its application.
TRE-T4-2 Knowledge and ability to apply signing and marking of pedestrian and
bicycle facilities.
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TRE-T4-3 Understanding and ability to apply signing and marking for traffic calming
designs.
TRE-T4-4 Ability to apply proper temporary traffic control (e.g. at work zone).
TRE-T5: Traffic Safety

Indicators
TRE-T5-1 Conduct crash data analysis focusing on the concepts of Conflict analysis,
accident rates, black spot identification, collision diagrams, and condition
diagrams.
TRE-T5-2 Ability to propose appropriate accident countermeasures.
TRE-T5-3 Understand how to conduct Road Safety Audit.
TRE-T5-4 Ability to develop temporary traffic control and detour plots to address
worker and road user safety.
Group II: TRE-T6 to TRE-T8 (20%)

TRE-T6: Geometric Design - Alignments
Indicators
TRE-T6-1 Analyze the basic horizontal curve elements for roads/railways, such as
middle ordinate, length, chord, and radius.
TRE-T6-2 Provide solutions to a sight distance problem generated from a real road
environment.
TRE-T6-3 Determine the superelevation rate for roads/railways and transitions by
providing proper method and components.
TRE-T6-4 Evaluate special horizontal curves in a certain problematic road/railway
condition such as compound/reverse curves, curve widening, and
coordination with vertical geometry.
TRE-T6-5 Design the crest and sag vertical curve geometry, for roads/railways.
TRE-T6-6 Formulate the solutions for a given stopping and passing sight distance
problem generated from Saudi roads.
TRE-T6-7 Recognize obstacles and develop the solutions to secure a vertical
clearance on the road/railway.
10
TRE-T7: Geometric Design - Intersections

Indicators
TRE-T7-1 Provide solutions to a given practical problem about roadway intersection
sight distance.
TRE-T7-2 Analyze the geometry of highway interchanges focusing on the Freeway
merge, entrance and exit ramp, weaving section sizing, horizontal and
vertical designs.
TRE-T7-3 Review a given at-grade road intersection layout, including a roundabout
and find possible improvements.
TRE-T8: Geometric Design – Roadside and Cross-Section Elements

Indicators
TRE-T8-1 Realize the forgiving roadside concepts into the roads under operation
focusing on the clear zone, recoverable slopes, roadside obstacles.
TRE-T8-2 Identify a proper highway barrier design based on its performance
considering possible alternatives such as longitudinal barriers, end
treatments, transitions, and crash cushions.
TRE-T8-3 Apply the roadway cross-section elements such as lane widths, shoulders,
sidewalks to solve a practical problem.
Group III: TRE-T9 to TRE-T12 (33.33%)

TRE-T9: Structural Analysis and Design
Indicators
TRE-T9-1 Recognize pavement types, wheel loads and vehicle and traffic
considerations in pavement structural design.
TRE-T9-2 Analyze different types of pavement design including theoretical,
mechanistic and empirical methods.
TRE-T9-3 Understand the general concept of multilayered elastic system, and apply
analytical solutions of pavement response parameters including stress,
strain and deflection.
TRE-T9-4 Analyze and design the highway and airport pavement structures
according to the mechanistic-empirical method, and evaluate and analyze
pavement structure.
TRE-T9-5 Determine the traffic volumes and traffic loads required to design a
pavement (considering the truck classification of KSA).
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TRE-T10: Materials and Mix Design

Indicators
TRE-T10-1 Recognize properties of pavement materials and materials
characterization.
TRE-T10-2 Understand requirements and tests of base and sub base materials and
bituminous materials used in pavement construction.
TRE-T10-3 Recognize pavement types and their differences, differences between
airport and highway pavements, and suggest the best pavement type based
on traffic, environment, subgrade conditions.
TRE-T10-4 Suggest a suitable testing method for pavement sections and materials
(HMA, Granular base and subbase, subgrade soil, asphalt cement, etc.) to
address specific pavement distress or design.
TRE-T10-5 Understand and ability to apply design methods of high-type bituminous
paving mixture.
TRE-T11: Evaluation, Maintenance and Rehabilitations

Indicators
TRE-T11-1 Recognize and ability to apply different methods of measuring pavement
conditions and identify types of structural and functional pavement
distresses.
TRE-T11-2 Recognize concepts of pavement serviceability and performance.
TRE-T11-3 Recognize the proper maintenance measures and rehabilitation methods.
TRE-T12: Drainage systems

Indicators
TRE-T12-1 Recognize and identify the hydrology, including runoff
detention/retention/water quality mitigation measures by applying
Rational method, hydrographs, SCS/NRCS method.
TRE-T12-2 Provide appropriate solutions to the hydraulics design problem, including
culvert and storm water collection system design, and open-channel flow
focusing on the inlet capacities, pipe flow and hydraulic energy dissipation.
TRE-T13: Economic Analysis (6.67%)

Indicators
TRE-T13-1 Ability to perform economic analyses (e.g., present worth, lifecycle costs,
Benefit-Cost).
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4.1 Reference Design Standards & Manuals
 Ministry of Transport (MOT) Manuals and General Specifications.
 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in Saudi Arabia (Ministry of

Municipal and Rural Affairs (OMRA) & MOT)
 Saudi Building Code terms and requirements that are applicable in

Transportation Engineering.
 A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (AASHTO Green Book),

7th Edition, 2018, American Association of State Highway & Transportation
Officials, Washington, DC.
 Highway Capacity Manual, 6th Edition, 2016, Transportation Research Board,

National Research Council, Washington, DC.
 Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide: A Manual of Practice, 2nd

edition, July 2015, American Association of State Highway & Transportation
Officials, Washington, DC.
 NCHRP Report 812, Signal Timing Manual, 2nd Edition, 2015
 Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 1st
Edition, 2004, American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials,
Washington, DC.
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5. Sample of Questions
Expected
Question Statement Key Supplied
Q. No. Topic Area Indicator Time
(Answer’s Choices) Answer
(min.)
Reference
Suburban neighborhood residents have three
choices for commuting to the employment
zone at the city center, which is at a distance
of 20 km away. The mode available are: Auto
(A), commuter rail (R) and a suburban bus line
(B). The utility values for the three modes,
based on a factored sum of attributes such as
time, cost, etc. are “-1.23” for mode A, “-2.11”
Transportation for mode R and “-1.89” for mode B. The total
1 TRE-T1-1 (A) 4 None
Planning number of commuters originating from the
neighborhood is 820. The number of Auto trips
expected is most nearly:
A) 425
B) 303
C) 255
D) 153
The average number of vehicles passing a

point on a highway lane is 2,200 vphpl. The
vehicles travel at a space mean speed of 68
km/h. If the average length of a vehicle is 5.8
m, the gap distance between the vehicles (in
Traffic meters) is most nearly:
2 TRE-T2-5 (B) 3-4 None
Engineering
A) 13
B) 25
C) 31
D) 40
A three-phase traffic signal with 4 sec lost

time per phase has the following critical
movement conditions (Assume there is no
phase overlap):
Phase A Phase B Phase C

Critical
Traffic
volume 70 400 550
3 Signal TRE-T3-1 (vphpl) (C) 4 None
Design
Adjusted
saturation
350 1350 1960
flow rate
(vphgpl)
Using the critical intersection volume-to-

capacity ratio method, what is most nearly the
14
Expected
(min.)
Reference
recommended duration of the cycle (in
seconds)?
A) 16
B) 27
C) 54
D) 81
An intersection had 25 reported traffic

accidents during the months of January
through September. The ADT for this
intersection is shown in the following figure.
The accident rate per million entering vehicles
(RMEV) for this intersection is most nearly:
Traffic
4 TRE-T5-1 (A) 3-4 None
Safety
A) 250
B) 200
C) 150
D) 100
The coefficient of friction needed if no super-

elevation is provided for a horizontal circular
curve of radius 190 m and design speed of 65
km/h is:
Geometric
5 Design - TRE-T6-3 (C) 3-4 None
A) 0.155
Alignment B) 0.165
C) 0.175
D) 0.185
Slope of pavement shoulders should be:

Geometric
Design- A) Greater than that of the pavement.
6 Cross- TRE-T8-3 B) Equal that of the pavement. (A) 3-4 None
Sectional C) At least 3 percent.
Elements D) As high as 7 percent.
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Expected
(min.)
Reference
A truck axle weights with full load are:
Axle weight
Front 17,000lb
Middle 20,000lb
Rear 14,000lb
Structural Using the 4th power approximation, the total
7 Analysis and TRE-T9-1 ESAL is: (D) 4 None
Design
A) 0.795
B) 1.524
C) 2.366
D) 2.685
A subgrade soils has a CBR test penetration of

0.1 inch at 300 lb. Its CBR value is:
Materials and A) 0.030

8 TRE-T10-2 B) 0.30 (C) 3-4 None
Mix Design
C) 0.10
D) 0.01
Which of the following fully describes the

effect of distress on Pavement Condition Index
Evaluation, (PCI)?
Maintenance
9 TRE-T11-1 A) Distress type and severity. (D) 3-4 None
and B) Distress severity and density.
Rehabilitation C) Distress type, severity and area.
D) Distress type, severity and density.
A city traffic engineer is considering installing

a signal system at an intersection. He is trying
to decide one of two alternative signal
systems using a 10 year planning horizon. And
the two alternatives have the following cash
flows:
Alt. X Alt. Y
Year
(SAR) (SAR)
Economic Initial Cost 0 1,000,000 600,000
10 TRE-T13-1 Net annual benefits 1-10 316,000 212,400 (A) 4 None
Analysis
Assume no salvage value. If interest rate is
12%, and using Benefit/Cost Analysis, the
preferred feasible alternative is most
probably
A) Alt. X
B) Alt. Y
C) Either one (similar).
D) Neither one (unfeasible).
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Essay Questions
Question. Essay # 1
A six-lane urban freeway has the following characteristics: 12-feet lanes, 6-feet clearance
on the right side of the roadway, rolling terrain, a ramp density of 2.8 ramps per mile, and
a PHF of 0.92. The traffic consists of 8% trucks and no RVs, and all drivers are regular
users of the facility.
The peak-hour volume on the facility is currently 3,600 veh/h, which is expected to grow
at a rate of 6% a year for the next 10 years.
Find the following:
a) The present freeway level of service
b) the level of service in 10 years
c) to avoid breakdown, when will substantial improvements be needed?
Topic Area: Traffic Engineering

Indicator: TRE-T2-1 Perform capacity and level of service analysis for a basic freeway
segment (Uninterrupted flow facility).
Expected Time: 25-30 min
Supplied Reference. Reference sheet #1
17
Question. Essay # 2
For the shown asphalt pavement section and using the one-layer system – flexible plate,
calculate the deflection at the top of subgrade.
P= 17000 lb
p= 150 psi
AC, E =100,000psi, µ = 0.5 6”
BS., E= 50,000psi, µ= 0.5

12”
Subg. E= 10,000psi, µ = 0.5
Topic Area: Structural Analysis and Design

Indicator: TRE-T9-1 Recognize pavement types, wheel loads and vehicle and traffic
considerations in pavement structural design.
Expected Time: 15-20 min
Supplied Reference. Reference sheet #2
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6. Solutions of Sample Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

MCQ # 1:
Topic Area: Transportation Planning
Indicator:
TRE-T1-1 Understand the travel demand forecasting process (including the four-step
model: trip generation, trip distribution, modal split and traffic assignment).
Answer: A
Reference Sheet: None
Solution:
Calculations
Using the Logit model for mode choice, the probability of choosing
mode (A) can be written as:
𝒆𝑼𝑨
𝑷(𝑨) =
𝒆𝑼 𝑨 + 𝒆 𝑼 𝑹 + 𝒆𝑼 𝑩
𝒆−𝟏.𝟐𝟑
𝑷(𝑨) =
𝒆𝑼−𝟏.𝟐𝟑 + 𝒆𝑼−𝟐.𝟏𝟏 + 𝒆𝑼−𝟏.𝟖𝟗
𝟎.𝟐𝟗𝟐
𝑷(𝑨) = 𝟎.𝟐𝟗𝟐+𝟎.𝟏𝟐𝟏+𝟎.𝟏𝟓𝟏
𝑷(𝑨) = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟏𝟖
Number of commuters expected to drive = 0.518 x 820 = 424.5
( 425 persons) (Ans.)
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MCQ # 2:
Topic Area: Traffic Engineering
Indicator:
TRE-T2-5 Understand traffic flow characteristics including fundamental diagrams
(speed- flow- density) and parameters (capacity, free-flow speed, jam density), and
models (e.g. car following (minimum following distance), lane changing, gap acceptance,
and shock waves)
Answer: B
Solution:
Calculations
Density, D
𝑽𝒑 𝟐𝟐𝟎𝟎
𝑫= = = 𝟑𝟐. 𝟑𝟓 𝒑𝒄𝒑𝒉𝒑𝒍
𝑺 𝟔𝟖
Spacing, S
𝟏𝒌𝒎 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒎
𝑺= = = 𝟑𝟎. 𝟗 𝒎⁄𝒑𝒄
𝑫 𝟑𝟐. 𝟑𝟓
Distance between cars is the Gap.
Gap = spacing – average car length
= 30.9 - 5.8 = 25.1 m ( 25 m) (Ans.)
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MCQ # 3:
Topic Area: Traffic Signal Design
Indicator:
TRE-T3-1 Ability to design traffic signal timing (e.g., signal phasing, clearance
intervals, pedestrian crossing timing).
Answer: C
Solution:
Calculations
Critical flow ratio, yi, for each phase i is:

𝑽𝑨 𝟕𝟎
𝒚𝑨 = = = 𝟎. 𝟐
𝑺𝑨 𝟑𝟓𝟎
𝟒𝟎𝟎
𝒚𝑩 = = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟗𝟔
𝟏, 𝟑𝟓𝟎
𝟓𝟓𝟎
𝒚𝑨 = = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟖𝟏
𝟏, 𝟗𝟔𝟎
∑ 𝒚𝒄,𝒊 = 𝒔𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 − 𝒕𝒐 − 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

𝒊𝝐𝒄𝒊
= 0.2 + 0.296 + 0.281 = 0.777

The total cycle length can be estimated from Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)
𝑪
𝑿𝒄 = [ ] ∑ 𝒚𝒄,𝒊
𝑪−𝑳
𝒊𝝐𝒄𝒊
From HCM, the total lost time, Li, for a three-phase signal with a default 4 sec delay per
phase:
L = 3 phase x 4 sec/phase = 12 sec
Xc should be no more than 1.0 to avoid oversaturated flow. Hence:
𝑪
≤ 𝟏. 𝟎 = [ ] × 𝟎. 𝟕𝟕
𝑪 − 𝟏𝟐 𝒔𝒆𝒄
C = 52.2 sec ( 54 sec) (Ans.)
Although there is an examinee who chooses the “Webster’s Optimum Cycle Length” for
this question,
21
He/she will use the following formula for the optimum cycle length (Co):
𝟏. 𝟓𝑳 + 𝟓. 𝟎
𝑪𝒐 =
𝑽
𝟏 − ∑( 𝑺 )
Then, he/she will get the result as

𝟏. 𝟓 × 𝟒 + 𝟓. 𝟎
𝑪𝒐 = = 𝟒𝟗. 𝟑𝟏 ≈ 𝟓𝟎 𝒔𝒆𝒄
𝟏 − 𝟎. 𝟕𝟕𝟕
Therefore, the examinee will choose the answer (C).
22
MCQ # 4:
Topic Area: Traffic Safety
Indicator:
TRE-T5-1 Conduct an accident (data) analysis focusing on the concepts of Conflict
analysis, accident rates, black spot identification, collision diagrams, and condition
diagrams
Answer: A
Solution:
Calculations
Total vehicles entering intersection = 2,000+6,000+4,000+8,000=

20,000 vpd
(𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔) × 𝟏𝟎𝟔

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 =
(𝑨𝑫𝑻 × 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 × 𝟑𝟔𝟓 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔⁄𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓
𝟐𝟓×𝟏𝟎𝟔
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 = 𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎×(𝟗⁄𝟏𝟐)×𝟑𝟔𝟓 = 4.6 RMEV (Ans.)
23
MCQ # 5:
Topic Area: Geometric Design - Alignment
Indicator:
TRE-T6-3 Determine the superelevation rate for roads/railways and transitions by
providing proper method and components
Answer: C
Solution:
Calculations
The minimum radius for a given design speed can be determined

from the rate of super-elevation and side friction factor. Using Metric
system:
𝑽𝟐
𝒆 + 𝒇 = 𝒈𝑹
𝑽𝟐
𝒇 = 𝟏𝟐𝟕𝒆𝑹
𝟔𝟓𝟐
𝒇 = 𝟏𝟐𝟕×𝟏𝟗𝟎
f = 0.175 (Ans.)
24
MCQ # 6:
Topic Area: Geometric Design- Roadside and Cross-Sectional Elements
Indicator:
TRE-T8-3 Apply the cross-section elements such as lane widths, shoulders,
sidewalks to solve a practical problem
Answer: A
Solution:
Calculations
Shoulder is one of the highway cross section elements. The slope of

the shoulder should be greater than that of the pavement in order to
efficiently carry water away from the pavement.
Slope of pavement shoulders should be greater than that of the

pavement. (Ans.)
25
MCQ # 7:
Topic Area: Structural Analysis and Design
Indicator:
TRE-T9-1 Recognize pavement types, wheel loads and vehicle and traffic
considerations in pavement structural design
Answer: D
Solution:
Calculations
Load Equivalency
Generalized fourth power approximation
4
 load 
   relative damage factor
 18,000 lb. 
• (17,000/18,000)4 = 0.795
• (20,000/18,000)4 = 1.524
• (14,000/18,000)4 = 0.366
Total = 2.685 ESALs (Ans.)
26
MCQ # 8:
Topic Area: Materials and Mix Design
Indicator:
TRE-T10-1 Recognize properties of pavement materials and materials
characterization
Answer: C
Solution:
Calculations
The basic CBR test is used in design of flexible pavements. The

sample is subjected to a penetration by a piston 1.95 inch in diameter.
The CBR value is computed by:
𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝟎.𝟏 𝒊𝒏.𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑪𝑩𝑹 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝟑𝟎𝟎
𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 (𝟑𝟎𝟎𝒍𝒃) = = 𝟏𝟎𝟎. 𝟓 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝝅𝒓𝟐
(Ans.)
𝟏𝟎𝟎.𝟓 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑪𝑩𝑹 = = 𝟎. 𝟏
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒑𝒔𝒊
27
MCQ # 9:
Topic Area: Evaluation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Indicator:
TRE-T11-1 Recognize and identify different methods of measuring pavement
conditions and identify types of structural and functional pavement distresses.
Answer: D
Solution:
Calculations
The effect of a pavement distress on pavement condition is fully

described by:
 Distress type,
 Distress Severity,
 Distress density.
(Ans.)
28
MCQ # 10:
Topic Area: Economic Analysis
Indicator:
TRE-T13-1 Ability to perform economic analyses (e.g., present worth, lifecycle costs,
Benefit-Cost)
Answer: A
Solution:
Calculations
PWAlt.X = 316,000 (P/A, 12%, 10) = 316,000 x 5.65 = SAR 1,785,400

PWAlt.Y = 212,400 (P/A, 12%, 10) = 212,400 x 5.65 = SAR 1,200,060
Find B/C ratio for each alternatives:
B/C = PWBenifits / PWcost
(B/C) Alt. X = 1,785,400/1,000,000 = 1.7854 > 1.0 feasible alternative

(keep)
(B/C) Alt. Y = 1,200,060/600,000 = 2.00 > 1.0 feasible alternative (keep)
Rank the alternatives based on least initial cost: Y down first and then
X up later
Find incremental (B/C) X-Y = (1,785,400 - 1,200,060) / (1,000,000-

600,000)
= 𝟒𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 1.46 > 1.0

(𝟏,𝟕𝟖𝟓,𝟒𝟎𝟎 − 𝟏,𝟐𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟔𝟎) 𝟓𝟖𝟓,𝟑𝟒𝟎
(𝑩/𝑪)𝑿−𝒀 = (𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎−𝟔𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎)
Alt. X should be chosen (Ans.)
29
Solution Sheet # 1: for Essay Question 1

This question can be solved by either of two approaches:
Solution Approach 1
It is often easier to solve a problem involving multiple demand levels by simply computing
the service flow rates (SF) and service volumes (SV) for the section for each level of
service. Then, demand volumes can be easily compared to the results to determine the
LOS for each target demand level.
Step 1: Determine the Free-Flow Speed of the Freeway:
𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 75.4 − 𝑓𝐿𝑊 − 𝑓𝐿𝐶 − 3.22𝑇𝑅𝐷0.84
where, fLW = 0.0 mi/hr (ideal lane width)
fLC = 0.0 (ideal lateral clearance)
then: 𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 75.4 − 0 − 0 − 3.22(2.8)0.84 = 67.8 mi/h
Because this value is between 67.5 and 72.5, the speed flow curve for 70 mi/h is used in
this solution
Step 2: Determine the Maximum Service Flow (MSF) Rates for Each Level of Service.
These are obtained from the Highway Capacity Manual with a 70-mi/h free-flow speed.
These values are for LOS A=770 pc/h/ln, LOS B= 1,250 pc/h/ln, LOS C= 1,690 pc/h/ln,
LOS D= 2,080 pc/h/ln, LOS E= 2,400 pc/h/ln.
Step 3: Determine the Heavy-Vehicle Adjustment Factor
1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 =
1 + 𝑃𝑇 (𝐸𝑇 − 1) + 𝑃𝑅 (𝐸𝑅 − 1)
where, PT = 0.08 (given), PR = 0.00 (given), ET = 2.5 (HCM, rolling terrain)

Then,
1 1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 = = = 0.893
1 + 0.08(2.5 − 1) 1.12
Step 4: Determine the Service Flow Rates and Service Volumes for each LOS:
𝑆𝐹𝐼 = 𝑀𝑆𝐹𝑖 × 𝑁 × 𝑓𝐻𝑉 × 𝑓𝑃
𝑆𝑉𝑖 = 𝑆𝐹𝑖 × 𝑃𝐻𝐹
where, MSFi = as determined in Step 2
N = 3 lanes/direction (given)
fHV = 0.893 (as computed in Step 3)
30
fP = 1.00 (regular commuter users)

PHF = 0.92 (given)
[Additional optional solution: Here, you can calculate the flow rate of this facility, Vp =
(3600/0.92*3*0.893*1) = 1,461 veh/h. And then check the Table 14.3 of the reference sheet
# 1 with FFS = 70 mph, then you will get the LOS C (range 1,250 ~ 1,690) easily without
any additional calculations.]
These computations are shown in the table below:
LOS MSF (pcphpl) N fHV fP SF (veh/h) PHF SV (veh/h)
A 770 3 0.893 1.0 2,063 0.92 1,898
B 1,250 3 0.893 1.0 3,349 0.92 3,081
C 1,690 3 0.893 1.0 4,528 0.92 4,165
D 2,080 3 0.893 1.0 5,572 0.92 5,127
E 2,400 3 0.893 1.0 6,430 0.92 5,915
These service flow rates refer to the peak 15-minute interval; service volumes apply to
peak-hour volumes.
(a) Since the present volume is 3,600 veh/h, the freeway is presently operating at LOS
C (SV range 3,081 - 4,165 veh/h)
Step 5: Determine the 10-year peak demand volumes:
The problem statement indicates that present demand is 3,600 veh/h and that this volume
will increase by 6% per year. Future demand volumes may be computed as:
𝑉𝑗 = 𝑉0 (1.06)𝑛
where, Vj = peak-hour demand volume in target year j

V0 = peak-hour demand volume in year 0 (=3,600 veh/h)
N = number of years to target year
Then,
𝑉10 = 3,600 × (1.06)10 = 6,447 𝑣𝑒ℎ/ℎ
31
[Additional optional solution: In a similar manner, you can calculate the flow rate of this
facility in 10 years later, Vp = (6448/0.92*3*0.893*1) = 2,617 veh/h. And then again check
the Table 14.3 of the reference sheet # 1 with FFS = 70 mph, then you will get the LOS F
(range > 2,400) easily without any additional calculations.]
(b) the freeway level of service in 10 years is F, since its projected volume demand
exceeds freeway capacity (i.e. 6,447 > 5,915 veh/h)
The freeway capacity (LOS E) is 5,915 veh/h

Hence, volume demand will reach capacity in:
𝑉𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 5,915 = 3,600 × (1.06)𝑛
ln(5,915⁄3,600)
𝑛= = 8.5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
ln(1.06)
[Additional optional solution: For sub-question (c), you need to check the Vp the upper
bound of the LOS E at the FFS, 70 mph. From the Table 14.3 of the reference sheet # 1, it
is 2,400.
Therefore, Vp = (V/0.92*3*0.893*1) < 2,400 veh/h.
Then, V < 5,916 veh/h
And, from 3,600 x (1.06)n < 5,916, you can get the n as 8.52 years.]
(c) It usually takes 4-5 year to develop substantial improvements plans and secure its
funding, then to avoid freeway breakdown (LOS F after 8.5 years), planning for such
improvements should start at most after about 4 years.
Solution Approach 2
Step 1: Determine the Free-Flow Speed of the Freeway:
𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 75.4 − 𝑓𝐿𝑊 − 𝑓𝐿𝐶 − 3.22𝑇𝑅𝐷0.84
where, fLW = 0.0 mi/hr (ideal lane width)
fLC = 0.0 (ideal lateral clearance)
then: 𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 75.4 − 0 − 0 − 3.22(2.8)0.84 = 67.8 mi/h
Because this value is between 67.5 and 72.5, the speed flow curve for 70 mi/h is used in
this solution
32
Step 2: Determine the 15-minutes equivalent flow rate (pcphpl)

𝑉
𝑉𝑝 =
𝑃𝐻𝐹 × 𝑁 × 𝑓𝐻𝑉 × 𝑓𝑃
3,600
𝑉𝑝 = = 1,461 𝑝𝑐𝑝ℎ𝑝𝑙
0.92 × 3 × 0.893 × 1.0
Step 3: Determine the average passenger speed at this flow (S, mph)
Using the appropriate equation for speed-flow curve (HCM):
Using FFS of 70 mph curve, the break-point is 1,200 (pcphpl),
hence for Vp= 1,461 pcphpl:
𝑆 = 70 − 0.00001160 × (𝑉𝑝 − 1,200)2
𝑆 = 70 − 0.00001160 × (1,461 − 1,200)2 = 69.21

Step 4: Determine the prevailing density (concentration), D (pc/mile/lane):
𝑉𝑝 1,461
𝐷= = = 21.1 𝑝𝑐𝑝𝑚𝑝𝑙
𝑆 69.21
From HCM LOS criteria for basic freeway segments:
(a) Since for LOS C the density, D, range: > 11 ≤ 26. The present LOS is C
Step 5: Determine the 10-year peak demand volumes:
The problem statement indicates that present demand is 3,600 veh/h and that this volume
will increase by 6% per year. Future demand volumes may be computed as:
𝑉𝑗 = 𝑉0 (1.06)𝑛
where, Vj = peak-hour demand volume in target year j

V0 = peak-hour demand volume in year 0 (=3,600 veh/h)
N = number of years to target year
Then,
𝑉10 = 3,600 × (1.06)10 = 6,447 𝑣𝑒ℎ/ℎ
6,447
𝑉𝑝10 = = 2,616 𝑝𝑐𝑝ℎ𝑝𝑙
0.92 × 3 × 0.893 × 1.0
But the 70-mph FFS freeway capacity (LOS E) is only 2,400 pcphpl < 2,616 (𝑉𝑝10 )
(b) Hence, the level of service in 10 years is F

Step 6: Determine the number of years for the freeway to breakdown (reaching LOS F):
The freeway capacity (LOS E) is 2,400 pcphpl
33
Hence, the 15-minutes equivalent flow rate will reach capacity in:
𝑉𝑝𝑛 = 2,400 = 1,461 × (1.06)𝑛
ln(2,400⁄1,461)
𝑛= = 8.5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
ln(1.06)
(c) It usually takes 4-5 year to develop substantial improvements plans and
secure its funding, then to avoid freeway breakdown (LOS F after 8.5 years),
planning for such improvements should start at most after about 4 years.
34
Solution Sheet # 2: for Essay Question 2
𝑷 𝟏𝟕, 𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝒂=√ =√ = 𝟔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉
𝒑𝝅 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝝅
3𝑝 𝑎2
𝛥𝑧 =
2𝐸(𝑎2 + 𝑍 2 )1/2
𝑝 = 150 𝑝𝑠𝑖
𝑎 = 6 𝑖𝑛
𝑍 = 18 𝑖𝑛
𝐸 = 10,000 𝑝𝑠𝑖
Δ = 0.0426 in.
35
Reference Sheet for Questions
Reference Sheet # 1: for Essay Question 1

The free-flow speed of a freeway can be estimated as:
0.84
FFS = 75.4 – fLW – fLC – 3.22TRD
36
Reference Sheet # 1: for Essay Question 1 (Continue)
37
Reference Sheet # 2: for Essay Question 2

Deflection using one-layered system assumed that pavement above subgrade does not
contribute any deflection components to the total surface deflection. Thus, the significant
deflection occurs in the subgrade. Therefore, for one-layered theory application flexible
pavement deflection under load center computed as:
𝒛
∆𝒛 = ∫ 𝜺𝒛 𝒅𝒛
∞
(𝟏+𝝁)𝒑𝒂 𝒂 𝟏−𝟐𝝁 z
∆𝒛 = {(𝒂𝟐 +𝒛𝟐 )𝟎.𝟓 + [(𝒂𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 )𝟎.𝟓 − 𝒛]} 𝜀𝑧
𝑬 𝒂 =
dz
==
For µ=05
𝟑𝒑 𝒂𝟐
𝜟𝒛 =
𝟐𝑬(𝒂𝟐 + 𝒁𝟐 )𝟏/𝟐
38
39

Professional Engineering Exam Transportation Engineering: Study Guide

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Professional Engineering Exam

Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC)

Table of Contents Page

2.2 Exam Organization

STE Structural Engineering

GTE Geotechnical Engineering

TRE Transportation Engineering

FPE Fire Protection Engineering

2.3 Eligibility for the Exam

2.5 Passing Rules

2.6 Exam Rules

 Calculators approved by NCA are allowed.

 Comprehensive exam rules will be provided by the examination authority, NCA, in

3. Table of Specifications for Transportation

4. Standards for Transportation Engineering:

Group I: TRE-T1 to TRE-T5 (40%)

TRE-T2: Traffic Engineering

TRE-T3: Traffic Signal Design

TRE-T4: Traffic Control Devices (TCD)

TRE-T5: Traffic Safety

Group II: TRE-T6 to TRE-T8 (20%)

TRE-T7: Geometric Design - Intersections

TRE-T8: Geometric Design – Roadside and Cross-Section Elements

Group III: TRE-T9 to TRE-T12 (33.33%)

TRE-T10: Materials and Mix Design

TRE-T11: Evaluation, Maintenance and Rehabilitations

TRE-T12: Drainage systems

TRE-T13: Economic Analysis (6.67%)

4.1 Reference Design Standards & Manuals

 Ministry of Transport (MOT) Manuals and General Specifications.

 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in Saudi Arabia (Ministry of

 Saudi Building Code terms and requirements that are applicable in

 A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (AASHTO Green Book),

 Highway Capacity Manual, 6th Edition, 2016, Transportation Research Board,

 Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide: A Manual of Practice, 2nd

 NCHRP Report 812, Signal Timing Manual, 2nd Edition, 2015

The average number of vehicles passing a

A three-phase traffic signal with 4 sec lost

Phase A Phase B Phase C

Using the critical intersection volume-to-

An intersection had 25 reported traffic

The coefficient of friction needed if no super-

Slope of pavement shoulders should be:

A subgrade soils has a CBR test penetration of

Materials and A) 0.030

Which of the following fully describes the

A city traffic engineer is considering installing

Topic Area: Traffic Engineering

AC, E =100,000psi, µ = 0.5 6”

BS., E= 50,000psi, µ= 0.5

Subg. E= 10,000psi, µ = 0.5

Topic Area: Structural Analysis and Design

6. Solutions of Sample Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

( 425 persons) (Ans.)

= 30.9 - 5.8 = 25.1 m ( 25 m) (Ans.)

Critical flow ratio, yi, for each phase i is:

∑ 𝒚𝒄,𝒊 = 𝒔𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆 − 𝒕𝒐 − 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

= 0.2 + 0.296 + 0.281 = 0.777