Practice Exam 3

AM (C)
Solutions

Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 1
A circular spiral concrete column supports a 300 kip dead load and a 350 kip live load. The
concrete compressive strength is 4000 lbf/in2, and the yield stress of the reinforcement id 60,000
lbf/in2. If the maximum reinforcement is used, the cross-sectional area of the column is most
nearly
(A) 130 in2
(B) 150 in2
(C) 200 in2
(D) 230 in2
Hint: Refer to ACI 318 Sec. 10.3.5
Solution
Section 10.3.5 of ACI 318 gives the design axial load strength for compression members. Solve
ACI 318 EQ. 10-1 for the gross area of concrete.
g max 0.08 [ACI 318 Sec. 10.9.1]
0.85
for spiral columns, ACI 318 Se. 10.3.5.3
0.85
for spiral columns, ACI 318 Sec. 10.3.5.3
Pu 1.4 D 1.7 L
= (1.4)(300 kips) + (1.7)(350 kips)
= 1015 kips
Pu
Ag
(0.85 f c
(1 g ) g f y )
lbf

1015 kips
kip
1000


0.85
lbf
4000 2 1 0.08

in
0.75(0.85)
lbf
0.08 60, 000 2
in
1, 015, 000 lbf

lbf
(0.75)(0.85) 7928 2
in
2 2
= 201 in (200 in )
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Why Other Options Are Wrong
(A) This incorrect solution does not apply the load factors to calculate the factored load but uses
unfactored loads instead.
(B) This incorrect solution makes a mathematical error in calculating the cross-sectional area by
not multiplying the entire denominator by .
Pu
Ag
1 g g f y )
(0.85 f c
lbf

1015 kips
kip
1000

0.75(0.85)(0.85)
lbf
4000 2
in
lbf
1 0.08 0.08 60, 000 2
in
1, 015, 000 lbf

lbf lbf
1994 2 4800 2
in in
=149 in2 (150 in2)
(D) This incorrect solution uses the adjustment factors for a tied column ( 0.80 and = 0.70)
rather than for a spiral column.

Q.2
A rectangular 10-foot wide channel has 5 feet deep water flowing down it. If the Froude number
is 0.8, then the flow, in cubic feet per second, is most nearly:

(A) 500
(B) 600
(C) 700
(D) 800
Solution
Using the Froude equation
v
N FR
( gd )1/ 2
By solving for v, the flow can be calculated using Q =vA
v = NFR * (gd)1/2
v = 0.8 * (32.2 * 5) 1/2 = 10.15 ft /sec
Q = vA = v * w * d = 10.15 * 10 * 5 = 507.5 cfs
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

Q. 3
A wastewater treatment process wastes sludge at 50,000 gal/day. The wasted sludge contains
1.2% solids. What volume reduction can be realized by thickening and dewatering the sludge to
24% solids?
(A) 2500 gal/day
(B) 2600 gal/day
(C) 39,000 gal/day
(D) 48,000 gal/day
Hint: This problem can be solved by simple ratios and differences.

Solution
f solids fraction -
m solids dry mass flow rate lbm/day
V volumetric flow rate gal/day
wet sludge density lbm/ft3

mf1 V 1 f 2 V
2
fV
V2 1 1
f2
At 1.2% solids,

V 1 50, 000 gal/day
At 24% solids,
gal

0.012 50, 000
V2 day
0.24
= 2500 gal/day
V
r
volume flow rate reduction realized gal/day
VVV
r 1 2

gal gal
50, 000 2500
day day
47, 500 gal/day (48,000 gal/day)

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (D)

Why Other Options Are Wrong

(A) The incorrect choice is the calculated sludge volume flow rate at 24% solids. The difference
between the volume flow rate at 24% solids and 1.2% solids is required for the correct answer.
Other equations and definitions are the same as used in the correct solution.
Assume the solids density to be approximately equal to that of water at 8.342 lbm/gal.
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
At 1.2% solids,

V 50, 000 gal/day
gal
lbm
m0.012
50, 000
8.342
day
gal
5005 lbm/day
At 24% solids,
m5005 lbm/day
lbm
5005
m
V
day
r
f2 lbm
0.24 8.342
gal
2500 gal/day
(B) This incorrect choice uses the difference between 24% and 1.2% solids and solid mass, and
fails to use the mass/density/volume relationship consistently. Other equations and definitions
are the same as used in the correct solution.
Assume the solids density to be approximately equal to that of water at 8.342 lbm/gal.
At 1.2% solids,

V 50, 000 gal/day
gal
lbm
m 0.012 50, 000
8.342
day
gal
5005 lbm/day
lbm
5005
m day
Vr
f 2 f1 0.24 0.012 8.342 lbm
gal

2630 gal/day (2600 gal/day)
(C) This incorrect choice does not conserve mass. Other equations and definitions are the same
as used in the correct solution.
At 1.2% solids,

V 1 f t f1
V 1 50, 000 gal/day
At 24% solids,
gal
V 2 0.24 0.012 50, 000
day
11, 400 gal/day
gal gal
V r 50, 000 11, 400
day day
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
38, 600 gal/day (39,000)gal/day
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

Q. 4
The mechanical and plasticity tests of a soil under consideration as a fill material are shown
below:
A soil is under investigation. Mechanical and plasticity test results are shown below:

Mechanical Analysis Plasticity

Sieve % passing by weight Liquid Limit Plastic Limit
10 19 40 20
40 25
200 16

The soil may be classified, according to the Unified Soil Classification (USCS) system as:

(A) GP
(B) SW
(C) SC
(D) CH

Solution

Refer to the Unified Soil Classification System, Technical Memorandum No. 3-357, US Army
Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1960. Note, this
classification table is reproduced in most geotechnical textbooks. You will find it typically titled
as TheUni fiedSoi lCl assi
ficat
ionSy stem .

The Unified Soil Classification system has two analytical components:

1. Particle size
2. Plasticity
Particle size
More than half of the material is larger than No. 200 sieve: the material is a Coarse-grained soil.
More than half of the soil is smaller than No. 4 sieve: the soil is a gravel.
Plasticity
TheAt
ter
ber
gspl
oti
sabovet
he
Al
ine
,andt
hePIi
sgr
eat
ert
han7,t
heg
roups
ymboli
sSC.
The soil can be classified as SC Clayey Sand.
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 5
A steel column supports a concentric load of 525 kips. The effective length with respect to the
major axis is 32 ft. The effective length with respect to the minor axis is 18 ft. Using allowable
stress design, what is the lightest W shape that can be used for the column if Grade 50 steel is
used and the column depth cannot exceed 12 in (nominal)?
(A) W12 x 87
(B) W12 x 120
(C) W12 x 170
(D) W12 x 190
Hint: Use the columns tables in Part 3 (Column Design) of the AISC ASD manual.
Solution
The values in the columns tables in the AISC ASD manual are based on an effective length with
respect to the minor axis, KLy.
The effective column lengths are given as
KLx = 32 ft
KLy = 18 ft
Enter the AISC ASD columns tables with an effective length of 18 ft. Since the column depth is
limited to 12 in, begin with the W12 sections. For a yield stress of 50 kips/in2, use the shaded
columns and determine that a W12 x 87 column has capacity of 534 kips. Check the capacity
based on the effective length for buckling about the x-axis.
From the AISC ASD columns tables, rx/ry = 1.75
The equivalent effective length for the x axis is
32 ft
18.3 ft 18 ft
1.75
Therefore, check the capacity for KL = 18.3 ft.
By interpolation, a W12 x 87 column has capacity of 528 kips [OK].
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
Why Other Options Are Wrong
(B) This solution incorrectly uses the column for A36 steel in the AISC ASD columns tables to
find that a W12 x 120 column is needed.
(C) This incorrect solution reverses the major and minor axes in determining effective length.
(D) This incorrect solution reverses the major and minor axes in determining effective length
and uses the column for Grade 36 steel instead of Grade 50 steel in the AISC ASD columns
tables.
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 6
The speeds in miles per hour, tabulated below were observed with a radar gun.
60 56 47 48 50
55 51 54 43 38

The space mean speed in miles per hour is most nearly:

(A) 49
(B) 50
(C) 51
(D) 52

Solution

The Space Mean Speed, ui, is the number of the spot speeds, ui, observed divided by the sum of
their reciprocals of the spot speeds:
n 10
us 49.38mph
(1/ ui ) 0.2025
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: (A)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

Q. 7
What tank size is required to equalize the flow described by the following data?
time period period average
(hr) flow
6
(10 gal/day)
0000-0400 1.39
0400-0800 3.21
0800-1200 4.05
1200-1600 2.63
1600-2000 3.91
2000-2400 1.98

(A) 4.8 x 105gal

(B) 5.0 x 105gal
(C) 2.1 x 106gal
(D) 2.9 x 106gal

Solution:
Hint: Begin by preparing a table to construct a cumulative flow plot. The average flow is for each 4 hr period.

time period average period flow cumulative

period flow volume volume
6
(hr) (10 gal/day) (106 gal) (106gal)
0000-0400 1.39 0.232 0.232
0400-0800 3.21 0.535 0.767
0800-1200 4.05 0.675 1.442
1200-1600 2.63 0.438 1.880
1600-2000 3.91 0.652 2.532
2000-2400 1.98 0.330 2.862
2.862

The time period represents a 4 hr interval.

Q period average flow rate 106 gal/day

t time period hr
V flow volume 106 gal
Vc cumulative volume 106 gal/

Q(4hr)
V Qt
hr
24
day
Vc ,i Vi Vc ,i 1
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
The daily average flow is
2.862 106 gal 0.477 106 gal
Qa
6 periods period
The line plotted from the ordinate to the data point corresponding to 24 h represents the average
flow. Lines representing the maximum deviation above and below the average flow are plotted
parallel to the average flow line.
The volume represented by the deviation between the upper and lower parallel lines is the
volume required for flow equalization as shown in the illustration.

The tank volume , Vtank, is 5.0x105gal.

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)

Why Other Options Are Wrong

(A) This solution is incorrect because the required tank volume is calculated as the simple
average of the total volume. Other definitions are unchanged from the correct solution.
VT total flow volume gal
VT 2.862 106 gal
2.862 106 gal
Vtank =
6
= 4.8 x 105 gal
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
(C) This solution is incorrect because the required tank volume is determined using a plot of the
cumulative average flow rate instead of the cumulative flow volume.
To get volume from the illustration, the cumulative flow units are incorrectly taken as gallons.
Other definitions are unchanged from the correct solution.
cumulative
time period average flow flow
(hr) (106 gal/day) 6
(10 gal/day)
0000-0400 1.39 1.39
0400-0800 3.21 4.60
0800-1200 4.05 8.65
1200-1600 2.63 11.3
1600-2000 3.91 12.2
2000-2400 1.98 17.2

Vtank = 2.1 x 106 gal

(D) This solution is incorrect because the required tank volume is determined from the simple
average of the sum of the average flows. Notice that this is the total flow volume. Other
definitions are unchanged from the correct solution.
gal gal gal
1.39 106 3.21106 4.05 106
day day day
gal gal
2.63 106 3.91106
day day
gal
1.98 106
day
6
=17.2 x 10 gal/day
gal
1 day 4 hr
Vtank 17.2 106

24 hr
day period
=2.9 x 106 gal
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 8
A horizontal curve is to be designed for a roadway where the design speed is 65 mph, the side
friction factor, f s , and the superelevation rate, e, are in the rage of 0.10 to 0.15 and 0.08 to 0.10,
respectively. For a safe design, the maximum degree of curvature, in degrees, is most nearly:
(A) 5o
(B) 17o
(C) 11o
(D) 15o
Solution
u2 5729.6
e f s and R
15R D
5729.6[15(e f s )]
D
u2
Now fs range = 0.10 to 0.15
And e's range = 0.08 to 0.10
Since D varies directly as (e + fs), the maximum value of (e + fs) will give the maximum value of
D.
Max (e + fs) = 0.10 + 0.15 = 0.25
5729.6[15 0.25]
Dmax 5.08 5
652
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

Q. 9

If the driver perception time of 2.5 seconds is assumed, the braking distance for a car on a 2-
percent upgrade if that vehicle were originally traveling at 40 miles per hour, in feet, is most
nearly:

(A) 145
(B) 167
(C) 177
(D) 307

Solution

The question asks for the braking distance should be. So, apply only the braking portion of the
stopping sight distance equation is. The PIEV distance is irrelevant and if you include it you will
arrive at an incorrect solution.

It does not ask you to compute the stopping sign distance.

When there is no coefficient of friction given, you should use the recommended values for wet
pa veme nt .TheAASHTOAPol ic yonGe ome t
ricDe signofHi g hwaysa ndSt reets2001
Exhibit 3-1, page 112, provides the stopping sight distances on grades as a function of speed. It
recommends using 11.2 ft/sec2 as the comfortable deceleration rate for determining stopping
sight distance.

a =11.2 ft/sec2
g = 32.2 ft/sec2
f = a/g
G = 0.02
u1 = 40 mph
u2 = 0 mph
u 2 u2 2 (402 02 )
Braking Distance = Db 1 144.14 feet
30( f G ) 30(0.35 0.02)
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 10
A rectangular brick channel carries 20 cubic feet per second of water under normal flow
conditions with 0.002 bottom slope. The Mannings roughness coefficient is assumed to be
0.015. If the width is twice the depth, the cross sectional area of the channel, in square feet, will
be most nearly:

(A) 4.5
(B) 4.8
(C) 5.3
(D) 6.2

Solution
1.49
Q A(rH 2 / 3 ( S )1/ 2
n
Since it is a rectangular channel where w = 2d, then
A = w*d = 2d * d = 2d2
P = d+w+d = d+2d+d = 4d
rH = 0.5 d
Therefore,
20 = 1.49/0.015 (2d2)(0.5d)2/3(0.002)1/2
4.502 = 1.25 d8/3
d = (1.506)3/8
d = 1.62 ft
w= A / d = 3.24 ft
A= 2d2 = 5.25 ft2
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

Q. 11
A stabilization pond treats a flow of 1.0 MGD.
Existing conditions are:
Winter liquid temperature = 15 C
Overall first-order removal rate BOD removal rate constant (k) = 0.25 d -1 at 20
C
= 1.06 (temperature coefficient)
Assuming a dispersal factor d of 0.5, the minimum pond volume (MGAL) under winter
conditions (15
C) to achieve 80% removal of BOD is most nearly:
(A) 10
(B) 14
(C) 18
(D) 22

Solution
Removal efficiency = 80%
% Remaing = 20%
kt from the Fig = 2.5
Calculate the rate constant under winter conditions:

k15 k20 1520 0.187 day -1
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
kt 2.5
Now determine the detention time t 13.4days
k 0.187
Minimum volume = Q x t 13.4mg
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: (B)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 12
A well has been sunk through a sandy layer 20 feet deep into a layer of impermeable clay. The
well provided a steady discharge of 185 cubic feet per hour. Two observation holes were drilled
at 30 feet and 150 feet from the well as shown below.

The permeability of the soil layer above the impermeable clay, in feet per second, is most nearly:

(A) 1.2 x 10-4

(B) 1.7 x 10-4
(C) 1.9 x 10-4
(D) 2.0 x 10-4

Solution
The permeability of a soil stratum overlying an impermeable layer is given by:
q log e (r2 / r1 )
k
(h2 2 h12 )
where,
q = steady state well discharge
r1 = distance to first observation well
r2 = distance to second observation well
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
h1 = piezometric height above impermeable layer, at observation hole (1)
h2 = piezometric height above impermeable layer, at observation hole (2)
r1 = 30 feet
r2 = 150+30 = 180 feet
q = 185 cubic feet/hour
h1 = 20 2.5 8.5 = 9.0 feet
h2 = 20 2.5 3.0 = 14.5 feet
2.303log10 (180 )
185
30
k
3600
14.5 9
2 2

k = 2.268 x 10-4 feet per second
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (D)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q.13
Which of the following characteristics are included in the minimum national standards for
secondary wastewater treatment under the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
I. suspended solids
II. 5 day biochemical oxygen demand
III. disinfection byproducts
IV. dissolved solids

(A) I and II
(B) I and III
(C) II and IV
(D) III and IV

Solution
Hint: The CWA addresses discharges to receiving waters.

The minimum standards for secondary wastewater treatment included in the CWA place effluent
limits on 5 day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) suspended solids, hydrogen-ion
concentration (pH). In some cases carbonaceous BOD5 may be substituted by BOD5.
Although disinfection of effluents is required, the specific concerns of disinfection byproducts
and dissolved solids are not included in the minimum standards for secondary treatment of
wastewater, both being primarily associated with drinking water.

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (A)

Why Other Options Are Wrong

(B) This response is incorrect because, although suspended solids are included, secondary
wastewater treatment standards do not include disinfection byproducts.
(C) This response is incorrect because secondary wastewater treatment standards for solids
are limited to suspended solids and do not include dissolved solids.
(D) This response is incorrect because neither disinfection byproducts nor dissolved solids
are included among the minimum standards for secondary treatment of wastewater.
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 14
A concrete slab designed for a parking garage constructed in Chicago uses normal-weight
concrete with a compressive strength of 3000 lbf/in2. If the maximum aggregate size is 1 in, the
total percentage of air content of the concrete mix should be
(A) 0.06%
(B) 0.45%
(C) 4.5%
(D) 6%
Hint: The parking garage in Chicago is exposed to freezing and thawing conditions.
Solution
ACI 318 specifies that concrete exposed to freezing and thawing conditions must be air-
entrained for durability (see ACI 318 Sec. 4.2). The total air content for frost-resistant concrete
can be found in ACI 318 Table 4.2.1. The commentary for this section indicates that pavements,
sidewalks, and parking garages are all examples of applications that experience severe exposure.
For a maximum aggregate size of 1 in and severe exposure conditions, the total air content of the
concrete mix should be 6%.
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (D)
Why Other Options Are Wrong
(A) In this incorrect solution, the units on the table have been misread and the value is
"converted" to a percentage by dividing by 100.
(B) This incorrect solution uses the maximum water-cementitious materials ratio from ACI 318
Table 4.2.2 (Requirements for Special Exposure Conditions) for concrete exposes to freezing and
thawing instead of the ration from ACI 318 Table 4.2.1 (Total Air Content for Frost-Resistant
Concrete).
(C) This is the value from ACI 318 Table 4.2.1 for moderate exposure, not severe exposure.
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 15
All the municipal solid waste (MSW) generated by a community is treated at waste-to-energy
(WTE) mass burner facility. In response to a new state law, the local solid-waste management
authority is instituting a curbside recycling program for residents. Given the recycling goals, the
impacts on the amount of electricity generated at the WTE facility are to be generated a the WTE
facility are to be calculated. Table 1 shows the composition of the MSW feed to the facility and
its design energy content.
The proposed curbside recycling program will divert the components shown in Table 2 from the
WTE facility feed stream. The table shows the percentage of the component that is recycled.
The reduction (%) in energy content of the waste after the recycling program is implemented is
most nearly:
(A) 30
(B) 40
(C) 50
(D) 60

TABLE 1

MSW Composition (As Collected)

Percent by Weight Energy Content
Component (As Collected) (Design Basis)
Btu/lb
Organic
Food Wastes 8.0 2,500
Paper 39.0 6,700
Cardboard 6.0 7,000
Plastic 5.0 15,000
Textiles 2.5 7,200
Rubber 1.0 10,500
Leather 0.3 7,500
Yard Wastes 20.5 3,000
Wood 3.0 8,000
Inorganic
Glass 6.0 75
Metals 5.7 200
Dirt, ash, etc. 3.0 3,000
Total 100.0
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
TABLE 2

MSW Component Recycling Percentage

Component % Recycling
Paper 50.0
Cardboard 75.0
Plastics 25.0
Yard Wastes 25.0
Wood 25.0
Solution
Determine the energy content in Btu/lb of MSW before recycling.
Component % by Wt. Btu/lb % Btu before Btu after
lb/100lb Recycle Recycling Recycling
Food Waste 8.0 2,500 0.0 20,000 20,000
Paper 39.0 6,700 50.0 261,300 130,650
Cardboard 6.0 7,000 75.0 42,000 10,500
Plastics 5.0 15,000 25.0 75,000 56,250
Textiles 2.5 7,200 0.0 18,000 18,000
Rubber 1.0 10,500 0.0 10,500 10,500
Leather 0.3 7,500 0.0 2,250 2,250
Yard Wastes 20.5 3,000 25.0 61,500 46,125
Wood 3.0 8,000 25.0 24,000 18,000

Glass 6.0 75 0.0 450 450

Metals 5.7 200 0.0 1,140 1,140
Dirt, ash, etc 3.0 3,000 0.0 9,000 9,000
100.0 525,140 322,865

525,140 322,865
Reduction in energy content 38.5% 40%
525,140
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (B)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 16
A three-span continuous steel beam carries a uniform dead load of 500 lbf/ft and a uniform live
load of 1000 lbf/ft. It is an A36 W 16 x 31 beam, and each span is 20 ft.

20 ft 20 ft 20 ft

What is the maximum deflection of the first span?

(A) 0.21 in
(B) 0.26 in
(C) 0.33 in
(D) 0.50 in
Hint: Use the beam loading diagrams found in the AISC ASD manual.
Solution
Deflection is a function of the moment of inertia of the beam. Using the table of properties
found in the AISC ASD manual, for a W16 x 31 beam,
I = 375 in4
E = 29 x 106 lbf/in2
From the AISC ASD manual's table Beam Diagrams and Deflections, find the three-span
uniformly loaded beam in Loading Diagram 36. The maximum deflection in the first span is
given as
0.0069wL4
max
EI
lbf lbf
w wD wL 500 1000
ft ft
= 1500 lbf/ft
L = 20 ft
0.0069wL4
max
EI
4 in 3
0.0069
lbf
1500
20 ft
1728
ft ft 3

6 lbf
29 10 2
in
375 in 4

= 0.26 in
THE CORRECT ANSWER IN (B)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Why Other Options Are Wrong
(A) This incorrect solution approximates the deflection of the first span by using Loading
Diagram 12, for a beam pinned at one end and fixed at the other, from the AISC ASD manual's
table Beam Diagrams and Deflections. Although a continuous-span end condition is sometimes
approximated by a fixed end, the actual loading diagram should be used when available.
(C) When calculating the deflection, this incorrect solution uses the moment of inertia for a
W16 x 26 beam instead of a W16 x 31 beam from the AISC ASD manual beam properties table.
(D) This incorrect solution does not consider that the spans are continuous. It finds the
maximum deflection for a uniformly loaded beam with pinned supports, using Loading Diagram
1 from the AISC ASD manual's table Beam Diagrams and Deflections.
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 17
A secondary treated effluent from a 4.0 MGD wastewater treatment plant is discharged into a
receiving stream.
The wastewater has a BOD5 of 20mg/L. The receiving stream upstream from the point of
wastewater discharge has a flow rate of 18 cfs and a BOD5 of 4.0mg/L.
The BOD reaction rate constant is estimated at 0.23 day-1 (base e at 20
C). Reaeration and
deoxygenation are the only major factors affecting the dissolved oxygen concentration in the
stream after mixing with wastewater effluent.
The ultimate BOD (mg/L) just downstream of the effluent discharge into the receiving stream is
most nearly:
(A) 4
(B) 8
(C) 12
(D) 16

Solution
The BOD5 in the river/effluent mixture after discharge is determined by a steady-state mass
balance:
QeBOD5 e QrBOD5 r
BOD5
Qe Qr
in which
BOD5 = BOD5 from point of discharge
BOD5e = BOD5 in effluent = 30 mg/L
BOD5r= BOD5 in river upstream from discharge = 4.0 mg/L
thus
(6.19)(20) (18)(4.0)
BOD5 8.09 mg / L
(6.19 18)
The 5-day BOD is converted to the ultimate BOD (BODu) with the following equation (Metcalf
and Eddy, 1991. p. 74):
BOD5 BODu [1 exp(5k1 )]
in which k1 = BOD reaction rate constant = 0.23 per day
thus
BOD5 8.09
BODu 11.84 mg / L
[1 exp(k1t )] [1 exp( (5)(0.23))]
CORRECT ANSWER IS: (C)
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 18
An 8-phase intersection has the critical volumes vij, in vehicles per hour, as tabulated below:

vij(vph)
Phase 1 72
Phase 2 163
Phase 3 132
Phase 4 88
Phase 5 174
Phase 6 160
Phase 7 114
Phase 8 38
Phases 1 and 5 are protected right turns with lost times of 2.0 seconds and saturation flows of
1800 vph. All other phases have 3.0 second lost time and saturation flows of 1600 vehicles
per hour. The "Y" value is most nearly:

(A) 0.10
(B) 0.30
(C) 0.50
(D) 1.20

Solution
vij sj vij/sj
Phase 1 72 1800 0.04
Phase 2 163 1600 0.10
Phase 3 132 1600 0.08
Phase 4 88 1600 0.06
Phase 5 174 1800 0.10
Phase 6 160 1600 0.10
Phase 7 114 1600 0.07
Phase 8 38 1600 0.02
Y 0.57

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: (C)

 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 19
A two-story office building has a 60 ft by 100 ft rectangular floor plan. Steel columns spaced 20
ft apart carry the following loads from the roof and second floor. Live load reductions are not
permitted.
roof dead load 15 lbf/ft2
roof live load 20 lbf/ft2
floor dead load 15 lbf/ft2
floor live load 60 lbf/ft2
What is the total load on an interior first-floor column?
(A) 2.2 kips
(B) 14 kips
(C) 44 kips
(D) 66 kips
Hint: Determine the tributary area for an interior column.
Solution
The tributary width for an interior column is found by summing the halved distances to the
adjacent column(s) from the column centerline.
1
w d
2
1
20 ft
1
w1 20 ft
2 2
20 ft
1
20 ft
1
w2 20 ft
2 2
20 ft
The tributary area for an interior column is
A = w'1w'2
(20 ft) 20 ft
400 ft 2
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

w2

w 1

To total uniform load per unit area is

wuniform ( Droof Lroof ) ( Dfloor L floor )
lbf lbf lbf lbf
15 2 20 2
15 2 60 2
ft ft ft ft
110 lbf/ft 2

The total column load is

P wuniform A
lbf



110 2
ft
400 ft 2

= 44,000 lbf 44 kips

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C)

Why Other Options Are Wrong

(A) This incorrect solution uses tributary width instead of tributary area when calculating the
total load on the column.
(B) This incorrect solution does not include the second-floor loads when calculating the total on
the column.
(D) This incorrect solution uses factored loads, which are only applicable to concrete design or
strength design. This solution was calculated for steel using the load factors in the LFRD; that
is, U = 1.2D + 1.6L.
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions
Q. 20

Assume the depth to reinforcement d-42 inches (from extreme compression fiber to centroid of
tension reinforcement).

1' - 4" 2-LANE ROADWAY (24' - 0" MIN) 1' - 4"

7 "

4 " 3' - 3"

12" 12"

3' - 0" 3' - 0"

VARIES VARIES
CL GIRDER C
L GIRDER CL GIRDER

BRIDGE CROSS-SECTION
NOT TO SCALE

The bridge cross-section is for a simple-span bridge having three reinforced-concrete T-girders.
Design Data:
Normal weight concrete f 'c 5, 000 psi
Reinforcement bars, Fy 60, 000 psi
Live load H 15 44
Use AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, 16th edition (1996)
Assuming a factored moment Mu = 2,000 ft-kips, the minimum area (in2) of reinforcement need
to resist the moment is most nearly:
(A) 7.5
(B) 11
(C) 15
(D) 19
 Practice Exam 3
AM (C)
Solutions

Solution
Determine the effective flange width for composite design:

4 span 1 4 x40x12 inches 120 inches

beff 1

or
beff 2
6xt slab flange width=2
6x7.5 inches 24 inches 114 inches controls
or
beff c. to c. of girders 10 '- 4" 124 inches
The smaller value controls, therefore beff = 114 inches
Determine the reinforcement area required for bending.
Not
e:t
hes
ame
mos
tne
arl
ya
nswe
risobt
aine
dforbeff =96 inches to 124 inches
Assume a rectangular section with b = 114 inches and d = 42 inches, then check a <slab
thickness.

M / bd 2 2, 000 lb in /[0.90x114 inches x

42 in ] 133 psi
2

5, 000 psi / 60, 000 psi
[1
1 4x0.59x133 psi / 5, 000 psi 2 ]/(2x0.59)
1

0.00224 max 0.0267 OK

As 0.00224 x 114 inches x 42 inches 10.7 in 2 , which is most nearly 11 in2

Check stress block thickness:
a As f y / 0.85 f c b 10.7 in 2 x 60,000 psi /(0.85x5, 000 psi x 114 inches )
1.33 inches 7.5 inches OK
CORRECT ANSWER IS: (B)