Mike's Civil PE Exam Guide

Morning Session
Mike Hansen, PE, MBA
Feel confident on exarn day because you know you are prepared!
III I !!¿'. rÈ

40 Realistic Civil PE Exam Morning Session problerns with h¡Ë

detailed step by step solutions. tt-t )ç+{i' 4

Mike's Civil PE Exam Guide

Morning Session

Mike Hansen, P.E.

Feel confident on exam day because you know you are prepared!
 www.PEexamguides.com
MIKE'S
24kipslfr" 2l

Problem I
kips/ft d) 30

A retaining wall is supporting a soil with the kips/ft

properties shown in the hgure. What is the
total active resultant per unit width of wall?
q:130lbf/ft3 ø:2e"

d:16"
b-9"
b-9"
1 5FT
1 5FT

Problem 2
30 f,-T'

In asphalt paving, benefits. Which of a thicker section of pavcmcnt

!
¿

n advantageous thc following is not onc of thc bcnefits?

È

i
'ì
d) b) c) a) It Rcquires More Lilts can can economical bc
t
l
casier less be placed timc to reach to to in place sctup cooler
I
density one bcforc weather lift rcquircmcnts ú.ivcrs versus two
:

a) 18 kips/ft can usc it

90"

c) b)
 MIKE HANSEN, P,E. tlsl
MIKE'S CTVú PE E)(ANI GUIDE: F'IRST D..,,}'t,,m I

The pump systcm in thc figrLrc is drawing

Problcm 3 water from the lake ancl punrping it intrr thc
tanl<. Thc pump eflicicncy is 90%, the Darcy
A 6ft x 81't reinforcecl concrcte br¡x culvert friction f'actor is 0.02, the diamctcr of the pipe
(n:0.013) receives a flow of 2l5cfs fì'om is 4 inches, pipe length is 100 f1, ancl flow rate
an irligation canal. The slopc of the culvert
is 2o/o. Assume thc culvert does not flow is 240 Gallons Per minute"b) a) c) 0.5 i.o
full" What is thc flow de pth in the box
culvert? 1.5 hp hp hp cl) 2.5 hp
8fr 20fr

6fr

a)

b)

c)
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
[16]
d'ì
MII(E'S CIVIL PE Ð(.AM GUIDE: FIRST EDITION
Problem 5
A new roadway is to be constructed and
Fil(+¡ or Cut
Station I the contractor is preparing grade. According to the st¿tions and cuVfill
l+50 -15 # shown in the table, what is the amount of excavation required?
4+00 0ft2

d) b) c) a) 650 343yd3 225yd3 1025 yd3 yd3

Problem 6
which of thc following statements about open channcl cross sections is true?

a) An efficient open channel cross section mjnimizes flow. d) b) c) perimeter The A The semicircular most most
efficient efficient minimized. cross cross rectangle section sectìon cross is the requires section most cfficient the has
hydraulic a depth shape equal radius and minimizes to be one maximum third construction the and width: the A sieve
analysis was completed on native soil where a homebuilder is proposing a ncw subdivision. What is thc USCS
classification for this samplc?

d) b) c) a) MH cL
cH SW No.200 52 d= Ï3 cost. wefted Problem 7
Sieve Number
-
Pcrcent Finer 1.5 No.4

inch 9tì 85 No. l0 72 No.20 68 No.40 62 No. 100 57 Liquid Limit = 55

Plastic Limit = 27

MIKE HANSEN, P.E [77]

MIKE'S CIVU-, PE Ð(ÃM GUIDE: FiR'ST EDITiON

Problem I

resembles the beam loading shown

Which of the shear diagrams most-accurately in the

figure?s0 lbf/ft 100 lbf

10 ft 40 ft

a)
I AB1

h\c) 1I

d)
 MIKE HANSEN, P.E
[18]
MII(E'S CIVIL PE H(ÃiVt GUIDE: FIRST EDIIION
Problem 9
A contractor is looking to build a headwall for a36" storm drain outlet. How much plywood should he purchase for
forming the headwall structure? Assume there is 10% waste over the exact calculation. The headwallis lftthick.

c) d) b) a) 98.93 193.4s 89.% 119.86 ft2 ff ft2 ft2 Problcm l0

Use the construction schedule in the t¿ble to determine the duration of the critical path.

b) d) c) a) 13 days I 5 days 17 days l8 days

5ft

lft (typ)
zft 1Oft
1ft (typ)
Duration Activity
(days) Prcdeccssor A - Excavate Box Culvert 4 B - Excavate Tuin Dclwns I A C - Place Þ-ooting Forms 2 A D - Place
E - Pour Footing
Þ'ooting Rebar J A I B,C,D F - Place Box Culvert Rebar

5E G - Set Box Culvert Forms 3 E I{ - Pour Box Culvert I F-,G I - Backfill Structure 3 H MIKE HANSEN, P.E tlel
MII(E'S CIVIL PE EX-A,M GUIDE: fIR'ST EDffiON
Problcm 11
In the given truss, what force does member BC exPerience?
1"sk

1sft 15ftB D a) b) c) d) 5k llk 1lk'Icnsion

lk ComPresston Tension ComPression c

a) b) c) d) 25+33 13+41 26+83 14+61 Problcm l3

1_0ft

A
15ft E Problcm 12
Pl: STA 25+00
A horizontal curye with a radius of l500ft has the PI shown in thc hgurc. What is the station of the PT?
t:14"
P
his
A sports car sign rapidly ,."onar;, how pavement is is spccding down a straighlaway approaching. consi<lering far
perceptìon reaction time (assume 2'5
will he travel bef,ore the at 80MPH whcn hc noticcs a stop car Çomes to a stop?
Friction ftrr the F0.34 and hc is traveling downhill at 4ol,
a)b)c)d)
1005ft I 120ft r450ft 1615fif
 MIKE HANSEN, P.E
t20l
MIKE'S CIVIL PE E)(ÍJU GUIDE: FIR.ST EDIIION
E

Problcm 14
project with An engmeer coarse site. to A is moderately geotechnicaì researching fine runoff report textures. from shows a

The the hrmer's farmer's area consists field field upstream mainly consists of of of his a 75To silty new

loam well- rnaintained (good hydraulic condition), straight row alfalfa and the rest has been the converted farmer's to
land?
a local park with 80% grass cover. Wbat is the initial abstraction of

d) b) c) a) 2.08 0.74 0.71 1.70 inches inchcs inches inches Problcm 15

accommodatc cxisting A freeway freeway cu've thc curvcs is change having radius in its the speed is specd r750ft. limit

limit?

what increased supcrelevation fì.om 5Ornph is rcquircd to 65mph. to The d) b) c) a) .10 .06 .09 .05 Problem 16
A traffic study of a major arterial street
Time
Vehiclc was conducted during morning rush-hour
lnterval
Count traffic. Using thc data fiom the study,
6:30 - 6:45 800 what is the peak hour factor?

6:45 - 7:00 835 d) b) c) a) 0.e3

0.84 0.76 0.81 7:00 - 1:15
900 7:15 - l:30 96s 7:30 - 7:45 l02s 7:45 - 8:00 925 8:00 - U:15 7s0 8:15 - B:30 71s 8:30 - B:45 62s 8:45 - 9:00 585 MIKE
HANSEN, P.E. T2L]

I ÍMIKE'S CWÚ PE EXAM GUIDE: flR,ST EDITION

4 l
1¡?

Problcm 17
An Bft x 8ft footing carries a load of 1500 psf. What force is felt by the underlying soil 8ft away at a dePth ol24 f\?

b) a) c) d) 60 psf 150 psf 500 psf 1500 psf

a) b) 22.611 16.8ft ^\ d) 'l'7
vJ L t .þLL
1 l:r
33.sft
1s0olb/ft'z
24'
Problem l8
8'
Thc sag vcrtical curvc in thc figurc bclow is approaching an ovcrpass. What is the clearancc betwecn the roadway and
thc ovcrpass?
PVC STA: l0+00 Elev:1252.18
I
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
l22l
Overpass STA: l8+50 L= I 500ft
F.lev: 1259.49
G¡ -3Yn
Gz: !%
PVT
PVI STA: 17+50 F.lev: 1230 28 Problcm l9
A AASH'¡O, vchiclc is what travcling is thc on stopping a highway sìght with distancc a clesign an cnginãcr spccd of
should 55mpli. usc According for thcir to
design?
a)b)c)d)
42s 492.4 ft
ft 49s ft 570 ft
MIKE'S CTVIL PE EXÃM GUtr)E: FTR*ST EDITTON
Problcm 20
Which of the foilowing statements about roadway 'Levels of Service' is incorrect?

b) a) Economl'c Level A represents considerations unimpedecl favot flow. high traffic volumes and more obstructecl
levels ol.
c)
d)
servlce. A roadway's level of service can change ttu.oughout the clay There are fìvc different ievcis of sei.vicc.
Problcm 21
A t'ack-hoe can excavate 5ft3 o[g.ouncl per bucket. It takes the tr.ack-hoe 40
tn¡ck bcforc it can start digging truck, it cxpands 15%. The dump

excavatcd two-15 minute in an breaks, S-hour how shift?

many dump trucks If arc the ncedccl track-hoe to rerlovc operator all lakes matcrial d)e b)7 c)8 a)6 llroblcm 22
which dctcnnining of the held following compaction stanclaldìzed rcsults?

soil testìng proceclures is best for quickly d) c) b) a) Cone Modificd In-place Standard Penetrometer Density
Pcnctration Proctor Tcsts Test Test
Tcst MIKE I-IANSEN, P.Ë. l23l
MII(E'S CIVÛ PE E)(AM GUIDE: FTR,ST EDITION
Problern 23
penetration test was used to help determine the soils
A The standard image here portrays the in-situ soils conditions. what is
at a project site'
the eft'ective stress
at point A?

a) b) c) d) 2100 1824 2475 1539 Psf Psf Psf Psf TzfT

Loam: q:74 Pcf
9ft
-- Saturated Loam: q:103 pcf
6ft
A
A contractor is purchasing a new track-hoe will cffectivcly earn thc contractor $40,000 for $100,000 today' The tlack-
hoe
ycar 1' $32'000 ycat 2' and $25'000 ycar3.Ifthctrack-hoeissoldatthccndofycar3for$30,000,whatisthe
loss/gaìn to the contractor presently (Toclay's value)'l Assumc an interest rate of
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
l24l
Clay: g:1L0
Problcm 24
4%

a) b) c) d) ($3,547) $12,903 $16,942 $27,000

MIKE'S CnÆL PE EX^A.M GUIDE: FIRST EDITION
Problcm 25
the A custom figure, home how much is being fill built is required? upon a raised Assume pad. the using fill does the
not fill heights require side
shown in
slopes.

a)75 yd3 b)86 yd3 c)

soft

d) 2l4yd3
lll yd3 1.2ft 1.8ft
6oft
2.2ft 2.5fr
Prohlem 26
A cantilever beam experiences a force acting as an end moment shown in the frgure. Wbat is the maximum deflection in the
beam?
E:29,00Oksi
I:l650ina

d) b) c) a) 0in -0.036 -1.50x102 -2.50x104 in in M=50001bf-ft

in 20ft
t\
MIKE HANSEN, P,E f2sl
MII(E'S CIVIL PE EXÃM GUIDE: HRST EDITION
Problern 27
A bending rectangular moment beam of 0.7 has k-ft, a 4in what x 6in is cross the bending section. stress If the in bearn the
beam?
a
experiences

a)0 b)0 c)0d) 0 ksi

.25 l2 .35 ksi ksi ksi
Problcm 2ð
Which of the following staternents about concrete is true?
a)b)c)Thc If Adding the hydraulic water-to-ccment water to load concrete on concrstc ratio mix of increases concretc

formwork is workability, is decrcased, grcatest aftcr increases water the tightncss concretc slump, is ¿rnd scts'
dccrcascd
can decrease
thc concrctcs strcngth. d) A pound of concrete weighs morc than a pound of feathers'
Pipe
Problcm 29 d:3" 2 The system in the figure to the right vr:8ft/s contains an incomprcssiblc fluid. What is the flow
ratc (Q) of PiPc 3?

a)b)c)d)

0.09 ftrls Pipc 0.19 ftrls 2.65 ffls

1 d:6" vr:3ftis Pipc 3

8.9 ftr/s
'J:2"
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
Í261
MII(E'S CIWL PE EX^A]VI GUIDE: FIR.ST EDIIION
Problem 30

An 8" PVC water system delivers water from a tank subdivision 3000 ft away. If the line is flowing at2200gpm, from the

tank to the subdivision? Assume c:r50 for (elevation:1g90ft) to a pvc pipe.

what is the head loss d) c) b) a) 335 2sft 180 145 ft ft ft

Problcm 31
Rain mcthod fl<rws falls onto the two adjacent areas shown in the fìgure. using the rational what is thc pcak flow of the

storm water runoff? Assumc fi'omArea I through Area2 thc runoff

d) c) a) b) 47 22 9 12 CFS CFS CFS cFS b) a) I l3kìps l25kips 25Okips 300kips

Storm Intcnsity
time
I
Problem 32
A concretc cyiinder is being tcstcd with a vertical loading. If the concrste brcaks at a comprcssivc strcss of of the concrete

cylinder is 4000psi, 6 inches. what was thc vcrtical loading? The diamcter P=?

c)d)
A'-l.5ac l- A2:2.7Sac
15

t.2 c:0.60
t.:2Omin
c:0.70
30
2.7 t":30min 50

3.2 Mf KE HANSEN, P.E. t27l

MII(E'S CIVIL PE EXAM GUIDE: FIP'ST EDTHON
Problcm 33
poisson,s object ìs stretchcd ratio v is in the one ratio direction, of lateral it tends strain to to contract the axial
somewhere strain. when else' a sample
Wluch of
thc following most aptly applies to Poisson's ratio'?

a) b) c) d) Elastic Lateral Axial Tensile Strain Strain Strain

Strength
Problcm 34
what is thc Eulcr load for thc slcndcr vertical column with pinncd cnds?

E:2.9x107 lbf/in2 I: 0.5ina r

a) b) c) d) 9.9 54 19.8 117 kips kips kips

kjPs 17]|. /b) a) c) d) 24:n2 35in2 4ltn2 47in2

MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
rl \-/ r \.) ì / v I I v ì [28]
H = LOft

\-77
Problcrn 35
A concrctc beam is being dcsigncd for usc with 2'0 in2 of stccl rcbar' T'hc concrete 60,000lbf/in2 will be What a 3000-
psi arca of mix concrctc (f ") and (Ac) the is tension steel yield strength (fy) is
rcquired to balancc thc stccl?
MIKE'S CrWt PE E)(ãJVI GUIDE: FTRST EDITION
Problem 36
the A gravity figure. retaining what is the wall total is supporting active resultant saturated per unit clay width with the
orwaliz
 properties shown in

d) b) c) a) 24 20 17 l9 kips/ft kips/ft kips/ft ktpslÍt

20 t'T

q:]-2olbf /ft3
8FT Problem 37

If the about water in the figure were to dry up, which the cohesivc factor of safety? /sat : I l0 of thc following

statcments lb/ft3, f ry:901b/ft3

is truc

d) c) b) a) Thcre The The The cohesive cohesive cohesive is not cnough fàctor factor fuctor ofsafcty incrcases. of
safety stays ofsafety decreases. information to the same. make a determination.

Hl)

MIKE HANSEN, P,E, Í2el

ItMIT{E'S CIVIL PE EX-åM GUIDE: FIRST EDiTION T ;iProblcm

ì 38 Accorcling
to the concrete mix in the table

below, what is the total volume of lhe

,

mix? a) b) c) 0.5 Ydl w

SSD Spccific 1.0 Ydl d) 2.2s 1.75 Yî Ydl Total Air r50%
Problcm 39 A soil sample wìth a volume porous. If thc spccific gravity of of 1ft3 thc lvas soil determinecl to be 50Y' is
2.10, what is thc dry satu'ated a.d 1070 unit wcight of thc

soil?a) b) c) d) 79lbtfr'r 102 lb/ft3 1i8 lb/fC 161lbtff

Problcm 40
Acitywith50,000pcopleisdcsigningancwwastcwatcrplanttoaccommodate its of solirls current is population.
500mg/L, what Thc shoul<l avcragc the family plant is be 2'5 sized pcrsons' for daily If the intake?
average amount

a) 80lbrr/daY b) c) d) 2000 lbn/daY 26,000lbrn/daY 50,000Ibm/daY

442 3. l5 94 2.1
Low Alkali Cement Class F Ash Coarse
2.51 Finc I 22 I 2.6 MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
I 809 n,,¿.-l-1,' ¡ utr4lrtç \l/.rlnn i00 I [30]

I I MIKE'S CIVIL PE EXÄM GUIDE: FIRST EDITION

 Example Problem Solutions

MIKE HANSËN, P.E t31l

MIKE'S CIVIL PE E)(AM GUIDE: FIR,ST EDTTION
Problem I - Solution
wall is supporting a soil with rWhat
A retaining the properties shown in the ñgure' ìs the total active resultalt per unit
width of wall?

a) l8 kips/ft b) c) d) 2l 24kipslft 30 kips/ft kips/ft

Stcp l: Problcm AnalYsis

- This Problem is an active earth pressure The problem Problem. asks to Geotechnical
solve for the total active resultant per nntt width of wall.
Stcp 2: Rcfcrcnce
-Theequationfortotalactiveresultantisfounclonpage3T.4,e'quat\on
37. lo(b) - Thc formula is Ru: |U^q L( Thc only variablc wc aÍc missing is ku. - We have two theories for active

earth problems to solve for ku , Rankine - - or Coulomb backfill Coulomb (anglc theory b), is ancl usecl an for inclincd
problcms activc-sidc involving wall friction facc (anglc (d), a sloping

9)' Rankine theory dislegards wail friction' - ka is solved using thc coulomb theory becausc we have cl, b,and 9. - -
wc use the coulomb thcory bccausc wc havc friction in our problem.
The coulomb formula is on page 37-3 in the CERM, equation 37'5.
vv'
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
t32l

g:13Olbf/ft3 ø:29" d:16'

l5trT
b:9"
30 I.'r
MIKE'S CIVIL PE ÐL4tr4 GUIDE: FIRST EDIIION

Step 3: Solve for K", equation37.5 1 Kn:

sin2qg+Ø) 0 :90 sin2|sin(e-a)(r+
because the wall is vertical.

sin(d-ô)sin sin(Ø+ô)sin (0+ (Ø-É) ß) z Given Data: 6:29", q:1301bf/ft3, d:16",b:9"

K^ sin2 (so+zo; stnz(so) sin(so-ro) 1-+ sin(e0-16)sin sin(ze+ro)sin (eo+e) 29-9 2 : 0.366 Stcp 4: Solvo for
R.

o": i o"n rr' : :(0.3 66)*( I 301bflft3) *(3 0 ft), : 21,4 1 1 lbf/ft or b) 21. kips/fr

MIKE HANSEN, P.E t33l

MII(E'S CIVIL PE EX'A'M GUIDE: FIRST EDffiON
Problem 2 - Solution
paving, a thicker section of pavement (t>4") has many advantageous
In asphalt b"neiitr. Which of the following is not
ons of the benefits?
a) Lifts can be placed in cooler weather b) More economical to place one lift versus two c) lt can be easicr to rcach
density requirements d) Rcquircs lcss timc to setrrp before drivers can usc it
Step l: Problcm AnalYsis

- Asphalt Paving - Traffic - Whìch oitire answers is iaisc? Stcp 2: Rcference - Section 75 cliscusses Flcxible Pavement
Design

-Morespeci'f,rcally,thebenefitsofathickerpavementsectionarefoun<l onPg75-2. - If you look in the index undel

pavement' asphalt pavement is on

Pg75-l,ifyoulookedthere,youwoulclhavefòundtheansweronth.e fiollowing Page,75-2. o Thc indcx is your best

fiiend fior thcory problems'

Stcp 3: Solvc for the false âns\Ycr
- True, Founcl onPg7 5-2
Ð Lifts can be placed in cooler weather

b)Morecconomicaltoplacconeliftvcrsustwo.Truc,FoundonPg75^2 c) It can be easier to reach density

requirements - True, Found onPg]5-2 d) Thickcr laycr rcquires less timc to sctup bcforc drivcrs can usc it - Falsc'
A thicker
laycr with moro hcat rvould takc longcr to cool dt¡wIt nnd sctup.
Notc: This type of problcm is considcrcd a 'Thcory' qucstíon. Thcory qucstions if not answcrcd quickly can casiiy

l. Look uP the toPic, "Pavcmcnt"

c¿usc you a lot of frustration. Utilize the index.

Z. Asphalt pavemcnt ls on pagc 75- l, check therc' 3. If you cannot 1ìnd what you ate looking fbl within a minute,
move
on ancl go back to the problem later'
MIKE HANSEN, P.E
t34l
MII(E'S CfWt PE EX^ãI\4 GUIDE: FIR.ST ÐIÏTON
Problem 3 - Solution
A 6fl x 8ft reinforced concrete box culvert (n:0.013) receives a 1ìow of 215cß flom an irrigation canal. The slope of
the culvert is 2o/o. Assume the culvert does not flow full. What is the flow depth in the box culverl?
8ft
Step 3: Brcak down A and R into tcrms of depth, d
- Manning's cquation is Q -
6ft

d) c) b) a) 5ft 2ft 3ft 6rt

Stcp l: Problem Analysis

This problem problem involves open channel flow. It is open channel flow because the states that the box culvert is not

full. - Hydrology Find the flow depth, d

Step 2: - - - Rcfcrcncc Pg Manning's Open l9-4,F,q.19.13(b)

channel equation fìow begins is the go-to on pg equation l9-3. for open channel flow r'a-eI 4pz/26 ft In our problem,

A:6 x rl,The A in Manning's equation thc arca ofthe box culvert. <-- 6ft -+ is the flow area, not we also need R in

pg wd
terms of d. R is the hyclraulic radius and a table on 19-3 R gives hydraulic w+2d radius lor common shapes.
6d
6+2d
MIKE HANSEN, P.E t3sl
MIKE'S CIVú PË EXÃM GUIDE: FIRST EDffiON
Step 4: Solve for dePth, d

O:!9AR2/3lS a =+6x ù(#ìzßls SubstituteAandRinterms of d 2 rs : ffi uo C*. ì2

3,,1
t o-o 2

2.2!: d(:6+)2/s unfortunately, without a graphing calculator to solve this, you must use trial and crror. Start with
onc of thc valucs offercd in the rnuitiplc-choicc answcrs. Gencrally, ts is a good hrst choice. If thc valuc is lowcr, thcn
thc answer is probably (a). If it is higher than you have one more calculation to determine if it is C or D. It is aiways a

gooti iriea to cirtrck iilai ]Ûüí ans-ùicï makes thc equation work.
Lct us try b) 3ft.
:3.g3.This
Z2I : Z{{flztz docs not work, 2.21docs not eçral3.93

Try a) 2ft. Z.ZL : 2(#)213 :2.258. These values are ve'y close. a) 2ft is the answcr
MIKE HANSEN, P.E
t36l
MIKE'S Problem 4 - Solution

The pump system in the figure is drawing water fiom

 the lake and pumping it into the tank. The
pump efficiency is 90%, the Darcy friction d) c) b) a) 2.5 0.5 1.5 1.0
factor is 0.02, the diameter of the pipe is 4
inches, pipe length is 100 ft, and flow rate is hp hp hp hp Stcp l: Problem
240 Gallons per minute. Analysis
20ft

- - This energy. problem Hydrology involves an energy system, energy loss due to friction, and
kinetic Find the Horsepower of the pump

Stcp 2: - Rcfcrence thc way Bernoulli's cnergy to attack loss equation the due problem to is friction

used is for to (velocity think energy oÍ'the conserwation through entire pipe) system. problems. arc

working The tank The against head easiest and the pump.

Pump Hea<l: Tank head + Energy Loss-due to Friction Pg. 17-7,F,q17.28 o . hf : fL

-D covers ffiction loss. Pg.16-2, Eq. 16.3(b) is Kineric Energy

o Ev:-2g v2 To add ÍÌiction to the kinetic energy the two equations arc multiplied
together.

o Friction loss and flow through the pipe ' - ry ZDg

MIKE HANSEN, P.E. t37l

IMII(E'S CIVIL PE EXAM GUIDE: FIRST EDffiON IìPg. I o B-8, A Table modification l8'5 contains
Hyclraulic of the equation l ì

WeneedvelocitY,v:l- o A Z4OoqLlmtn nC)z =' 2 2 14 32.2 x- O.l336OIf 1' gat t3 Lmin 6o sec
4

:20r
6.12fr.1s Punrp Flead

o.o2 Loo)(6.n)2
2

12 32.2 Step 4: Solvc fbr HorsePowcrhorsepower Equations and incorporating cfficiencY Yielcls; r* :H
Step 3: Solvc for PumP [Iead
 t='!1
Pump Hcacl: Htunkt 2Dg

:,,* o.ozçtoo¡vz
4

:23.49ît

I u vQH 62.4(O.s3)(23.4e) 5Soe 550(0.90)

c) 1.56 hp
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
t38l

MIIG'S CIVE PE EX^ã,M GUIDE: FIR^ST EDIIION K

Problem 5 - Solution
A new roadway is to be corstructed and the contractor is preparing grade. According to the stations and cut/fill shown in
the table, what is the amount of excavation required?

a) 22syd c) d) b) 343 650 t02syû

yd3 ydl l+50

4+m 0f
Stcp 1: Problem Analysis

- - This is a construction earthwork problcm. calculate the amount of excavation required for final grading.

Step 2: - Reference To solve o this You problcm use the wc AEA use the method average when end you area have method a

frll/cut (AEA). and each

station is given. Unless the problem asks specifically for you to use another method, this is thc quickcst and easiest way

to solve - the problem. Pg. 794,F,q.79.58

_ L(A1+A2)
_v
2
Stcp 3: Solvc for the cxcavation bctwcen stations

+çßft\)
- Between I {-00 - 1+ 50: s0ft(softz : 875fr l

Eletween 1+50 - 2l-50:

t (- Ls f t2
2 Loo f 2
+ (- 7 s f t"))
: -4500ft 3

Total: -9250 fr"3 4+00.rsoÍt(-7srtz+0) 2 :

2,
Berween z+50 - -5625fr.J The problem o -9250 asks for f yd so

convert your solution. x 1 yd3 / 27 ft3: b) 343 yd 3

MIKE HANSEN, P.E. t3el

!
MII(E'S CTVIL PE EXÃM GUIDE: FÏRST EDITION

What if they askcd you to use thc Prismoidal Formula Method to

Thc Burm Qucstion: solvc thc
Problcm?

- The PFM is found on Pg79-4' 4,,', is the average arca in-between two
stations'
 MIKE HANSEN, P.E
t4ol
MIKE'S CIVIL PE E)(å,M GIJIDE: FIRST EDITION
Problem 6 - Solution
Which of the following statements about open channel cross sections is true?

a) An efficient open channel cross section minimizes flow. b) The most efFrcient rectangle cross section has a depth equal

to one third the width: d: f, c) A semicircular cross section is the most efficient shape and minimizes construction cost.

d) The most efücicnt cross section requires the hydraulic radius be maximum and the wetted perimeter minimized.
Step l: Problem Analysis

- We have a theory question involving the efficiency of an open channel cross section. - wc need to determine which of
the statements [A-Dl are true.
There will be only one true answer.

Step 2: Reference - In this theory question, you are lucþ, because the answer comes right out of the GERM. Some thcory

questions may require you to just know the answer or be able to deduce what the solution should be. - Take your time to

verify or disprove each answer, rcmembcr you still have six minutes per problem. - Pg. l9-9, section 12: Most Efficicnt

Cross Section.
Stcp 3: Find the corrcct ansvyer

Read each of the statements and prove thcm incorrect or correct from the information available in thc CERM.

a) An effìcient open channel cross section minimizes flow. - Incorrect, [t maximizes flow. b) The most effrcient

rectangle cross section has a depth equal to one third the width: d: i , lncorrect. d-- I c) A semicircular cross section is the
most efficient shape and minimizes construction cost. - Incorrect ; A semicircular cross section is the most efficient cross

scction, however it is generally the har<lest and most expensive to construct. d) This answcr is truc.
MIKE HANSEN, P,E Í4Ll

Td MIKE'S CIVIL PE EX.AM GUIDE: FÏR^ST EDffiON

Problcm 7 - Solution
What is the USCS
A sieve analysis was completed on native soil where a homebuilder is proposing a new subdivision.
for this samPle?
classification
Sieve
Number

Percent Finer 1.5 inch 9B No.4 85 No. l0 7Z No. 20 68 a) S wNo. 40 62 b)CHc)MHd)

CL
Liquid Limit = 55
27
Plastic Limit =
Step 1: Problem AnalYsis
- - Unified soil Classification Systcm
We are solving for the USCS soil classification

Step 2: - Relcrcnco TI{E USCS table and chart is on Pg' 35-6, tabic 35'5

Step 3: Solvc for thc soil classification

what percent is passing the#200 sieve? we have over 50%o passing, according to the USCS table it is a finc-graincd soil'
Thc liquicl limit (LL) is 55, so wc have a high compressibility. This leaves us with MH, CH, or oH. Two of thosc
answcrs arc in thc multiplc-choicc answers, keep breaking it clown. Now wc nccd to use the chart to dctclnúnc our soil.
We necd to calculate Pg. the plasticity 35-5, o o shows LL:55 PI-'55-27 index PI (PI).
:28
: (given) LL

- PL
, PL: 27 (given)

- Since we have the PI and LL, vr'e can look at the chart to determine the soil rype. It appears we have a CH, but we are
:0.13(LL-20) :
close to the A-line' - Calculate A-line the A-line to verify 0.73(55 we -20):25'55, are abovc krow

we are above the A-line and we do in ìt' since our fact have a No. 100 51 No. 200 52 Pl is 28 we S
MIKE HANSEN, P.E
l42l
MIKE'S CrWt PE Ð(ÃM GIIIDE: FIRST ÐÏTION

Problem I - Solution

Which of the shear diagrams most-accurately resembles the beam loading shown in the figure?

so lbf/ft Loo lbf

10ft 40 ft
A
 Step 1: Problem Analysis - Which Shear Diagram is corect?
B
- Deterrninate Statics - Structures

Step 2: - - Rcf'erence First Shear step and is Bending to calculate Momcnt the reactions Diagrams
at are the on supports Pg. 44-8, A and scction B. We 12. will be

- using the conditions of equilibrium from Pg. 41-6, section 17. Using the
reactions, we will then draw the diagram.

Stcp 3: Solvc for reactions at thc supports.

reaction at B is downward.
t MB : o 0 : A:612.51bf 5001bf LFy:0:-5001bf The distributed load to the left of
support A is calculated by
45ft - A x40ft + lo0lbf x 20ft +A- applying a single load of 5001b
(50*1-0) at the midpoint.
o B -500lbf : + 6l2.5lbf -

MIKE HANSEN, P,E t43l

MIKE'S CTVIL PE EXAM GUIDE: FIRST EDI1TON
Step 4: Drarv the Shcar Diagrnm
s00
A
 A=612.5

s0 ' Ç
B Ï A=-1-00 -t2.5
-L12.5
Starl drawrng thc shcar diagram from support B. Wc know thc reaction at B is -l2.5lbf. Onoe we reach the single tûOlb
load, we acld that negative lorce to our shear to get - I l2.5lbt. Once we get to supporl A, we add the positivc rcaction of
612.5lbf. To thc left of support A, we subtract 50lbf cvery foot giving us thc shcar triangle that goes to zcro at the flee
end. Answcr is C
The Burm Qucstion: What if lhcy ask you to dctcrmine the bcnding momcnt diagram of thc bcam lo:tding?
Pg. 44-B h¿is an example problem that shows how to calculate and draw a bending tnoment diagram.
144l MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
MIKE'S CIVIL PE EX.AM GUIDE: FIRST EDMON
Problcrn 9 - Solution 5fr
A contractor is looking to build a headwall for a 36" storm drain outlet. FIow much plywood should he purchase for
forming the headwall structure? Assume there is I0o/o waste over the exact calculation. The headwall is 1ft thick.
2ft

r.0ft Subtract o 1ft (typl b) a) c) d) for thc pipe. nDz rc32 44 7.07, front ancl back :7 .07 x2: (- 14.14 ftZ)

89.93 ft2 98.93ft2 t79.86 ff te3.4s É Stcp l: Problcm Analysis

Construction Formwork Calculate the arnount of plywood including w¿rste that needs to be ordered to form the
structure.

Stcp 2: - Ref'ercnce Thcrc is no nced to rcfcrcnce the CERM. T'his is a tcst on your mathcmatics
skìlt.
Step 3: Solvc for fhe arcas that require forms.
- 5ft x 5ft -- 25fÊ. We have to form thc lront ancl back, 25 ft2 x 2: 50ft2
sft
sft
lft (typ)
MIKE HANSEN, P.E. [4s]
MII(E'S CIVIL PE E)LA"IVT GUIDE: FÏRST
Add o in the two 1Oft wing walls. x2

walls. 35ft2 (3ft x x 4: 10ft)/2:35ft2

We have the front and back of

l
I

3f
t
 MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
[46]

Add Adjust everything for

ç14.t4 x 1. l0 : î() d) t

tls.g1ft
MIKE'S CIVIL PE EX.AM GUIDE: FIR'ST EDITION
Problcm 11 - Solution
The force in member BC is most nearly?

a) c) d) b) 5k 1lk lk 1lk Tension Comprcssion Compression Tension

1sk

15ft D B
r_sft
LOftA E 1_5fr
Stcp 1: Problcm Analysis

- - We have a determìnate truss We are solving for the force in member BC

Stcp 2: - - Rcference Trusses We use the arc cut discusscd and sum within method Pg.41-13 on this to problem 41-16. to

determine the fbrce in - member BC. We fir'st solve for the reactions at the supports and then make a vertical cut
through member BC. The sum of all forccs in the Y dìrection: 0
Stcp 3: Solvc for reactions at thc supports
+ 1sk(22.5ft)
lMo:o: o -Ay(30ft) Ay: Il.25k Step 4: Solve for thc forcc in membcr BC
1sk
Fac
F

ran-1(t) :36.87" I
I)raw a llec body dìagram of the truss and makc a vcrtical cut through member BC. e =
Fr:0:Ar- 5 k-F¡¡ç*cos (36.87) Fsc: -4.69k (Comprcssion), It is compression because the value is negative. lf it were
1

positive, it would be in tension.

F
BC Ay

P.E t4el
MIKE HANSEN,
MIICE'S CTVIL PE Ð(ÃM GUIDE: FTRST EDITION
Problcm t2 - Solution
Pl: STA 25+00 Ahorizontal curve with a radius of 1500ft has the PI shown in the hgure. What is the station of the PT?
r:14"

b) a) c) d) 26+83 25t33 14+61 13+41 ar^n l. Drnlrlnm ^ --lrr"i^

- - Florizont¿l Curvc - Trafhc Calculate the station of the PT

Step 2: - - Rcfercnce Horizontal There Curves arc on pagcs 78-1 to 78-7 . are many useful equations for solving horizontal

curve problems throughout these pagcs. I rccommcnd putting togcther a sheet that has all of these equations on thcm.

Examplc: o:t"T'u' D rL r,:'nRI 360"

Stcp 3: Solvc for the Station of the PT (STA PT)

Oul problem asks us to solve for the station of the PT. The first step is to look - - into o what Eq. cquation 78.l l,

pgTB-3, gives us sta thc PT: PT. sta PC+ L So wc o nced Eq. to 78.12, know pg78-3, thc sta PC sta PC and : L. sta PI - T

*
We know thc sta PI and can calculatc T o Eq. 78.4, pg l8-2,T : Rcanf, - o o T - 1500f1 tan(14"12): 184.18ft PC:

(25 F00) - 184.18ft:2s00-l84.i8 Now just calculate L to solve the problcm.

-2315.82 or 23+16 o o tsq. sTA 78 PT 3, : pg STA 78-2,L:#:'\t:llÍt*) PC+1. 360" : 3600 (23t l6)
:366.s2
r:66.52 : ¿¡ sTA 26+83
PT
Is0] MIKE HANSEN, P.E
MIKE'S CIVIL PE EX.åM GUIDË: FIRST EDITION
 K
13 - Solution
Problem

a) c) b) d) Ir2aft. 1450ft
ysis

- Traff-rc Calculate the stopping distance includìng perception I'eaction time

A sports car is speeding down a straightaway at 80MPÈl when he notices a stop sign
how
rapidly approaching. Considering his perception reaction time (assume 2.5 seconds),
far will he travel before the car comes to a stop? Friction for the
pavement is f=0.34 and he
is traveling downhill at'Io/n.

Stcp 2: - Rcf'crcncc Pg. 78-9, scction 13 covers Stopping Sight Distance

o Eq. 78.43(b), S:1.47t*".*v -rn* frffi

 Step 3: Solve for SSD

S:l .zl7ts""tv ^ph + n#): v2. 1.47(2.5sec)*(80mph) . #ffi, --- a) l005.lft G: - .04
because it is downhill

tsll
MIKE HANSEN, P.E

MII(E'S CTVIL PE EXÄM GUIDE: FIRST EDTTION

Problcm 14 - Solution

An engineer is researching runoff fi'om a farmer's field upstream of his new project site. A geotechnical
report shows the area consists mainly of a silty loam with coarse to moderately fine
textures. The f¿rmer's field consists oÍ 75o/' well- rnaintained (goocl hydraulic condition),
straight row alfalfa and the rest has been converted to a local park with 80% grass cover.
What is the initial abstraction of the farmer's land?

a) 0.71 Ínches

b) 0.74 inches

c) 1.70 inches ,-l\

? OR innhoc

Step 1: Problcm Analysis

This is a water resources problem involving NRCS cruve numbers

Calculate the initial abstraction of the arca
 Stcp 2: Rcfercncc

Relevant pages in the CERM are20-15 to 20-19. - Pg 20-16 has a stcp-by-step pr(rcess

how to handle an advanced NRCS problem, however you will generally only need the

first step For the PE exam. - Use step I to detcrmine your soil classifiication of the area. -

Then use tables 20.4 and 20.5 to determine the CN numbers for the land

your problem includes.

Stcp 3: Solve for Soil Classification

The problem states we have a silty loam witlt coarse to moderately fine textures.
Reading tlrough the A through D classifrcations(Step 1) this is
clearlyatypeBsoil.

ts2l MIKE HANSEN, P.E

MIKE'S CIVIL PE EXÃM GUIDE: FIF-ST EDIIION
Step 4: Solvc for CN values

We have o two Straight different Row types Crop of land - good in this hydrologic problem. condition, Table20.5

(Atfalfa) o o Open space - 75yo+ grass cover, Table20.4 (Park)

Note the two different tables.
Soiì Classification
Initial Abstraction
Percent CN
of Arca Weightcd
CN Alfalfa
B 78 0.75 58.5 Park B 61 0.2s 15.25 73.75
Step 5: Solve for Initial Abstraction
The initial abstraction corresponds the CN number and is found in table
IK 20.6.

With a curve number (CN) of 73.7 5 we take the weighted average of 73 and74. Wcightcd Initial CNAbstraction
7374
ht 0.74 0.25 0.l9in 0.703 0.15 0.53 in 0.7lin
Thc initial abstraction for the farmcrs land is a) 0.71 inchcs.
MIKE HANSEN, P,E. Is3]
MIKE'S CIVÛ PE E)(ÃM GUIDE: FIRST EDII1ON
Problem l5 - Solution
A ÍÌeeway curve is having its speed limit increased from 50mph to 65mph. The existing freeway culves radius is
1750ft. What superelevation is required to accommodate the change in the speed limit?
a)05b)06c)09d) 10
Stcp 1: Problcm Analysis
Transportation - Superclcvation Calculatc the required supcrclevation

Step 2: - - Refercnce Pg. Equation 78-6, 78.37(b) section 10 will covcrs bc thc supcrclevation most comrnon cquation you
will need to usc
on thc PE Exam.

o e : f,: -:::!:: ulnol, 15R - rr, f,. This eouation uses velocitv in rrnits of mnh. Í-
side friction factor.

ooo

0.14 : 0.16
50mph < uelocity < 70mph , use f, -- -o'oz(u*n-s!) [eq. 78.39] 30mph lvelocíty 150mph, f,
78.3s1
-o'o1'(u^on-3o) [eq. velocity < 30mp lt, use f,:O. I 6
Step 3: Solvc lbr sidc friction factor
: 0.L4
The velocity ìs 65 mph, so we use equation 78.39 f, - o'oz(g-so) : 0.1 I
Stcp 4: Solvc for superclcvation
utt
, : 1s(1 7s0) --- 0.11:0.05 e:0.05
Is4] MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
MIKE'S CIVIL PE EX.ãJ\4 GUIDE: FIRST EDIIION

I
Problcm 16 - Solution
A traffic study of a major arterial sheet
Timc

Vehicle was conducted during morning rush-hour

Intcrval Count traflìc. Using the data from the study,
6:30 - 6:45 800 what is the peak hour factor?

6:45 - 7:00 83s a) 0.76 b) c) 0.Bl 0.84 7:00 - 7:15 900 '7:15 - 7:30 965 l:30 - 7:45 1025 d) 0.93
7:45 - 8:00 925 B:00 - 8:15 150 8:15 - 8:30 7t5 Step l: Problcm Analysis

8:45 - 9:00 585

8:30 - U:45 625 - - Traffic - Peak hour factor Calculate the Peak Hour Factor Stcp 2: - - Refercncc How
To calculate to calculate the PFIF, the PFIF wc nced is found determinc on Pg. thc 73-5 pcak hour volumc, and
:
the peak 15 minute o pFtr volume.

-..- vgn
4Vtsmin,peak ,eq.73.5 Stcp 3: Solvc for peak hour volumc
Time Saver Tip: Go down the list and f,rnd the 4 consecutive highest numbers. You can see 7-tìam has the largest values.
If it is too dif,ficult to determine it by looking at the numbcrs, then calculatc them all out.MIKE HANSEN, P.E. Iss]
MII{E'S CIVIL PE ËXÃ,M GUIDE: FIRST EDITIoN
I{our lntcrval
6:30-7:30
Add 15 min Peak Hour intervals Volumc 800+ 3351 9g0r 965 3490 6:45-7:45 B3 5+900+965+ I 025 3725 7:00-
7: i 5-8:1 5
8:00 9001 965+ 1025-t925 38L5 965+ I 025+925+1 50 366s 7:30-8:30 1025+925+7 50+715 34ls 7:45-8:45
925+750+1 t5+625 301 5 8:00-9:00 150+ 115+625+-5 85 26'15 The peak hour volume is 3815 vehiclcs
Step 4: Solvc for thc 15-minutc peak volurne
- Simpty look at thc 1S-minute intcrvals and takc thc largcst valuc. In this
case it is the interval T 3A-7:45, 1025 vehicles.
Stcp 5: Soivc for Pcak Hour Voiumc
- PHF 4+1O25
3B1s
'=-0.93 PHF: d) 0.93
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
Is6]
ilI
MIKE'S CfWt PE E)Lã,M GUIDE: FIR^ST EDffiON
Problem 17 - Solution
An 8ft x 8ft footing carries a load of 1500 psf. What force is felt by the underlying soil8ft away at a depth of 24 ft?
l,soolb/ft'z

b) a) c) d) ó0 500 150 1500 psf psf psf psf

24'

Step 1: Problem Analysis

8', - Geotechnical - Boussinesq

Calculate the force felt by underlying soil

Step 2: - Reference Boussinesq's equation is used to determine the increase in vertical

- stress caused by a load on the soil surface. The casìcst way to solve this problcm is using the Boussinesq chart in
appendix A-71.
Step 3: Solve for thc force applied to undcrlying soil
Use the Boussinesq chart for squarc foundation (8x8 footing). A distance 8ft away and at 24ft. deep (as described in
problem) results in an increased force in the soil of 0.04p. The chaft describes the width of the footing as a distance å. So
we look lb to the side and 3b downward. (3b:24ft) Simply take o the forcc pcr square foot applicd and multiply it by
0.04.
:601bffi2
l500lb/ft2 x 0.04 The increase felt by underlying soil is 60 psf.
If the footing was 8x20, then you use the chart on the left for "infinitely long foundation." I know it is not really an
inf,rnite footing, but that is how the chart works.
P,E
MIKE HANSEN, tszl
MII(E'S CryIL PE E)(AM GUIDE: FTRST EDrnON

What is the footing was 8, x 100'?

Thc Burm Question:

Hint: Use the continuous footing table^

 MIKE HANSEN,P.E.
ts8l
pE
MIKE'S crv& ÐLAI\4 GIJIDE: HRsr EDmoN
Problcm 18 - Solution
The sag vertical curve in the figure below rs approaching an overpass. What is the clearance between the roadway and the
overpass?

a) 16.8ft b) c) 27.2ft 22.6rt d) 33.5fr

OverPass g.¡4. l8+50 L=1-500ft
lllev: 1259 49

PVC STA: l0+00 G- -3Y, Elev: 1252.78

PVT

Cz:1%o PVI STA: l7+50 Elev:1230-28 Step 1: Problcm Analysis

Vertical Curvs Calculate the clearance or differences in elevations between the roadway and the ovcrpass

Stcp 2: - - Rcfercnce The We usc CERM equation references 18.41 vertical curves on Pg. 78-10 to find the clevation of a
point on a veilical curvc.
Ths x in the formula is in stations. If you are 750ft away from the PVC, thcn x:7.5

o Elcv^: Ir' * G6 * elevpy, (18.47) To calculate thc radius, usc cquation 78.46 O -D- I\- G 1 and G2 G.-G. are L
thc grades as whole numbcrs (2%:2) shown in the figure
Stcp 3: Solvc for R and the Elcvation at thc oYcrpass

u^t' + (-3)8.5 + 1252:8: 1236'89ft

R:-' Gc-G. ¿ ' 1-(-3) 1500 -0.266 Elev*: o
T"
Stcp 4: Solvc for thc clearancc
:
Elavsygrp¿ss t2s9.49ft- - 1236.89ft Elev.on¿*ay : Clearance

P.E
b) 22.6Ï¡MIKE HANSEN, tsel
MIKË'S CTVII PE E)U{JVI GUIDE: FTRST EDITToN
Problem 19 - Solution
A vehicle is traveling on a highway with a design speed of 55rnph. According to AASHTO, what is the stopping sight
distance an engineer. should use fbr their design?a)b)425 492

4ft ftd) c) 495

ft stjft"
Step l: Problem Analysis
AASHTO Stopping Sight Distance Determine the design SSD
Step 2: - Rcf'crcnce Stopping sight distance can be calculated, however all thìs problem

requìrcs you to do is usc table78.2. This table is set up ftrr gpieal design specds and gives calculatsd and designcd
stopping sight distances based on AASHTO assumptions.
Step 3: Use thc tablc to solvc for SSI)
Use the tablc for 55rnph. T'hc dcsign distancc in fcct is c) 495.
t60l MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

MIKE'S crvu, pE ÐLãIvI GUIDE: FrRsr EDmoN

K
Problem 20 - Solution
Which of the following statements about roadway Levels of Service is incorrect?

b) a) Level Economic A represents considerations unimpeded favor flow. high traffrc volumes and more obstructed levels

of c) d) A Thcre servlce. roadway's are fivc level difl'ercnt of servicc lcvcls can of change servicc. throughout the day.
Step 1: Problcm Analysis
Levels of Scrvicc Which of the staternents is false?

Step 2: - Rcferenco The CERM discusses lcvels of service on pg.73-3

Stcp 3: Solvc for thc false answer

Level A represents unimpeded flow. - True Economic considerations favor high traffic volumes and more obstructed
levels of service. A roadway's - True
tr'alse, there arc 6
level of service can change throughout the day. - Truc There arc five different levels ofscrvice. -
lcvcls ofscrvicc
(A-Ð
P.E
MIKE HANSEN, [61]
MIKE'S CryIL PE EXÃM GUIDE: FÏR.ST EDMON
Problcm 2l - Solution
A track-hoe can excavate 5ft3 ofground per bucket. lt takes the track-hoe 40 seconds to dig and place the load into a
dump truck before it can start digging again. When the soil is dropped into the dump truck, it expands 15%. The dump
trucks can hold a volume of 20yd3 of material. If the track-hoe operator takes two-15 minute breaks, how many dump
trucks are needed to remove all material excavated in an 8-hour shift?
a)b)c) ttl l\Stcp l: Problem Analysis

- - Construction Volumcs Calculatc thc amount of trucks to delivcr the excavated material

Slep 2.: - Refcrence Thcre is no necd to refcrcnce this problcm to thc CERM. It is a mathematics
problem.
Step 3: Solvc for thc volume of matcrial moved by the excavator

- - Thc cxcavator rcmoves 5ft3 cvcry 40 seconds. If the track-hoc opcrator works an 8-hour shifl with 2-15 minutc
breaks thc

cffcctive 5f t3 work day is 7.5 hours. xf t3 4O second.s 7 .S H ou't's xOO}! x 6O tu,'-' x:3375ft3 337sff l25yt I
27:125yd3
x l. 15(cxpansion) : 143.7 5yd3
Stcp 4: Solve for trucks rcquired to rernove material

- 143.7 5yd3 I 20ydi þer truck) : 7.1 8 or 8 trucks total to remove all the

material. 67In7
162l MIKE HANSEN, P.E

t .t
IIIIIIÌ

MIKE'S CIVIL PE E)(ÃùI GUIDE: FIRST EDfnON

Problem 22 - Solution

which of the following standardized soil testing procedures is best for quickly determining field compaction results?

a) Standard Penetration Test b) Modified Proctor Test c) In-placc Dcnsity Tests d) Conc Penetrometer Test
Step 1: Problem Analysis
Soils testing
Geotechnical - Wlich of the tests are best for cluickly determining field compaction results?

Step 2: Rcfercnce - Common soils testing procedurcs begin on page 35-17

Step 3: Solve for thc best method

a) Standard Penehation Test - Requires a large machine and operator to
determine what type of soil is in the ground. - Not the ansv/er b) Modified Proctor Test - This tcst measures

compaction but required a sample from the field be brought in to be tested with a l0lbm hammer that falls 18 inches. -

Not the answer c) In-place Density Tests - Typicalty known as the field density tcst, a

common compaction tcsting mcthod in the field is using a nuclear gaugc. - Corrcct Answer d) cone Penetrometer

Tcst - The cone penctration test is ussd to classisr

soils. - Not the answer

P.E
MIKE HANSEN, t63l
 MIKE'S CTWL PE EXÃM GUIDE: FÏRST ÐITION

Problem 23 - Solution

A standard penetration test was used to help determine the soils at a project site. The image here portrays the
in-situ soils conditions. What is the effective stress at point A?

p
b) c) a) 6f
2475 2100
t
Clay: 9:110 pcf
1824 psf psf

psf d) 1539
Clay: 9:110 pcf

psf
Loam: q-74 pcf A
Izft

Step l: Problem Analysis 9fr

Saturated Loam: q:103 pcf

Gcotechnical - Effectivs Stress

Calculate thc cffcctivc strcss at
point A

o 6' : d) l539psf

[64] MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

 Step 2: - - Referencc Effective Effective shcss stress is is on page 35-14 essentially the

pressure felt at a point by the soil - above it. The unit weight oi the soii times the depth.
Remember to subtract for the buoyant effect of water. hnagine the

soil submergcd in watcr and the water is trying to push the soil back up to the surface. - o':o-lto

o:fsoirH
:
o lt fwaterH

Step 3: Solvc for the elï'ective stress

o':-{-+v"rxDfLr lo3pcfxeft I lrorcrxen} - { nn,u fr)x62.4pcî}

I
MII(E'S CIVIL PE E.XAM GUIDE: FIRST EDMON
Problcm 24 - Solution
A contractor is purchasing a new track-hoe for $100,000 today. The track-hoe will effectively earn the contractor
$40,000 year l, $32,000 yær 2, and $25,000 year 3.If the track-hoe is sold at the end of year 3 for $30,000, what is the

loss/gain to the contraclor presently (Today's value)? Assume an interest rate of 4%.a) - $3,547 b) $12,903 c) s16,942

d) $27,ooo
Stcp l: Problem AnalYsis
Cash Flow Calculate the present value of the track-hoe investment'

Step 2: Rcfcrcncc - Table 86.1 on page 86-7 has the formulas for cash flow

- We are going to use the formula for Futu¡e to Present value (F to P) for a
single payment. o (1 * Í)-n o i, is the interest rate as a decimal' Ex) zlo¡: 0'04
o n, is the Year of the future value
- The equation is; Present value :'"ry:?.!:'"" o' F* (1 + i)-n , it is the (1+¿)n
same equatton.

Stcp 3: Solvc for thc Prcsent valuc

- Presenrvarue:#+ i# *?#+#*iåä : c) $16,942

[6s]
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
MII{E'S CIVN PE EXÃM GUIDE: F]RST EDITION
Problem 25 - Solutiott
A custom home is being built upon a raiscd pad. Using the fill heights shown in the figure, how much fill is requiled?

Assume the fill cloes not require side slopes.b) a) c) d) 75 86 2l4yd3 lll yd3 yd3 yd3
5Oft
r.2ft 1.8ft
Stcp l: Problem Analysis
6Oft

- - Construction Earthwork Calculate thc hll requircd to raisc thc pad. Step 2: Rcf'erencc
2.zft 2.sft
Construction carthwork is in scction 79, howcvcr simplc math techniques can solve this problem Calculatc thc rcquircd
fill using thc arca of thc pad tirncs the avcrage fill required at each of'the corners.
o V: Arca x Fillavg fThis is the samc with cut or lilll
Stcp 3: Solvc for the requircd fill volumc

v: v:5715ft3 (s0f1x 60ft) I 21 :213.89yd3

"L3ILÏ3!:3J!: 4 s1lsff t66l MIKE HANSEN, P.E

T
MIKE'S CryIt PE E)(AM GUiDE: FIR^ST EDITION
Problem 26 - Solution
A cantilever beam experiences a force acting as an end moment shown in the figure. What is the maximum deflection in
the beam?
E:29,00Oksi
I:l650ina

a) b) -1.50x102 -2.50x104 in in c) d) -0.036 0in

in M=50001bf-ft
20ft
l\

Stcp l: Problem Analysis

- - Structures - Beam Deflection Calculatc the maximum dcflection in a cantilever beam with cnd

moment Step 2: - - Rcfcrcnce An Case excellent 5: Cantilever reference with fol End this Moment

ploblem is in appendix A-78' c-> o o o o 6*-- "max = -MoL2 zEI Mo is the moment force - Given, convert to kip-
inches

L is thc lcngth of thc bcam - Given, but convert to inchcs E is the modulus of Elasticity - Given I is the moment of

inertia - Given
Stcp 3: Solvc fbr the maximum deflection

MoL' (aok-in)(}o¡t.nf),
M: s000¿bf - ft- I kin ;õõõ; * LZín V, :60kip-in õ*o, 2Er
2(2eoooks¿)(l6sotna) : c) - 0"036 inchcs Makc sure you convert the moment to kip-in and the length to inches
MIKE HANSEN, P.E Í671
MII(E'S CTVIL PE Ð(ÃJVI GUIDE: FTRST EDITToN
Problcm 27 - Solution
a
A rectangular beam has a 4tn x 6in cross section. If the beam experiences bending moment of 0.7 k-ft, what is the

bending stress in the beam?

a) 0 ksi b) 0. l2 ksi c) 0 .25 ksi d) 0 "35 ksi

Stcp l: Problem Analysis

- Structurcs - Bcnding Strcss - Calculate the bending stress in the beam Stcp 2: Referencc - Bendìng stress is on pg. 44-l I

o o:1, eq.44.38
o M is thc moment (givcn), S is the scction modulus of the shape bh2 o S: J: scction modulus for a rectanglc, cq.
44.40
Step 3: Solve l-or the section modulus of the rcctangular cross section
bhz (4in\6tn2
- ^..
I

-
Lattt
66
Step 4: Solve for thc bending stress

@.2 k- f Ðx1,2ïi : d) 0.35 ksi 24ín3 Makc surc to chcck your units. Convert your bcnding momcnt from fcet to
M
inches. .t
[68] MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
Y
MIKE's crvtr pE Ex.ã,M GUIDE: FIRsr ÐmoN

I
Problem 28 - Solution
Which of the following statements about concrete is true?

b) a) c) d) The hydraulic load on concrete formwork is greatest after the concrete ssts. If the water-to-cement ratio of
concrete is decreasecl, water tightness is decreased Adding water to concrctc rnix incrcases workabili dccrease the

concretcs strength. , incrcases slump, and can

A pound of concrete weighs morc than a pound of feathers.

Stcp l: Problcm Analysis

- - Concrete Thcory Which statement is true? Stcp 2: - Referencc The CERM discusses concrete in chapter 49
Step 3: Solvc for thc corrcct answer

a) The hydlaulic load on concrete formwork is greatest after the concrete sets b) False - Thc load is greatest just after

pouring. Il'the water-to-cement ratio of concrete is decreased, water tiglrtness is decreased c) False - water tightness

increases Adding wafcr to concretc mix increases workability, increascs slump, and can

dccrcase thc concretcs strength. Truc d) A pound of concrete weighs more than a pound of fcathers.
False - Do not tcll mc you fcll for this mc. They wcigli the same.
P.E'
MIKE HANSEN, [6ej
MII(E'S CIVIL PE EX.A,M GUIDE: FTR.ST EDmoN
Problem 29 - Solution
The system in the figure to the right contains an incompressible fluid. What is the flow rate (Q) of pipe 3?

b) c) d) a) 2.65 0.09 0.19 8.9 ft3/s

d/s ft3/s fli1s Pipe 2 d=3" Vr=Sft/s

 Pipe 3 Pipe I d=2" d=6" Vr=3ftls

Step 1: Problcm Analysis

- - Hyclrology - Continuity Equation Calculatc thc flow ratc of Pipe 3 Stcp 2: - Rcf'crence The continuity equation is
on pg l7-2 undcr scction 2: Conscrvation of

Mass o A¡V1 - AzYz+ ArVr + ....

Step 3: Calculate thc pipc areas A3- Al:ît--Tr Ã2: Tt tt--Tr' - ¿z ¿z ¿z 4444 44- (o.sf ù2 :0.196ft'
Tt (o.zs\f tz : 0.()49 ft'z (o.r67\f lL:0.022Ft' * Stcp 4: Usc thc continuily cquation to calculatc v3
- - - ArV, : AzYz I A¡V¡ (0.196 V¡ - fr'zX3 ft/s) -- (0.049 n)14 rus) I (0.022 ft?)vr tì.9 ftls
Stcp 5: Calculatc Q3
- Qr: V¡A¡ - 8.9 ftls (0.022ft1: b) 0.19ft3/s
[70] MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

T
I

I
MIKE'S crw

Problem 30 - Solution

K
 - Hydrology- Hazen Williams -
will not have to convert the units on
blen¡ you have a Hazcn-Williams problem. - Calculate the head loss in fit in this format or the one in Eq.

-Williams is on Pg. 17-7

An 8" PVC water system delivers water from a tank (elevation:lg90ft) to a subdivision
3000 ft away. If the line is flowing at 2200g¡rrrL what is the head loss from the tank to the
subdivision? Assume C:l50 for PVC pipe.

a) zsft

b) t45 fr.

c) 180 ft

d) 33s ft

Step 1: Problem Analysis

Step 3: Solvc for hcad loss

_Lo.44(3ooof'Ð(22o-o.,gpm)L8s :
hr c) 180.09 ft

1501.8s9¿n
 P.E'
MIKE HANSEN, 17L]
MII(E'S CWIL PE EXAM GUIDE: FTRST EDITTON
Problcm 3l - Solution
Rain falls onto the two adjacent areas shown in the figure. Using the rational method, what is the peak flow of the storm
water runoffl Assume the runofï flows from Area I through Ãrea2.

b) d) n) c) 47 9 22CFS 12 CFS cFS CFS

Storm lntcnsity time mtn I
Ar=2.75ac
C=0.70 Step l: Problcm Analysis
t =?Omin Hydrology - Rational Method Calculate the peak flow of the storm

Step 2: - - Rcfercnce The Q:CIA rational o o <¡ method is found on page 20- 13 C:RunoffCoefflrcient A:
l:Rarntalllntensrty Total Area
Step 3: Solvc f'or timc of concentration and weighted C value

v- tc-- .4r(cl)+ 20+30: A2(c2) 50min - Use L.5(0.60)+ this to determine 2.7s(o.7o) rainfall intensity
-
15 30

)"/ 1.2 Ar=1.5ac 50

3.2 C=0.60

t -)l'lmin

A1-+42 7.5+2.75 -- u. (rt, Stcp 4: Solvc for poak flow

- Q:CIA - 0.66*3.2inlhr*4.25ac: U.98CFS

[72] MIKE HANSEN, P.E.
MIÍG'S CTVÚ PE EX,TM GUIDE: HIRST EDTTION

32 - Solutiol
Problem

A concrete cylinder is being tested rvith a vertical loading.

l.t3kips
compressive stress of 4000psi, what was the vertical d)
cylinder is 6 inches.
3OOkips

b) Ð c) Stcp 1: Problcrn Annlysis

250kips Comprcssive Strength

Structural -
l25kips
Calculate the axial loading, P
Stcp 2: - Refercncc Pg. 4B-4 discusscs the comprcssivc strcngth

?
P

Stcp 3: Solvc lbr P- - [_ P - n(6in\2 4

oA:¿I000psi*28.26iÊ: :28.261n"
13,040 lbs or a) l l3kips'
 Í731
MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

MII(E'S CTVIT PE E)G.M GIJIDE: FTR.ST ÐmoN

Problem 33 - Solution

Poisson's ratio v is the ratio of lateral strain to the axial strain. When a sample object is
stretched in one directior¡ it tends to contract somewhere else. Which of the followìng
most aptly applies to Poisson's ratio?

a) Elastic Strain b)

Lateral Strain c)

Axial Strain d)

Tensile Strcngth

Step l: Problem Analysis

- Theory Question - Poisson's Ratio - Which of the answers is

most correct? Step 2: Rcference - Uttlize the index. poisson's

ratio is on43_4

Step 3: Solvc for the corrcct ânswer

Poisson's ratio is thc lateral strain divided by thc axial strain. Howcver, thc ratio
itself is related to an elastic deformation or elastic strain. In section 5: Poisson's
poisson's
Ratio it implicitly denotes that ratio appries only to elastic strain.
 [741 MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

-T
MII(E'S CÍVILPE EXAIVI GUIDE: FïRST EDITION
Problcm 34 - Solrrtion
What is the Euler load for the slender vertical column with pinned ends?
E:2.9x107lbflìn'z
I:0.50 ina

u-t \,IJJ 7 b) c) d) a) 9.9 54 19.8 117 kips kips kips kips Stcp l: Problem Analysis
H = 10ft

¡r.

/\-r7 I
- Euler Load refers to a column bucking theory referred to as Euler Buckling. - Calculate the Euler load, F" Stcp 2: -

- Refcrcncc Eulel Eq. 45.1 is discusscd is used for onpg45-2 columns with under pinned Slender cnds.

Columns. oF" n2EI Stcp 3: Solve for thc Eulcr Load

All information o F-e is trz given 72 Er so nzz.vxtoT (Loft*L2T)2
just plug and ç0.s7 chug,

: a) 9.9kips
MIKE HANSEN, P,E. lTsl
MIKE,S CTVIL PE E)(A]VI GUIDE: FTRST EDrnON
Problcm 35 - Solution

A concrete beam is being designed for use with 2.0 inz of steel rebar. The concrete will be a 3000-psi mix (f .) and the
tension steet yield strength (fy) is 60,000 lbflin2. What area of concrete (Ac) is required to balance the steel?

a)b)c)

24in2 35in2 4linz d) 47in2 co ft

r)1r.:p (rr--- r: a- D---.Ll^- rluirrtirl, f\ilalysrs

^-^l--^:^ - - Reinforced Concrete Beam You are looking for the area ol concrete (Ac) that is lecluired to

balancc the steel. Step 2: - Refcrencc Section 50-9 describes how to calculate the area o1'concrete required.

o A^ " - o-85f fYAs 'c

Stcp 3: Solvo for the arca ofconcrcte

MIKE HANSEN, P.E

Ac:T- " 16ooooDs¿) lz.oinz\ 0.85(3000psÍ) dr47.0oin [76]
't

IVIIKE'S crwt pE E)(ÃM GIJIDE: FIR.sr EDmoN

Problem 36 - Solution
A gravity retaining wall is supporting saturated clay with the properties shown in the figure. What is the total active
resultant per unit width of walt?

b) a) c) 20 l7 l9 kips/ft kips/ft kips/ft d) 24 kips/ft

Step 1: Problem Analysis
problem is an active earth pressure problem. We have two theories for active earth problems, Rankine or
20 IìT This
Coulomb. Coulomb theory is used for problems involving friction (d), a sloping backfill (angle b), and an inclined

active- - - side wall face (angle 9). Rankine theory disregards wall friction. The problem asks to solve for the total active
resultant per unit

width of wall. Step 2: - Referencc The equation for total active resultant is found on page 37 4, qualion

37.10(b) The formula is R"j kugH'. The only variable we are missìng is ku.
ku is solved using the Coulomb or Rankine theory. In this problem we have no friction(d), or sloping backfill (angle

b)' Therefore, v/e use the Rankine theory. Pg37 -4- The Rankine formula is Ka : tøn2(+5" -f,) The angle of internal
friction (Ø) in this problem is zero. For satu¡ated clays, the angle of internal friction (Ø) is zero. There is a note on pg
37-4 that describes this. Equation 37.6 is used when we have a sloping backfill (angle b). Since there is no sloping
backfill in this equation, you can use Eq. 37.7. This equation requires a horizontal backfill and vertical wall'
q:I2olbf /ft3

7\ I
 P,E.
MIKE HANSEN, f77l
ç

MII(E'S CIVIL PE ËXÃM GUIDE: FIRST EDryON

Step 3: Solve for K,, equation37.7

_ Ka = tant(45" _f,) _
Ka: tan2(45" _ ):f

Step 4: Solve for Rn

n": J hsu': ] {r)*{rzolbf/rC)*(20ft)2 : 24,0001bflft or d) 24kips/ft

Thc Burm Question:

what if the test asks you to calculate for the ovcrturning momcnt about point A?

The ovsrturning moment is thc Rcactant force (Ru) applied to the height (fV3). It's (I{/3)
because we havc a triangular force acting on the retaining wall. So the overturning moment

would be R"*(H/3) : 24kipsltt * (20ft13): I 60kips-ff/ft

 178l MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

T
MIICE'S CIVIL PE Ð(ã,M GUIDE: FIR.ST EDffiON
Problem 37 - Solution
If about the water the cohesive in the figure factor were of safety? to dry y*r: up, which 1101b/ft3,70.y:901b/ft3
of the following statements is true

b) a) The The cohesive cohesive factor factor of of safety safety increases. stays the same. c) d) The There cohesive is
not enough factor information ofsafety decreases. to make a
determination,
Step 1: Problem Analysis

- - This is a geotechnical problem involving Cohesion. Which of the answers is correct about the situation? Step 2: - -
Reference Fcohesiv" Cohesion stands in relation for the to cohesive slope stability factor is ofsafety. on pg 40-7. Step 3: Solve
for the correct answer
Looking at the equation for the cohesive factor of safety, the y"¡¡ is on the bottom.

o Fcohesive : +, !e¡¡H' e4. 40.28 TefT-Tsantated If the soil is no Ywater

the cohesive factor of
longer saturated from the water, instead of using y"¡ \rye usc Ta,y ln this case sincc 76., > /en,
safety
would dccrease.
HD

MIKE HANSEN, P.E. Í7sl

MIKE'S CIVÍL PE EX.AM GUIDE: FIRST EDryON

Problem33-Solution
According to the concrete mix in the table below, what is the total volume of the mix?

1.0 yd3
a) 0.5 yd .ì t c) d) ) 1.75 yd3 2.2s yd

SSD Specilic \ry hr Stcp l: Problcm Analysis

- - Concrctc Volumc Calculate the volume ol'Concrete Stcp 2: - Rcfcrencc No neecl wwto relerence anything. Y
ScTwater
Step 3: Solvc for thc volumc of cach of thc concrctc ingrcdicnts.
Oncc you calculatc thc volumc of cach ingrcdient, add them together, and multiply by the percent olaìr to get how much
air is in the rnix. Then sum everything togethei and you have the volume of the mix.

w SSD Specific Grnv Volume

26.98f13=t.0yd3
Notc: Onc sack of concrete : 94lbs
 442 3.ls 94 2.1 809 2.57
Lorv Alkali Ccmcnt Class F FIY Ash Coarsc Aggregatc 1 Finc Agsregatc t'2'¿ I '2.6 Potablc
Watcr 300 I Total Air 1.50% Low Alkali Cenrcnt
442 3.15 2.25 Class F Flv Ash 94 2.1 0.72 Coarsc Aggrcg¿rtc
l 809 2.51 II.2B Finc Aggrcgatc I22l 2,6 1.s3 Potablc Watcr 300 I 4.81 Total Air |.50o/" 0.40 t80l MIKE HANSEN, P.E.

MIKE's ctvtr, pE rl(a,M GUIDE: FIRsr ÐmoN

Problem 39 - Solution
porous. A soil sample If the specific with a volurne gravity of of lftr the was soil is determined 2.10, what to is be the

S}%osaturated dry unit weight and of l.}yo the soil?a)b)c)d)

D lbffi3 I02tblft3 ll8 tb/ft3 t67 tbfff

Step 1: Problcm Analysis

- - Soil propertics, more specifically dry unit wcight. Calculate the dry unit weight of the soil. Step 2: - Ref'erence Pg

35-9 has a grcat table of equations relating to soil properties. - - Wc are looking for the dry density of thc soil. ya =
fut+e Since we do not have the void ratio, we need to figure that out.
_
TL e

t+e
i n rs porosrty
Step 3: Solve l'or void ratio thcn dry density

e IL - I+e0.1: -.

\+e'e o takc a zucss for 'e'. I hied 0.1 1. It yields 0.099, pretty closc. e:0.1 I Solve for dry unit weight

o yd"_-#_ Gçyw z.L0(62.4)

:
L+.L\ c) 118.05tbf/ft3
P.E
MIKE HANSEN, [81]

MIKE'S CTVIL PE EXAM GUIDE: FTRST EDITToN

Problcm 40 - Solution

A city with 50,000 people is designing a new wastewater plant to accommodate its
current population. The average family is 2.5 persons. If the average amount of solids ìs

500m9/L, what should the plant be sized for daily jntake?

 a) 80lbrr/day b)

2000lbrr/day c)

26,000|bm/day d)

50,000lbn/day

Sfep 1: Problem Analysis

- Wastcwater - calculatc the amount of solids in lbm/day that is generatcd by

thc city. Stcp 2: Refercnce - Pg. 28-2 discusscs wastewatcr quantity. The averagc volurnc

pcr

person per day is estimated between | 00 - 125 gpcd. - Usc the

maximuml25 gpcd.

Sfan 1. Qnlr¡a l'¡¡ +hô ¡loil.' d¡¡ôñ+if.' r¡r! uar ¡J rl

u4uf,rf,J

50,000 x l25gpcdx [500m9/L x 8.34(conversion to lbm/MG)l / 1,000,000 : c)

26,063lbm/day
t82l MIKE HANSEN, P.E