For estimating the optimum road length by saturation system, which of the following factor(s) is/are considered for obtaining utility per unit length of road? (i) Population served by the road network (ii) Productivity (industrial and agricultural) served by the road network (iii) Number of Passenger Car Units/hour passing through the road network
- AOnly (i)
- B(i) and (ii)Correct
- C(ii) and (iii)
- D(i), (ii) and (iii)
Solution
Concept
Saturation system and maximum utility principle in road planning
Formula
Utility per unit length = Total Utility Units / Road Length
Step-by-step solution
1. The saturation system assigns utility values to population brackets served (factor i). 2. It also assigns utility values to agricultural and industrial productivity served in tonnes (factor ii). 3. Passenger Car Units (PCU) are used in operational traffic analysis, not in saturation road planning (factor iii is excluded). 4. Therefore, only statements (i) and (ii) are correct. Answer: B
Explanation
The saturation system (maximum utility principle) determines optimal road length by evaluating utility based on population units served and agricultural/industrial productivity units served. PCU/hour is a traffic flow measure, not a parameter in the saturation system planning utility calculation.
Why the other options are wrong
A) Incorrect because productivity units (factor ii) are also considered. C) Incorrect because population (factor i) is primary and PCU (factor iii) is not included. D) Incorrect because PCU/hour is not a factor in the saturation system.
Shortcut
Saturation utility = Population + Productivity (tonnage); traffic volume/PCU is not included.
Common mistake
Including PCU/hour assuming all traffic parameters contribute to saturation system utility.
Correct answer: B) (i) and (ii)