Traffic engineering does NOT include which of the following? i.Geometric design ii.Traffic studies and analysis iii.Road user characteristics iv.Marshall mix design
- ABoth i and iv
- BOnly ivCorrect
- CBoth i, ii and iii
- DOnly i
Solution
Concept
Traffic engineering covers traffic characteristics, traffic studies, traffic control and geometric design, but not bituminous mix design.
Step-by-step solution
1. List the scope of traffic engineering: traffic characteristics, traffic studies and analysis, traffic operation and control, planning and analysis, geometric design, and administration. 2. Geometric design (i) is part of traffic engineering. 3. Traffic studies and analysis (ii) is part of traffic engineering. 4. Road user characteristics (iii) is part of traffic characteristics, so it is included. 5. Marshall mix design (iv) is a bituminous mix design method. It belongs to highway materials and pavement design. 6. So only iv is not included. Answer is (B).
Explanation
Traffic engineering deals with the safe and efficient movement of traffic. Its scope includes road user characteristics, traffic studies and geometric design. Marshall mix design is a test for bituminous mixes, so it belongs to highway materials, not traffic engineering.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Geometric design (i) is included in traffic engineering. C: i, ii and iii are all parts of traffic engineering. D: Geometric design is included, so it is not the excluded item.
Shortcut
Marshall test is for bituminous mix, so think highway materials, not traffic.
Common mistake
Thinking geometric design belongs only to highway design. It is also a main part of traffic engineering scope.
Correct answer: B) Only iv