Traffic Capacity MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Theoretical Maximum Capacity

Formula

C = (1000 × V) / S, where S = 0.2V + L

Step-by-step solution

1. Calculate space headway: S = (0.2 \* 50) + 6 = 16 m 2. Calculate maximum capacity: C = (1000 \* 50) / 16 = 3125 veh/h

Shortcut

To quickly solve this, use the mental shortcut: at 50 km/h, space headway S is always 0.2(50) + 6 = 16 m. Then calculate 50,000 / 16 = 3125 veh/h.

Common mistake

A common mistake is forgetting to add the standard vehicle length (L = 6 m) to the minimum space headway formula (S = 0.2V + L), using only S = 0.2V = 10 m, or miscalculating the center-to-center headway S.