Question 1a.
i. Trip generation is defined as where trips start. Its also about figuring out where
people are coming from when they start their journeys. It's like mapping out the
origins of all those little trips people take every day.
ii. Trip distribution is where all those trips end up. If trip generation is about the
starting point of a journey, trip distribution is about the destination. It's like
mapping out where all those little trips end up across the city.
iii. Modal split is about how people choose to get around. Some people will drive,
some will take the bus, some might even walk or cycle. Modal split is about
figuring out how many people choose each of those modes of transportation.
Question 1b.
Discuss the methods of collecting origin destination survey data pointing out how
the data is Evaluated and presented.
Origin-Destination (OD) surveys are crucial for understanding travel patterns, which
are essential for transportation planning and infrastructure development.
Methods of collecting origin destination survey are,
● Roadside Interviews:
○ This involves stopping vehicles at designated points and interviewing
drivers about their origin, destination, and trip purpose.
○ Pros: Provides detailed, real-time information.
○ Cons: Can cause traffic delays, requires significant manpower, and may
have safety concerns.
● License Plate Surveys:
○ This method records license plate numbers at various locations. By
matching the recorded plates, travel patterns can be inferred.
○ Pros: Relatively easy to conduct, minimal disruption to traffic flow.
○ Cons: Requires extensive data processing, may not capture trip purpose,
and privacy concerns can arise.
● Home Interviews:
○ Involves conducting surveys at residences to gather information about
household travel habits.
○ Pros: Provides comprehensive data on household travel patterns.
○ Cons: Time-consuming, expensive, and may have low response rates.
● Telephone/Online Surveys:
○ These methods use phone calls or online questionnaires to collect travel
information.
○ Pros: Cost-effective, can reach a large sample size.
○ Cons: May have lower response rates, potential for biased responses, and
may exclude individuals without phone or internet access.
● Mobile-Based Location Data:
○ Utilizes data from mobile devices to track travel patterns.
○ Pros: Provides large-scale, continuous data, and captures real-time
information.
○Cons: Privacy concerns, potential for biased data due to varying
smartphone usage.
● Return Postcard method:
○ Handing out post cards to drivers, for them to fill out and return via mail.
○ Pros: relatively low cost.
○ Cons: low return rate.
Evaluation and Presentation of OD Data:
● Flow Maps:
○ These maps show the movement of traffic or people along specific routes,
with arrows indicating direction and thickness indicating volume.
● Statistical Analysis:
○ Statistical methods are used to analyze the data and identify trends and
patterns. This may involve calculating trip generation rates, trip
distribution patterns, and modal split.
● Visualization:
○ Data visualization tools are used to create charts, graphs, and maps that
effectively communicate the findings of the OD survey.
Question 2.
i. Vertical alignment is about the ups and downs – the hills and valleys. It's really
important for things like driver comfort and safety, and it also affects how fast
you can go.
ii. Horizontal alignment refers to the curves and bends of a road.
iii. Super elevation is defined as the banking of the road on a curve. It helps keep
cars on the road when they're turning.
iv. Design speed is the maximum safe speed on a road. When engineers design a
road, they have a certain speed limit in mind, and they design the road to be safe
at that speed.
v. Design vehicle The design vehicle is basically the type of vehicle they design the
road for such as cars and trucks.
vi. Transition curve refers to a road that goes from being straight to having a curve.
A transition curve is the part that connects those two sections ,a bend that helps
drivers adjust to the curve.
Question 3a.
i. Differentiate between flexible and rigid pavements.
First up, materials. Flexible pavement is made from asphalt and other similar
materials, while rigid pavement is made from concrete.
Second, how they handle stress. Flexible pavement is better at handling stress, like the
weight of heavy vehicles. Rigid pavement is stronger, but it's more prone to cracking
if there's uneven pressure.
Third, construction. Flexible pavement is easier and less expensive to build. Rigid
pavement takes longer and costs more.
And fourth, how they handle weather. Flexible pavement can soften in hot weather,
which can make it a little less stable. Rigid pavement doesn't have that problem, but it
can be more slippery when it's wet.
ii. Differentiate between grade separated and at grade intersection
● At-grade intersections: Roads cross at the same level.
● Grade-separated intersections: Roads cross at different levels (one goes over
or under the other).
The differences are:
2. Level of Crossing:
At-grade: Roads intersect on the same horizontal plane.
Grade-separated: Roads intersect on different vertical planes, using overpasses or
underpasses.
3. Traffic Flow:
At-grade: Traffic flow is frequently interrupted by traffic signals or stop signs,
leading to potential congestion.
Grade-separated: Traffic flow is generally smoother and less interrupted,
allowing for higher speeds and increased capacity.
4. Safety:
At-grade: Higher risk of collisions due to crossing traffic streams.
Grade-separated: Lower risk of collisions because conflicting traffic streams are
separated.
5. Cost and Space:
At-grade: Typically less expensive and requires less space to construct.
Grade-separated: Significantly more expensive and requires more space due to
the need for bridges, tunnels, and ramps
Question 3b.
With the aid of clearly labeled diagrams,define different types of parking.
I. Parallel parking, the kind you usually find on city streets.
II. Angled parking, which is more common in parking lots.
III. Perpendicular parking is another popular choice, especially in parking garages.
IV. Compact parking. This is a way to fit more cars into a smaller space.
i. Reserved parking, which is usually for specific people like those with disabilities
or those who have purchased parking permits.
