Urban Infrastructure Design & Development Flashcards
7 cards from real CME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Urban Infrastructure Design & Development flashcards as text
What is the primary function of a lift station (pump station) in a municipal sewer system?
Answer: To pump sewage from lower to higher elevations where gravity flow is not feasible
Lift stations use pumps to move sewage uphill when the terrain prevents gravity flow to the wastewater treatment facility.
Which federal act primarily governs the quality of drinking water in US municipal systems?
Answer: Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 authorizes EPA to set standards for drinking water quality in public water systems.
In roadway design, what does the 'level of service' (LOS) metric primarily measure?
Answer: Quality of traffic flow and driver experience on a roadway
LOS is a qualitative measure (A through F) describing operating conditions in a traffic stream, with A being free flow and F representing breakdown.
What is the purpose of a retention pond in urban stormwater management?
Answer: To permanently store water and release it slowly through evaporation and infiltration
Retention ponds permanently hold water and manage stormwater through evaporation, infiltration, and plant uptake rather than discharging to outfall.
Which geotechnical test is most commonly used to evaluate subgrade soil bearing capacity for pavement design?
Answer: California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
The CBR test measures the shear strength of subgrade soils relative to crushed stone, providing a key input for flexible pavement thickness design.
What is a 'right-of-way' (ROW) in municipal infrastructure terms?
Answer: The legal authority to construct and maintain infrastructure on public or private land
ROW is the legal right to use land for public infrastructure such as streets, utilities, and transit, either owned by the municipality or obtained through easement.
Which type of intersection control is most appropriate for low-volume, low-speed urban intersections to reduce severe right-angle crashes?
Answer: Single-lane roundabout
Single-lane roundabouts reduce severe right-angle and head-on conflicts by converting them to lower-speed sideswipe angles, making them effective at low-volume intersections.