Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

Friction and skid resistance are fundamental engineering principles when designing roadways because they directly influence vehicle safety and performance. Adequate friction between the tire and the roadway surface is essential for vehicles to stop effectively, maintain control, and navigate turns without skidding. The surface texture and material used in road construction play a critical role in providing the necessary skid resistance, especially in varying weather conditions such as rain or snow.

Properly designing roads with adequate friction characteristics helps to prevent accidents and enhances overall operational safety. Engineers must consider factors such as surface types, drainage, and maintenance to ensure that friction levels remain effective over time. Consequently, the roadway's design significantly impacts both vehicle dynamics and driver behavior, making it a primary consideration in roadway engineering.

While color and texture, historical preservation, and waste management are all important aspects in various contexts, they do not have the same direct impact on safety and operational efficiency for roadway designs as friction and skid resistance do.