Free FE Civil Practice Problems with Step-by-Step Solutions

If you're preparing for the FE Civil Exam, working through realistic practice problems is one of the most effective ways to build both confidence and sharpen your problem-solving abilities. Working through full problems forces you to engage, apply concepts, and identify gaps in your knowledge. Below are five sample problems with full solutions at the bottom of the page to help you practice.

Sample Problem 1

A transportation engineer is analyzing the southbound approach of a signalized intersection during the peak hour. This approach includes two lanes: one through lane and one shared left-through lane. The engineer recorded the following vehicle volumes in 15-minute intervals:

Time Interval	Through Lane Volume (vehicles)	Shared Left-Through Volume (vehicles)
4:00-4:15	150	110
4:15-4:30	165	120
4:30-4:45	180	140
4:45-5:00	160	130

What is the peak-hour factor for the entire southbound approach?

A. 0.9

B. 1.9

C. 1.5

D. 2.7

Sample Problem 2

A soil sample was tested in the laboratory. Based on the test results, the liquid limit is 42, the plasticity index is 13, and the percent passing the No. 200 sieve is 62%. If the moisture content is 18%, what is the appropriate AASHTO classification?

A. A-2

B. A-4

C. A-7-5

D. A-7-6

Sample Problem 3

A splitting tensile test was performed on a 6-inch diameter, 12-inch long concrete cylinder. If the failure load was 2,200 lbs, the splitting tensile strength is most nearly:

A: 20 psi

B. 25 psi

C. 30 psi

D. 35 psi

Sample Problem 4

Which of the following statements about structural members and force systems in mechanics of materials is incorrect?

A. A pin-connected column will buckle about the principal axis of the cross section having the greatest moment of inertia

B. Concurrent forces are two or more forces whose lines of action intersect at the same point

C. A couple is a system of two forces that are oppositely directed, parallel to each other, and equal in magnitude

D. Columns are structural members that are subject to axial loads through the centroid

Sample Problem 5

A construction project has the following activities and durations. The relationships are shown using Finish-to-Start (FS) logic.

Activity	Duration (days)	Predecessor(s)
A	3	-
B	4	A
C	2	A
D	5	B, C
E	2	C

What is the total project duration?

A. 10 days

B. 11 days

C. 12 days

D. 13 days

Why practice problems are crucial for FE success

The FE exam allows access to a Reference Handbook during the test. Success depends on how well you understand and can apply the reference quickly. By working through practice problems with detailed solutions, you’ll develop strategies for efficient problem-solving and effective reference use, both critical for the exam.

To further help you prepare, StrataWay offers a Civil FE Sample Exam, which is a representative 110 multiple-choice practice test, and the Civil FE Exam Companion, which features 150 exam-style conceptual problems with step-by-step solutions.

Solution to Sample Problem 1

Answer: A

Calculate the total volume for each 15-minute interval and the total volume during the peak hour:

4:00-4:15 = 260 vehicles

4:15-4:30 = 285 vehicles

4:30-4:45 = 320 vehicles

4:45-5:00 = 290 vehicles

260 + 285 + 320 + 290 = 1,155 vehicles

Identify the peak 15-minute interval: The highest 15-min interval is 320 vehicles.

Calculate the peak-hour factor:

PHF = V/(V₁₅ × 4)

PHF = 1,155 vehicles/(320 vehicles × 4)

PHF = 0.9

Solution to Sample Problem 2

Answer: D

Reference the AASHTO Soil Classification chart in the Geotechnical Section of the Reference Handbook.

First, determine the general soil type. If more than 35% passes the No. 200 sieve, then the soil is silt-clay (fines-dominated), which classifies under A-4 to A-7. In our case, 62% passes, so this soil is a silt-clay type.

Then, apply LL and PI criteria. Focus on silt-clay groups from the AASHTO chart. We are given LL = 42 and PI = 13. Based on this, we know that the soil is either A-7-5 or A-7-6. Per the chart, PI of A-7-5 subgroup is equal to or less than LL – 30, and PI of A-7-6 subgroup is greater than LL − 30. The soil fits the criteria for A-7-6.

Solution to Sample Problem 3

Answer: A

f΄_t = 2P/πld

f΄_t = (2 × 2,200 lbs)/(π × 12 inches × 6 inches)

f΄_t = 19.45 psi

Solution to Sample Problem 4

Answer: A

A pin-connected column will buckle about the principal axis of the cross section having the least moment of inertia.

Solution to Sample Problem 5

Answer: C

Activity A: No predecessor, so it starts at day 0. Duration = 3 days. EF = ES + Duration = 0 + 3 = 3.

Activity B: Predecessor = A → starts after A finishes. ES = 3 (since A finishes at day 3). Duration = 4. EF = 3 + 4 = 7.

Activity C: Predecessor = A → also starts after A finishes. ES = 3. Duration = 2. EF = 3 + 2 = 5.

Activity D: Predecessors = B and C → must wait until both finish. B finishes at 7, C finishes at 5 → so D starts at max(7, 5) = 7. Duration = 5. EF = 7 + 5 = 12.

Activity E: Predecessor = C → starts after C finishes. C finishes at 5 → so E starts at 5. Duration = 2. EF = 5 + 2 = 7.

Identify the critical path. Now we trace the path(s) and calculate total durations:

1. Path 1: A → B → D

   • 3 (A) + 4 (B) + 5 (D) = 12 days

2. Path 2: A → C → D

   • 3 (A) + 2 (C) + 5 (D) = 10 days

3. Path 3: A → C → E

   • 3 (A) + 2 (C) + 2 (E) = 7 days

The critical path is A → B → D, and its duration is 12 days. This is the minimum time to complete the entire project because any delay along this path will delay the project.