What was the approximate area of the Terminal Station-West, a portion of the New York Tunnel Extension of the Pennsylvania Railroad?
- 3.2 acres
- 5.2 acres
- 6.3 acres
- 7.3 acres
Correct Answer: 6.3 acres
Correct Answer Explanation: The Terminal Station-West covered a significant portion of the project, spanning approximately 6.3 acres.
What type of rock was primarily encountered during the excavation of the Terminal Station-West?
- Limestone
- Sandstone
- Gneiss
- Granite
Correct Answer: Gneiss
Correct Answer Explanation: The site presented challenges with various types of gneiss rock, ranging from granite to mica schist, which varied in stability and susceptibility to slides.
What major piece of infrastructure did the construction team have to carefully underpin during the Terminal Station-West project?
- A four-track elevated railway
- A three-track elevated railway
- A two-track elevated railway
- A single-track elevated railway
Correct Answer: A three-track elevated railway
Correct Answer Explanation: The project involved the intricate process of underpinning a three-track elevated railway structure, showcasing the complex engineering involved in supporting existing infrastructure.
How many buildings were demolished to make way for the Terminal Station-West?
- 74 buildings
- 84 buildings
- 94 buildings
- 104 buildings
Correct Answer: 94 buildings
Correct Answer Explanation: The construction of the Terminal Station-West required the demolition of 94 existing buildings, reflecting the extensive scale of the project and the transformation of the surrounding area.
What method was primarily used to transport excavated materials from the Terminal Station-West to a disposal pier?
- Barges
- Trucks
- Trains
- A trestle
Correct Answer: A trestle
Correct Answer Explanation: The project utilized a trestle to transport excavated materials to a disposal pier, showcasing the logistical complexities of large-scale construction and the need for efficient material handling.
What was the approximate daily passenger count of the Ninth Avenue Elevated Railway during the Terminal Station-West construction?
- 50,000 passengers
- 70,000 passengers
- 90,000 passengers
- 110,000 passengers
Correct Answer: 90,000 passengers
Correct Answer Explanation: The Ninth Avenue Elevated Railway was a vital transportation link, carrying an average of 90,000 passengers daily throughout the construction period, highlighting the importance of maintaining essential services during such a major project.
What percentage of the excavated material at the Terminal Station-West was solid rock?
- 77%
- 87%
- 97%
- 107%
Correct Answer: 87%
Correct Answer Explanation: The project involved removing a substantial volume of rock, with 87% of the total excavated material consisting of solid rock, showcasing the significant geological challenges faced during construction.
What was the approximate total volume of earth and rock excavated during the Terminal Station-West project?
- 321,000 cubic yards
- 421,000 cubic yards
- 521,000 cubic yards
- 621,000 cubic yards
Correct Answer: 521,000 cubic yards
Correct Answer Explanation: The Terminal Station-West project involved excavating a massive volume of material, removing approximately 521,000 cubic yards of earth and rock, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
What type of concrete mixture was primarily used for the construction of the retaining and face walls at the Terminal Station-West?
- 1:2:4
- 1:2:5
- 1:3:6
- 1:3:7
Correct Answer: 1:3:6
Correct Answer Explanation: The project utilized a 1:3:6 concrete mixture for the construction of various structural elements, including the retaining and face walls, highlighting the specific material requirements for achieving the desired strength and durability.
What was the approximate length of the concrete wall sections at the Terminal Station-West, despite initial suggestions for longer sections?
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 75 feet
- 100 feet
Correct Answer: 50 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The decision to limit the length of concrete wall sections to 50 feet, despite initial suggestions for 100-foot sections, showcases the ongoing adjustments and decisions made during construction to ensure optimal results and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
What type of material was primarily used for the construction of the Tenth Avenue Portal?
- Sandstone
- Granite
- Limestone
- Marble
Correct Answer: Granite
Correct Answer Explanation: The Tenth Avenue Portal, a significant architectural feature, was constructed using close-grained granite from Millstone Point, Connecticut, showcasing the selection of durable and aesthetically pleasing materials for important structural elements.
What was the primary function of the power-house established for the Terminal Station-West project?
- Providing electricity for lighting
- Providing steam for heating
- Providing compressed air for construction
- Providing water for cooling
Correct Answer: Providing compressed air for construction
Correct Answer Explanation: The power-house, equipped with steam and electric air compressors, was established to supply compressed air for various construction operations, highlighting the significant energy requirements of such a large-scale project.
What was the approximate capacity of the power-house’s compressed air output?
- 14,000 cubic feet of free air per minute
- 16,000 cubic feet of free air per minute
- 18,000 cubic feet of free air per minute
- 19,000 cubic feet of free air per minute
Correct Answer: 19,000 cubic feet of free air per minute
Correct Answer Explanation: The power-house had a substantial capacity of 19,000 cubic feet of free air per minute, reflecting the energy demands of various pneumatic tools and operations employed during construction.
What was the primary use of the disposal pier established for the Terminal Station-West project?
- Loading and unloading materials for construction
- Loading and unloading excavated materials onto scows
- Loading and unloading passengers for transportation
- Loading and unloading fuel for machinery
Correct Answer: Loading and unloading excavated materials onto scows
Correct Answer Explanation: The disposal pier played a crucial role in material management, serving as a hub for unloading materials and loading excavated materials onto scows for transportation to disposal sites, showcasing the complex logistics of such a large-scale project.
Who was the primary figure responsible for overseeing the engineering aspects of the Terminal Station-West project?
- Chief Engineer
- Resident Engineer
- Chief Assistant Engineer
- Project Manager
Correct Answer: Chief Engineer
Correct Answer Explanation: The project was overseen by a dedicated team of engineers, led by a Chief Engineer, who played a pivotal role in guiding and directing the engineering aspects of the Terminal Station-West construction.
What was the approximate percentage of the project cost attributed to engineering salaries alone?
- 1.7%
- 2.7%
- 3.7%
- 4.7%
Correct Answer: 2.7%
Correct Answer Explanation: The project’s engineering cost accounted for 2.8% of the total project cost, with a significant portion of that cost, 2.7%, being attributed solely to engineering salaries, demonstrating the substantial investment in expertise and technical knowledge required for such a complex undertaking.
What geological term describes the twisting and bending of rock formations?
- Stratification
- Contortions
- Batter
- Glacial marks
Correct Answer: Contortions
Correct Answer Explanation: Contortions refer to the twisting and bending of rock formations, often resulting from geological processes like tectonic activity or folding, which presented challenges during the excavation of the Terminal Station-West.
What term refers to the level surface on a bridge abutment that supports the bridge structure?
- Batter
- Bridge seat
- Tie-rods
- Diaphragms
Correct Answer: Bridge seat
Correct Answer Explanation: A bridge seat is the level surface on a bridge abutment that directly supports the bridge structure, ensuring a stable foundation for the bridge, relevant to the underpinning of the Ninth Avenue elevated railway structure.
What is the purpose of tie-rods in concrete wall construction?
- To prevent cracking
- To provide reinforcement
- To connect walls to surrounding rock
- To create a drainage system
Correct Answer: To connect walls to surrounding rock
Correct Answer Explanation: Tie-rods are steel rods used to connect concrete walls to the surrounding rock, enhancing the stability of the walls and ensuring long-term structural integrity, a key element in the construction of the Terminal Station-West.
What is the function of diaphragms in concrete forms?
- To provide reinforcement
- To prevent cracking along specific lines
- To create a drainage system
- To enhance insulation
Correct Answer: To prevent cracking along specific lines
Correct Answer Explanation: Diaphragms are thin, vertical plates inserted into concrete forms to create weak sections, preventing cracking along specific lines, contributing to the overall structural integrity of the concrete walls.
What was the approximate weight supported during the underpinning of the Ninth Avenue elevated railway structure?
- 2,000 tons
- 3,000 tons
- 4,000 tons
- 5,000 tons
Correct Answer: 5,000 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The complex process of underpinning the Ninth Avenue elevated railway structure involved supporting a substantial weight of approximately 5,000 tons, showcasing the engineering challenges and the importance of precise calculations and robust support systems.
What was the approximate total number of passengers carried by the Ninth Avenue Elevated Railway during the entire construction period of the Terminal Station-West?
- 50,000,000 passengers
- 70,000,000 passengers
- 90,000,000 passengers
- 100,000,000 passengers
Correct Answer: 100,000,000 passengers
Correct Answer Explanation: The Ninth Avenue Elevated Railway continued to operate during the construction, carrying an estimated 100,000,000 passengers throughout the project, demonstrating the critical role of maintaining transportation services during a major infrastructure project.
What was the approximate average cubic yards of earth excavated per 10-hour shift by a steam shovel?
- 150 cubic yards
- 180 cubic yards
- 210 cubic yards
- 240 cubic yards
Correct Answer: 180 cubic yards
Correct Answer Explanation: Steam shovels, a common excavation tool, were employed during the project, achieving an average excavation rate of 180 cubic yards of earth per 10-hour shift, showcasing the efficiency of the machinery and the progress made in excavating the massive volume of material.
What was the approximate linear feet of drilling per 8-hour shift achieved by the drill crews?
- 23 linear feet
- 28 linear feet
- 33 linear feet
- 38 linear feet
Correct Answer: 33 linear feet
Correct Answer Explanation: Drill crews played a critical role in the rock excavation process, achieving an average of 33 linear feet of drilling per 8-hour shift, showcasing the efficiency and productivity of the drilling operations.
What was the approximate cubic yards of excavation per drill shift achieved?
- 11.9 cubic yards
- 12.9 cubic yards
- 13.9 cubic yards
- 14.9 cubic yards
Correct Answer: 13.9 cubic yards
Correct Answer Explanation: The drill crews achieved an average of 13.9 cubic yards of excavation per shift, demonstrating the effectiveness of the drilling process in breaking up and removing the rock material.
What was the approximate feet of drilling per cubic yard of excavation?
- 2.2 feet
- 2.4 feet
- 2.6 feet
- 2.8 feet
Correct Answer: 2.4 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The drill crews achieved an average of 2.4 feet of drilling per cubic yard of excavation, highlighting the relationship between the drilling efforts and the amount of material removed, illustrating the efficiency of the process.
What was the approximate cubic yards of excavation per pound of dynamite used?
- 2.0 cubic yards
- 2.2 cubic yards
- 2.4 cubic yards
- 2.6 cubic yards
Correct Answer: 2.2 cubic yards
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of dynamite was a critical aspect of the rock excavation process, with an average of 2.2 cubic yards of excavation per pound of dynamite used, demonstrating the effectiveness of blasting in removing large quantities of rock.
What was the approximate cubic yards of excavation per derrick shift achieved?
- 40 cubic yards
- 50 cubic yards
- 60 cubic yards
- 70 cubic yards
Correct Answer: 50 cubic yards
Correct Answer Explanation: Derricks, essential equipment for lifting and moving heavy materials, achieved an average of 50 cubic yards of excavation per shift, showcasing their contribution to the efficient removal of excavated material.
What was the approximate number of men in the derrick force per shift?
- 11 men
- 12 men
- 13 men
- 14 men
Correct Answer: 13 men
Correct Answer Explanation: The derrick force, responsible for operating the derricks, consisted of approximately 13 men per shift, demonstrating the workforce required for operating these large pieces of equipment during excavation and construction.
What was the approximate percentage of the project cost attributed to engineering?
- 1.8%
- 2.8%
- 3.8%
- 4.8%
Correct Answer: 2.8%
Correct Answer Explanation: The engineering cost accounted for 2.8% of the total project cost, highlighting the significant investment in engineering expertise and the crucial role it played in planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of the Terminal Station-West.