Civil FE Surveying Practice Problem (FE Exam)

In this article (and video above), I take you through a surveying practice problem for the PE Exam, step by step, and show you the best approach to solving it.

This sample problem has been provided to us by PrepFE. PrepFE is one of the most effective FE exam self-study prep services out there and happens to be one of the most affordable too.  It is an app that gives you access to countless sample FE problems to bolster your self-study efforts.

You can visit PrepFE here and use the discount code in the description of this video here to receive 10% off and get some great FE practice problems.

Following Is the Sample Problem:

A level circuit was run from Station 1+00 to Station 2+00 and back. Partial leveling notes were taken as shown on the table below. What is most nearly the elevation at Station 2+00?

Solution:

HI = Elevation of the surveying instrument from datum
BS = Backsight reading
FS = Foresight reading
Elev. = Station elevation from datum

Ultimately, we must solve for the elevation at station 2+00. By looking at the figure, we can infer that:

During the actual FE exam, you will have to quickly sketch out the figure above in order to come up with a solution. Just remember what HI, BS, and FS mean and you’ll be prepared for this question.

Answer:

I hope you found this week’s surveying practice problem helpful. In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. 

We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel.  Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success