A highway reconstruction project is being undertaken to reduce crash rates. The reconstruction involves a major realignment of the highway such that a 60mph design speed is attained. At one point on the highway, a 720-ft equal tangent crest vertical curve exists. Measurements show that 3 40 stations from the PVC, the vertical curve offset is 3.5ft. Assess the adequacy of this existing curve in light of the reconstruction design speed of 60mph and, if the existing curve is inadequate, compute a satisfactory curve length.

An external consultant recommends that a plant installs a bank of capacitors for power factor correction. this will reduce the peak electrical demand charges by an average of 93 kw every month. the plant current pays $13 per kw in peak demand charges. the capacitor bank will include 223 kw of fixed capacitors, and 183 of variable capacitors. the fixed capacitors cost $59 per kw, and the variable capacitors will cost $65 per kw. the consultant charges 21% of the equipment costs to install the capacitors. because this project will reduce the demand for the electric utility, they are prepared to provide a one-time rebate of $42 per kw of reduced demand. what is the simple payback period for this project (in years)?