Question

A recently constructed sea wall with a curved design is shown here. The purpose of the sea wall is to repel water that may infiltrate land from a storm surge or high tides. What step in the engineering design process likely occurred immediately before construction of the sea wall?
Responses
A An identical wall was built in an area without risk of flooding.An identical wall was built in an area without risk of flooding.
B Scientists asked engineers to several walls of various materials.Scientists asked engineers to several walls of various materials.
C A prototype was built on a smaller scale to test flaws in the design.A prototype was built on a smaller scale to test flaws in the design.
D Engineers asked scientists which material was least expensive for construction.Engineers asked scientists which material was least expensive for construction.

Answer 1

C — A prototype was built on a smaller scale to test flaws in the design.

Engineers typically build and test a small-scale model or prototype to evaluate performance (e.g., wave deflection, stability, material behavior) before full-scale construction.