Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam 2026 - Free PE Practice Questions and Study Guide

In geotechnical engineering, open-loop systems are characterized by allowing water to flow freely. This is fundamentally different from closed-loop systems, where the flow of water is contained and recirculated within a defined pathway. The nature of open-loop systems is that they typically draw in water from an external source and discharge it without returning it to the initial source.

This ability to permit unrestricted flow enables open-loop systems to be used effectively in applications such as cooling, groundwater extraction, or dewatering processes. By allowing water to flow freely, these systems can manage groundwater levels or provide the necessary cooling for construction activities seasonally.

In contrast, recirculation, efficiency, and constant monitoring are characteristics more aligned with closed-loop systems, where maintaining defined flow rates and levels is critical for performance and safety. The principle of free flow is crucial in configurations where environmental interaction or impact is a factor, making option B the defining feature of open-loop systems in this context.