Saturday, July 6, 2013

Structural Engineering PE Exam Study Guide




RESOURCE LIBRARY

A well assembled resource library will be the best tool in your toolbox on test day. I've found, through interviewing numerous engineers, that the best way to be fully prepared for the exam is to have the right resources on test day.

Your resource library should consist of applicable, test-specific resources. For instance, as a Structural Engineer, you should have a current copy of the International Building Code that you are thoroughly familiar with. A good portion of the exam will focus on code-specific or code-related questions such as:

An architect is planning on utilizing Type IV –HT (heavy timber) construction on a new building.  As dictated by the code, the minimum size/type columns that can be used to support floor loads is:

a.    6"x6"; sawn or glued laminated

b.    8"x6"; glued laminated

c.    8"x8"; sawn or glued laminated

d.    8"x8"; sawn

Solution: According to the International Building Code section 602 – Construction Classification, an 8"x8"; sawn or glued laminated column is the minimum acceptable size.  Answer - C.

Get your copy of the Structural Engineering PE Exam Study Guide at:

http://www.engineeringdesignresources.com



ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

There will also be questions that come directly from ASCE 7 such as:

Given the four identically constructed buildings below and based on ASCE 7-05 Table 1-1 (or International Building Code table 1604.5) and ASCE 7-05 Table 11.5-1 (shown below), which one would have the highest importance factor (I)?
a.    Church with a sanctuary capacity of 450
b.    Elementary school with a capacity of 700
c.    Water treatment facility
d.    An air traffic control tower

Solution:
The Church, elementary school and water treatment facility are all Occupancy Category III with an Importance Factor of 1.25.  The air traffic control tower is an Occupancy Category IV with an Importance Factor of 1.5. Answer - D.



OTHER CODES

Additionally, you can expect to see questions on the exam related to the American Concrete Institute, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Forest & Paper Association, OSHA, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, and others.

Take time digging out the resources you need and assembling your test-day resource library. This will be the best and most efficient use of your preparation time.

The Structural Engineering PE Exam Study Guides are a great resource to help you prepare for the exam and put together your reference library. You can get your copy at:

http://www.engineeringdesignresources.com

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