PE Civil - Structural Practice Exam

David Caon (23-240-25) david.caon.eng@gmail.
com
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PEcivil: structural
practice exam
David Caon (23-240-25) [email protected]

Copyright © 2021 by NCEES. All rights reserved.
All NCEES sample questions and solutions are copyrighted under the laws of the United States. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written
permission of NCEES. Requests for permissions should be addressed in writing to [email protected].
ISBN 978-1-947801-20-2
Printed in the United States of America

July 2021 First Printing

CONTENTS
Introduction to NCEES Exams....................................................................1

About NCEES
Exam format
Examinee Guide
Scoring and reporting
Updates on exam content and procedures
Exam Specifications ......................................................................................3
PE Civil: Structural Practice Exam ............................................................7
PE Civil: Structural Solutions .......................................................... 63
iii


About NCEES
NCEES is a nonprofit organization made up of the U.S. engineering and surveying licensing boards in
all 50 states, the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. We develop and score the exams used for
engineering and surveying licensure in the United States. NCEES also promotes professional mobility
through its services for licensees and its member boards.
Engineering licensure in the United States is regulated by licensing boards in each state and territory. These
boards set and maintain the standards that protect the public they serve. As a result, licensing requirements
and procedures vary by jurisdiction, so stay in touch with your board (ncees.org/licensing-boards).
Exam format
Beginning in 2022, the PE Civil: Structural exam will be computer-based. It will contain 80 questions
and be administered year-round via computer at approved Pearson VUE test centers. A 9-hour
appointment time will include a tutorial, the exam, and a break. You will have 8 hours to complete the
actual exam.
In addition to traditional multiple-choice questions with one correct answer, the exam will use common
alternative item types such as
• Multiple correct options—allows multiple choices to be correct
• Point and click—requires examinees to click on part of a graphic to answer
• Drag and drop—requires examinees to click on and drag items to match, sort, rank, or label
• Fill in the blank—provides a space for examinees to enter a response to the question
To familiarize yourself with the format, style, and navigation of a computer-based exam, view the
demos on ncees.org/ExamPrep and on the NCEES YouTube channel.
Examinee Guide
The NCEES Examinee Guide is the official guide to policies and procedures for all NCEES exams.
During exam registration and again on exam day, examinees must agree to abide by the conditions in the
Examinee Guide, which includes the CBT Examinee Rules and Agreement. You can download the
Examinee Guide at ncees.org/exams. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the current version.
Scoring and reporting

Results for computer-based exams are typically available 7–10 days after you take the exam. You will
receive an email notification from NCEES with instructions to view your results in your MyNCEES
account. All results are reported as pass or fail.
Updates on exam content and procedures

Visit us at ncees.org/exams for updates on everything exam-related, including specifications, exam-day
policies, scoring, and corrections to published exam preparation materials. This is also where you will
register for the exam and find additional steps you should follow in your state to be approved for the
exam.
1
2
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
3
NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering Examination

CIVIL–STRUCTURAL CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning in 2022
 The exam topics have not changed since April 2015 when they were originally published.
 The exam is computer-based. It is closed book with electronic references. The NCEES PE Civil
Reference Handbook and design standards applicable to the PE Civil–Structural exam are shown on
ncees.org.
 Examinees have 9 hours to complete the exam, which contains 80 questions. The 9-hour time
includes a tutorial and an optional scheduled break. Examinees work all questions.
 The exam uses both the International System of units (SI) and the US Customary System (USCS).
 The exam is developed with questions that will require a variety of approaches and methodologies,
including design, analysis, and application.
 The examples specified in knowledge areas are not exclusive or exhaustive.
Number of Questions
1. Project Planning 4–6

A. Quantity take-off methods
B. Cost estimating
C. Project schedules
D. Activity identification and sequencing
2. Means and Methods 3–5
A. Construction loads
B. Construction methods
C. Temporary structures and facilities
3. Soil Mechanics 5–8
A. Lateral earth pressure
B. Soil consolidation
C. Effective and total stresses
D. Bearing capacity
E. Foundation settlement
F. Slope stability
4. Structural Mechanics 5–8
A. Dead and live loads
B. Trusses
C. Bending (e.g., moments and stresses)
D. Shear (e.g., forces and stresses)
E. Axial (e.g., forces and stresses)
F. Combined stresses
G. Deflection
H. Beams
I. Columns
J. Slabs
K. Footings
L. Retaining walls
4
5. Hydraulics and Hydrology 6–9

A. Open-channel flow
B. Stormwater collection and drainage (e.g., culvert, stormwater inlets, gutter flow,
street flow, storm sewer pipes)
C. Storm characteristics (e.g., storm frequency, rainfall measurement and distribution)
D. Runoff analysis (e.g., Rational and SCS/NRCS methods, hydrographic application,
runoff time of concentration)
E. Detention/retention ponds
F. Pressure conduit (e.g., single pipe, force mains, Hazen-Williams, Darcy-Weisbach,
major and minor losses)
G. Energy and/or continuity equation (e.g., Bernoulli)
6. Geometrics 3–5
A. Basic circular curve elements (e.g., middle ordinate, length, chord, radius)
B. Basic vertical curve elements
C. Traffic volume (e.g., vehicle mix, flow, and speed)
7. Materials 5–8
A. Soil classification and boring log interpretation
B. Soil properties (e.g., strength, permeability, compressibility, phase relationships)
C. Concrete (e.g., nonreinforced, reinforced)
D. Structural steel
E. Material test methods and specification conformance
F. Compaction
8. Site Development 4–6
A. Excavation and embankment (e.g., cut and fill)
B. Construction site layout and control
C. Temporary and permanent soil erosion and sediment control (e.g., construction
erosion control and permits, sediment transport, channel/outlet protection)
D. Impact of construction on adjacent facilities
E. Safety (e.g., construction, roadside, work zone)
9. Analysis of Structures 13–20
A. Loads and load applications 4–6
1. Dead loads
2. Live loads
3. Construction loads
4. Wind loads
5. Seismic loads
6. Moving loads (e.g., vehicular, cranes)
7. Snow, rain, ice
8. Impact loads
9. Earth pressure and surcharge loads
10. Load paths (e.g., lateral and vertical)
11. Load combinations
12. Tributary areas
5
B. Forces and load effects 9–14

1. Diagrams (e.g., shear and moment)
2. Axial (e.g., tension and compression)
3. Shear
4. Flexure
5. Deflection
6. Special topics (e.g., torsion, buckling, fatigue, progressive collapse,
thermal deformation, bearing)
10. Design and Details of Structures 16–24
A. Materials and material properties 4–6
1. Concrete (e.g., plain, reinforced, cast-in-place, precast, pre-tensioned,
post-tensioned)
2. Steel (e.g., structural, reinforcing, cold-formed)
3. Timber
4. Masonry (e.g., brick veneer, CMU)
B. Component design and detailing 12–18
1. Horizontal members (e.g., beams, slabs, diaphragms)
2. Vertical members (e.g., columns, bearing walls, shear walls)
3. Systems (e.g., trusses, braces, frames, composite construction)
4. Connections (e.g., bearing, bolted, welded, embedded, anchored)
5. Foundations (e.g., retaining walls, footings, combined footings, slabs,
mats, piers, piles, caissons, drilled shafts)
11. Codes and Construction 6–10
A. Codes, standards, and guidance documents 4–6
1. International Building Code (IBC)
2. American Concrete Institute (ACI 318, 530)
3. Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI Design Handbook)
4. Steel Construction Manual (AISC)
5. National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS)
6. LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO)
7. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7)
8. American Welding Society (AWS D1.1, D1.2, and D1.4)
9. OSHA 1910 General Industry and OSHA 1926 Construction Safety Standards
B. Temporary structures and other topics 2–4
1. Special inspections
2. Submittals
3. Formwork
4. Falsework and scaffolding
5. Shoring and reshoring
6. Concrete maturity and early strength evaluation
7. Bracing
8. Anchorage
9. OSHA regulations
10. Safety management
6
PE CIVIL: STRUCTURAL PRACTICE EXAM
7
1. A 227-ft length of canal is to be lined with concrete for erosion control. With 12% allowance for
waste and overexcavation, the volume (yd3) of concrete that must be delivered is most nearly:
14 ft 2
7 in.
3
9 ft
LINED LENGTH = 227 ft

o A. 234
o B. 280
o C. 292
o D. 327
2. A track loader has an initial cost of $75,000 and a salvage value of $10,000 at the end of its
expected life of 10 years. Based on the straight-line method of depreciation, at the end of the
track loader's 8th year, its book value is most nearly:
o A. $10,000
o B. $15,000
o C. $23,000
o D. $48,750
3. The budgeted labor amount for an excavation task is $4,000. The hourly labor cost is $50 per
worker, and the workday is 8 hours. Two workers are assigned to excavate the material. The time
(days) available for the workers to complete this task is most nearly:
o A. 3
o B. 4
o C. 5
o D. 12.5
Copyright ©2021 by NCEES 8 NEXT

4. A CPM arrow diagram is shown below. Nine activities have been estimated with durations ranging
from 5 to 35 days. The minimum time (days) required to finish the project is most nearly:
7. ORDER & DELIVER METAL BUILDING

30 DAYS
6. PROCURE
REINFORCING
STEEL
7 DAYS
3. GRADE & 5. INSTALL
2. FORM & POUR POUR SLAB 4. ERECT FINISH
1. EXCAVATE ELEMENTS
FOOTINGS FOOTINGS ON GRADE BUILDING
START A B C D E F FINISH
10 DAYS 10 DAYS 5 DAYS 10 DAYS 10 DAYS
8. ROUGH IN
ELECTRIC &
PLUMBING
15 DAYS
9. PROCURE MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING ELEMENTS

35 DAYS
o A. 40
o B. 42
o C. 45
o D. 50
5. A bridge is to be jacked up to replace its bearings. The design requires a hydraulic ram with a
minimum capacity of 1,000 kilonewtons (kN). The hydraulic rams that are available are rated in
tons (2,000 lb/ton). The minimum size (tons) ram to use is most nearly:
o A. 1,110
o B. 250
o C. 150
o D. 100

6. A crane with a 100-ft boom is being used to set a small load on the roof of the building shown.
The minimum standoff (Point A) from the corner of the building to the centerline of the boom is
indicated. What is the maximum distance (ft) from the edge of the building that the load can be
placed on the roof?
A
5 ft
5 ft
45 ft BUILDING
BOOM FOOT
10 ft
10 ft
35 ft CL CRANE
o A. 16
o B. 25
o C. 30
o D. 36

7. A wall form subjected to a wind load of 20 psf is prevented from overturning by diagonal braces
spaced at 8 ft on center along the length of the wall form as shown in the figure. The connection
at the base of the form at Point A is equivalent to a hinge. Ignore the weight of the form. The
axial force (lb) resisted by the brace is most nearly:
16 ft BRACE
20 psf 10 ft
45°
A
o A. 2,050
o B. 2,560
o C. 2,900
o D. 4,525
8. Which one of the following statements regarding lateral earth pressures is correct?
o A. The lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil passive pressure is considerably
smaller than the lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil active pressure.
o B. The lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil passive pressure is slightly smaller
than the lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil active pressure.
o C. The lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil passive pressure is slightly larger
than the lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil active pressure.
o D. The lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil passive pressure is considerably
larger than the lateral strain required to fully mobilize the soil active pressure.

9. Site preparation and grading require the placement of 20 ft of new fill. An analysis of the resulting
consolidation of the underlying soft, saturated, compressible deposits reveals a mean consolidation
settlement of 22 in. affecting a 21.5-acre area. Prefabricated wick drains will be used to accelerate
the settlement to meet the project schedule. Because of contamination from the former site use,
the effluent from the wick drains must be collected and treated prior to disposal at an estimated
cost of $0.25 per gallon. Assume no loss of effluent during collection. The estimated treatment
and disposal cost for the wick drain effluent at this site is most nearly:
o A. $430,000
o B. $3,200,000
o C. $5,200,000
o D. $35,000,000
10. A soil profile is shown in the figure. The effective vertical stress (psf) at Point A is most nearly:
15 ft γ = 120 pcf 10 ft GROUNDWATER

SAND FILL LEVEL
7 ft γ = 110 pcf
POINT A
CLAY 7 ft
SANDSTONE
o A. 1,270
o B. 1,820
o C. 2,140
o D. 2,570

11. A bridge footing is to be constructed in sand. The groundwater level is at the ground surface. The
ultimate bearing capacity is based on what type of soil unit weight?
GROUNDWATER LEVEL
SAND
NOT TO SCALE
o A. Buoyant unit weight

o B. Saturated unit weight
o C. Dry unit weight
o D. Total unit weight
12. The figure shows two identical building footings with the same load but constructed in two
different soil types. Which of the following statements is most correct?
SAND LEAN CLAY

MEDIUM DENSE LIGHTLY OVERCONSOLIDATED
CASE I CASE II
o A. The long-term settlement for Case I is less than Case II.

o B. The long-term settlement for Case II is less than Case I.
o C. The long-term settlements are the same for both cases.
o D. Settlement is not a concern for either case.

13. The minimum factor of safety against rotational failure for permanent slopes under long-term,
nonseismic conditions influencing occupied structures is closest to:
o A. 1.0
o B. 1.1
o C. 1.5
o D. 3.0
14. In the figure below, what load combination produces the maximum uplift on Footing A?
DEAD
LIVE
WIND
FOOTING A
ELEVATION
o A. Dead
o B. Dead + live
o C. Dead + wind
o D. Dead + live + wind

15. A simply supported truss is loaded as shown in the figure. The loads (kips) for Members b and c are
most nearly:
b d l
a c
l l l l
100 kips 100 kips 100 kips
o A. Member b = 0
Member c = 0
o B. Member b = 0
Member c = 100
o C. Member b = 100
Member c = 0
o D. Member b = 100
Member c = 100
16. Consider two beams with equal cross sections, made of the same material, having the same support
conditions, and each loaded with equal uniform load per length. One beam is twice as long as the
other. The maximum bending stress in the longer beam is larger by a factor of:
o A. 1.25
o B. 2
o C. 3
o D. 4

17. The point load (kips) placed at the centerline of a 30-ft beam that produces the same maximum
shear in the beam as a uniform load of 1 kip/ft is most nearly:
o A. 7.5
o B. 15
o C. 30
o D. 60
18. The beam sections shown are fabricated from 1/2-in.  6-in. steel plates. Which of the following
cross sections will provide the greatest flexural rigidity about the x-axis?
o A. Option A
o B. Option B
o C. Option C
o D. Option D

19. A concrete gravity retaining wall having a unit weight of 150 pcf is shown in the figure. Use the
Rankine active earth pressure theory and neglect wall friction. The factor of safety against
overturning about the toe at Point O is most nearly:
2 ft
GRANULAR BACKFILL
GRAVITY WALL φ = 32°
8 ft C=0
γt = 110 pcf
O
4 ft
o A. 3.1
o B. 2.5
o C. 2.2
o D. 0.3
20. A drainage basin produces a stormwater runoff volume of 25.0 acre-ft, which must be drained
through a rectangular channel that is 4 ft wide and 2 ft deep and has a uniform slope of 0.2%.
Assume a Manning roughness coefficient of 0.022 and a constant depth of flow of 1.5 ft. The time
(hours) it will take to discharge the runoff is most nearly:
o A. 12.5
o B. 16.4
o C. 18.5
o D. 25.0

21. Two identical 12-in. storm sewers flow full at a 2% slope into a junction box. A single larger
pipe of the same material and slope flows out of the box. Assume the following pipe sizes are
commercially available. The minimum size (in.) of this downstream pipe designed to flow full is
most nearly:
o A. 16
o B. 18
o C. 20
o D. 24
22. The following table represents the rainfall recorded from all rain gauges located in and around a
drainage area:
Gauge A B C D E F G H I J K
Rainfall (in.) 2.1 3.6 1.3 1.5 2.6 6.1 5.1 4.8 4.1 2.8 3.0
Use the arithmetic mean method. The average precipitation (in.) for the drainage area is most
nearly:
o A. 3.4
o B. 3.7
o C. 4.1
o D. 37.0

23. The rational method must be used to determine the maximum runoff rate for a 90-acre downtown
area. The time of concentration for the 50-year frequency storm is 1 hour. Intensity-duration-
frequency curves and a table of runoff coefficients are provided. The maximum runoff rate (cfs),
based on the maximum runoff coefficient for a 50-year storm, is most nearly:
10
Description Runoff
100-year FREQUENCY
of Area Coefficients
RAINFALL INTENSITY (in./hr)
8 50-year FREQUENCY
20-year FREQUENCY Business
6 10-year FREQUENCY Downtown areas 0.70–0.95
5-year FREQUENCY Neighborhood areas 0.50–0.70
4
Residential
Single-family areas 0.30–0.50
2 Multiunits, detached 0.40–0.60
Multiunits, attached 0.60–0.75
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Residential (suburban) 0.25–0.40
DURATION (min)
INTENSITY-DURATION-FREQUENCY CURVES Apartment dwelling 0.50–0.70
areas
o A. 160 Industrial
Light areas 0.50–0.80
o B. 220 Heavy areas 0.60–0.90
o C. 300
Parks, cemeteries 0.10–0.25
o D. 340
Playgrounds 0.20–0.35
Railroad yard areas 0.20–0.40
Unimproved areas 0.10–0.30
Streets
Asphalt 0.70–0.95
Concrete 0.80–0.95
Brick 0.70–0.85
Drives and walks 0.75–0.85

24. A stormwater drainage ditch with a maximum capacity of 10 cfs discharges into a detention
basin. The detention basin volume is 400,000 gal. During a storm event, the average discharge
into the detention basin was 1.5 cfs. The time (hours) to fill the empty basin is most nearly:
o A. 1.5
o B. 9.9
o C. 11.1
o D. 74.1
25. Assume fully turbulent flow in a 1,650-ft section of 3-ft-diameter pipe. The Darcy–Weisbach
friction factor f is 0.0115. There is a 5-ft drop in the energy grade line over the section. The flow
rate (cfs) is most nearly:
o A. 16
o B. 29
o C. 50
o D. 810
26. Assume that Bernoulli's equation applies (ignore head losses) to the pipe flow shown in the figure.
Which of the following statements is most correct?
o A. Pressure head increases from 1 to 2.

o B. Pressure head decreases from 1 to 2.
o C. Pressure head remains unchanged from 1 to 2.
o D. Bernoulli's equation does not include pressure head.

27. The following information is for a proposed horizontal curve in a new subdivision:
PI station 12+40.00
Degree of curve 10
Deflection angle 1230′
The station of the PT is most nearly:
o A. 12+79.80
o B. 12+80.10
o C. 13+02.00
o D. 13+64.75
28. For the sag vertical curve shown, the tangent slope at Station 14+00 is most nearly:
STA. 15+00
STA. 12+00
300 ft
_ %
2.3 .00
0% +3
VPI 13+50
NOT TO SCALE
o A. +0.53%
o B. +1.23%
o C. +2.12%
o D. +2.77%

29. An interstate highway has the following traffic count data for a day in each month as shown
below:
Jan. 63,500
Feb. 62,100
Mar. 64,400
Apr. 64,900
May 75,800
June 77,300
July 78,950
Aug. 77,200
Sept. 70,050
Oct. 69,000
Nov. 66,000
Dec. 64,000
Annual Total 833,200
To determine the seasonal average daily traffic volume for June through August, the seasonal
factor to be multiplied by the average daily traffic volume is most nearly:
o A. 0.28
o B. 0.89
o C. 1.02
o D. 1.12
30. The most essential criteria for proper soil classification using the Unified Soil Classification
System or the AASHTO Soil Classification System are:
o A. water content and soil density

o B. Atterberg limits and specific gravity
o C. grain-size distribution and water content
o D. grain-size distribution and Atterberg limits

31. The standard penetration test (SPT) is widely used as a simple and economic means of obtaining
which of the following?
o A. A measurement of soil compressibility expressed in terms of a compression index

o B. A direct measurement of the undrained shear strength
o C. An indirect indication of the relative density of cohesionless soils
o D. A direct measurement of the angle of internal friction
32. A department of transportation must remove and replace a 12-ft  20-ft concrete slab on an
interstate facility. To minimize disruption to traffic, the work must be completed during an 8-hour
nighttime work shift. Nighttime temperatures average 50F. If the minimum required compressive
strength is 3,500 psi, the concrete mix most likely consists of:
o A. coarse aggregate, sand, Type II cement, chemical accelerator

o B. sand, Type III cement, water, chemical accelerator
o C. coarse aggregate, sand, Type V cement, water, chemical accelerator
o D. coarse aggregate, sand, Type III cement, water, chemical accelerator

33. Fatigue in steel can be the result of:
o A. a reduction in strength due to cyclical loads

o B. deformation under impact loads
o C. deflection due to overload
o D. expansion due to corrosion
34. Sample concrete cylinders that are 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches high are tested to determine
the compressive strength of the concrete fc . The test results are as follows:
Axial Compressive
Sample Failure Load
(lb)
1 65,447
2 63,617
3 69,872
Based on the test results, the average 28-day compressive strength (psi) is most nearly:
o A. 615
o B. 2,250
o C. 2,340
o D. 2,470

35. During testing of a sample in the laboratory, the following soil data are collected:
Combined weight of compacted soil sample and mold = 9.11 lb

Water content of soil sample = 11.5%
Weight of mold = 4.41 lb
Volume of mold = 0.03 ft3
The dry unit weight (pcf) of the soil sample is most nearly:
o A. 160
o B. 140
o C. 127
o D. 125
36. Refer to the figure. The net excess excavated material (yd3) from Station 1+00 to Station 3+00 is
most nearly:
o A. 160
o B. 262
o C. 390
o D. 463

37. An existing pipe connects two maintenance holes (MH). A third MH is planned between the two.
At the new MH, the elevation (ft) of the top of the pipe is most nearly:
o A. 623.06
o B. 627.56
o C. 628.06
o D. 628.56
38. Which of the following is not a stormwater erosion classification?
o A. Sheet erosion
o B. Rill erosion
o C. Gully erosion
o D. Rushing erosion

39. Based on the soil classification system found in the federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P,
Excavations, the soil adjacent to an existing building has been classified as Type B. An
undisturbed perimeter strip that is 5 ft wide is to be maintained along the face of the building.
The excavation is to be 12 ft deep. To meet OSHA excavation requirements, the minimum
horizontal distance X (ft) from the toe of the slope to the face of the structure is most nearly:
5 ft
12 ft
X
NOT TO SCALE
o A. 11
o B. 14
o C. 17
o D. 23


40. Based on the criteria provided, the steepest backslope (H:V) preferred in the ditch shown is most
nearly:
1
5
3 ft
FORESLOPE = V1:H1
1:10 1:8 1:6 1:5 1:4 1:3 1:2

0.5 1:2
0.4
1:3
BACKSLOPE = V 2 /H 2
BACKSLOPE = V2:H2
0.3
PREFERRED CHANNEL 1:4

CROSS SECTION 1:5
0.2
1:6
1:8
0.1 1:10
0
(FLAT) 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
FORESLOPE = V1/H1
This area is applicable to all Vee ditches, rounded channels with a bottom width less than
2.4 m [8 ft], and trapezoidal channels with bottom widths less than 1.2 m [4 ft].
This area is applicable to rounded channels with bottom width of 2.4 m [8 ft] or more and to
trapezoidal channels with bottom widths equal to or greater than 1.2 m [4 ft].
Adapted from AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, 4th edition, 2011.
o A. 2:1
o B. 3:1
o C. 5:1
o D. 6:1


41. The following data apply to the structure shown in the figure:
Ground snow load = 20 psf

Roof is fully exposed with wood shingles
Open terrain
Risk Category I
Unheated structure
Design Code:
ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, 3rd printing, 2010.
Roof joists span from the exterior walls to the ridge beam. The design snow load (psf) for roof
joists is most nearly:
o A. 10
o B. 12
o C. 16
o D. 20


42. The figure shows a one-story building with CMU walls on three sides and a glass storefront. The
uniform load shown in the figure is the wind reaction acting at the top of the wall, directly into the
diaphragm. The resultant force (kips) on Wall B from the wind acting on the front wall is most
nearly:
o A. 4
o B. 6
o C. 8
o D. 12


43. A two-story 100-ft  100-ft industrial facility in Seismic Design Category A has a second floor
that is used for storage and a 200-psf reduced floor live load. If the facility has a flat roof that
experiences a snow load of 50 psf and the total dead load of the building is 200,000 lb, the
minimum lateral force E (lb) for the entire building is most nearly:
o A. 2,000
o B. 7,000
o C. 22,000
o D. 27,000
44. A moving load is applied to a beam as shown in the figure. The maximum service moment (ft-kips)
carried by the beam is __________.
Enter your response in the blank.


45. A building floor is supported by steel beams as shown in the figure. The floor beams are spaced
10 ft o.c. at either side of the beam shown.
Assumptions:
All loads act simultaneously.
Neglect beam self-weight.
The live loads are non-reducible.
The total service load reaction (kips) at the support at A is most nearly:
o A. 3
o B. 14
o C. 28
o D. 35


46. The beam shown in the figure is loaded with a uniform load of 1 kip/ft and a point load of 6 kips
located 5 ft from the left end. The location of the maximum moment (ft) measured from the right
end is most nearly:
o A. 5.0
o B. 8.5
o C. 10.0
o D. 11.5
47. A loaded beam is shown in the figure. Using the method of moment distribution, the unbalanced
portion of the fixed-end moments (ft-kips) at Joint B is most nearly:
o A. 19
o B. 13
o C. 6
o D. 0


48. The beam shown in the figure is simply supported, and the dead load is negligible. A steel plate
is attached to the beam sufficiently to fully develop composite section. Ewood = 1.6  106 psi and
Esteel = 29  106 psi. The tensile stress in the steel (ksi) is most nearly:
o A. 2.6
o B. 14.4
o C. 18.6
o D. 23.5


49. A double-tee supported by an L-beam is loaded as shown in the figure.
Design Code:
ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2014.
The magnitude of the ultimate torsion (ft-kips) induced into the L-beam, by superimposed dead
and live load applied on the double-tee, is most nearly:
o A. 18.7
o B. 21.4
o C. 28.6
o D. 32.8


50. A beam is loaded as shown:
Select the two diagrams that most accurately represent the shear and bending moment for the
loaded beam shown.


51. Referring to the figure, the maximum flexural stress (psi) in the member is most nearly:
o A. 5,625
o B. 3,125
o C. 1,875
o D. 1,565
52. The figure shows a section with elements that are adequately connected to ensure composite
action. Assuming Q = 85 in3, the maximum horizontal shear stress (psi) in the member is most
nearly:
o A. 90
o B. 150
o C. 300
o D. 400


53. The pipe member shown in the figure has a constant section and the following properties:
Outside diameter 10 in.

Moment of inertia 90 in4
Area 7 in2
Neglecting the weight of the pipe, the maximum compressive stress (ksi) at the support is most
nearly:
o A. 2.9
o B. 4.9
o C. 13.3
o D. 16.2
54. A cable carrying traffic signal loads is shown in the figure. The deflection at point B is 12 in.
Neglect elongation of the cable. The tension force (lb) in the cable between C and D is most
nearly:
o A. 4,685
o B. 4,476
o C. 1,816
o D. 213


55. A structure is shown in the figure. For a stress check of column A1, which of the following
statements is true?
o A. Buckling in the north–south direction will control the column capacity.

o B. Buckling in the east–west direction will control the column capacity.
o C. Buckling in either direction might control the column capacity.
o D. Buckling will not control since both directions are stable.


56. Normal-weight concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 1 1/2 in., f c = 4,000 psi, has moderate
exposure to freezing and thawing. Neglecting tolerance, the recommended minimum air content
is most nearly:
o A. 4.5%
o B. 5.0%
o C. 5.5%
o D. 6.0%
57. Which of the following characterizes the typical failure of an over-reinforced concrete beam that
has a reinforcement ratio higher than the balanced ratio?
o A. The steel yields, and large deflections and tensile cracks will be observed prior to
failure.
o B. The concrete crushes, and large deflections and tensile cracks will be observed prior to
failure.
o C. The steel yields, and the beam fails suddenly without warning.
o D. The concrete crushes, and the beam fails suddenly without warning.


58. The figure shows a wall construction plan.
Design Code:
NDS: National Design Specification for Wood Construction ASD/LRFD, 2015 edition and
National Design Specification Supplement, Design Values for Wood Construction, 2015 edition.
Material:
Douglas Fir-Larch No. 2
Assumptions:
The gypsum board provides stud weak axis bracing.
CD = 1.6
CM = 1.0
Ct = 1.0
CF = 1.15
Ci = 1.00
Cp = 0.33 strong axis
Cp = 1.0 weak axis
Using allowable stress design, the maximum vertical load (lb) per stud is most nearly:
o A. 2,700
o B. 3,300
o C. 3,700
o D. 4,300


59. The following information applies to the masonry beam section shown:
  1,500 psi
fm
f y  60,000 psi
Design Code:
TMS 402/602: Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures (and
related commentaries), 2013.
Use allowable stress design. Assume shear load is resisted by shear reinforcement only. The
maximum allowable shear force (kips) for the beam is most nearly:
7 5/8"
#4-VERTICALS
AT 8" O.C.
1'-8"
2'-0"
REINFORCEMENT
4"
WALL OPENING
BELOW
BEAM SECTION
NOT TO SCALE
o A. 10
o B. 12
o C. 14
o D. 18


60. A concrete slab of uniform thickness is continuous for six spans and is supported by 12-in.-wide
concrete beams at 10 ft o.c. The following loads are applied to the slab:
DL 100 psf (includes self-weight)

LL 50 psf
Using ACI 318-14's alternate to frame analysis, the maximum factored negative moment in the
slab (ft-kips/ft) is most nearly:
o A. 1.35
o B. 1.47
o C. 1.67
o D. 1.80


61. The W1022 steel beam (Fy = 50 ksi) shown in the figure is only braced at the center of span.
Work either the ASD or the LRFD version of the question, considering the most conservative
instance.
ASD
The allowable flexural strength (ft-kips) of the beam is most nearly:
LRFD
The design moment capacity Mn (ft-kips) of the beam is most nearly:
o A. ASD = 45
LRFD = 68
o B. ASD = 51
LRFD = 76
o C. ASD = 56
LRFD = 84
o D. ASD = 65
LRFD = 97


62. A loaded prestressed beam is shown in the figure. The most likely prestressing strand pattern
would be:
o A. Option A
o B. Option B
o C. Option C
o D. Option D


63. The following information applies to the simply supported steel beam shown in the figure:
E = 29,000 ksi
Uniform load includes beam self-weight
Considering only deflection criteria, select all W sections from the list which meet a maximum
deflection criteria of ℓ/240.
Select the four that apply.
□ A. W12×40
□ B. W12×45
□ C. W12×50
□ D. W14×26
□ E. W14×30
□ F. W14×34
□ G. W16×26
□ H. W16×31


64. For the section shown, the unit shear force (kips/in.) in the welds connecting the top flange to the
web (total unit shear in the two weld lines combined) is most nearly:
o A. 1.5
o B. 3.0
o C. 5.5
o D. 10.0


65. Referring to the loaded truss shown in the figure, the force (kips) in Member AB is most nearly:
o A. 100 (compression)
o B. 125 (compression)
o C. 167 (tension)
o D. 167 (compression)


66. The figure shows a timber column.
Design Code:
NDS: National Design Specification for Wood Construction ASD/LRFD, 2015 edition and
National Design Specification Supplement, Design Values for Wood Construction, 2015 edition.
Assuming dry service, normal temperature conditions, and Ci = 1.00, the critical buckling design
value FcE (psi) using allowable stress design for the column is most nearly:
o A. 150
o B. 350
o C. 475
o D. 500


67. A lag screw connection is shown in the figure. The tensile force (lb) in the top lag screw is most
nearly:
o A. 582
o B. 619
o C. 800
o D. 2,400


68. A connection is shown in the figure.
Design Code:
AISC: Steel Construction Manual, 14th edition.
Material:
A36 steel
Assumptions:
The bolt is sufficient.
The concrete is sufficient.
The load P is equally distributed along the entire 6-in.-long angle.
The maximum load P (ASD) or Pn (LRFD) in kips that can be carried by the angle is most
nearly:
o A. ASD = 0.8
LRFD = 1.2
o B. ASD = 1.1
LRFD = 1.7
o C. ASD = 1.2
LRFD = 1.8
o D. ASD = 2.0
LRFD = 2.0


69. How is each roof diaphragm characterized? Label the correct characteristics on each diagram.


70. The concrete footing shown is subjected to load s from a braced frame. Assume the footing is
rigid compared to the soil. The maximum bearing pressure (ksf) under the footing is most nearly:
o A. 0.5
o B. 1.0
o C. 2.0
o D. 2.7


71. The figure shows a cast-in-place reinforced concrete spread footing for an interior column that is
concentrically loaded. Punching shear controls the footing thickness in the design. Neglecting the
shear strength of reinforcing, the design punching shear capacity of the footing (kips) per
ACI 318-14, is most nearly:
o A. 870
o B. 680
o C. 560
o D. 420


72. A concrete caisson is subjected to two separate loading conditions: a net uplift of 100 kips, or a net
gravity load of 75 kips. The loads are not applied simultaneously. The allowable soil skin friction
is 200 psf, and the allowable soil bearing pressure is 4,000 psf. Neglecting the weight of the
caisson, the required caisson diameter (ft) is most nearly:
o A. 8
o B. 7
o C. 6
o D. 5


73. Assuming a bearing-type connection, the load capacity (kips) for a 1-in.-diameter A307 through
bolt in double shear is most nearly:
o A. ASD = 10.6
LRFD = 15.9
o B. ASD = 21.2
LRFD = 31.9
o C. ASD = 28.4
LRFD = 53.0
o D. ASD = 56.9
LRFD = 56.7
74. The following information applies to the structure shown in the figure:
Neglect beam weight.

Beam is infinitely stiff.
Footing size is 24 in.  24 in. at each footing.
Soil vertical modulus of subgrade, K = 100 lb/in3
The vertical settlement (in.) of the footing at B is most nearly:
o A. 2.2
o B. 1.6
o C. 1.1
o D. 0.7


75. The cross section for a 50-ft-span, rectangular, prestressed beam is shown in the figure. The
beam has no mild reinforcing steel.
Design Code:
PCI: PCI Design Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete, 7th edition, 2010.
Design data for prestressing strands:
Low relaxation – 1/2-in. diameter

f pu  270 ksi
A s  0.153 in 2 per strand
Stress at release = 175 ksi per strand (after initial losses)
If the top fiber stress at the midspan of the beam due to the beam self-weight is 0.65 ksi, the total
top fiber stress (ksi) at release at midspan is most nearly:
o A. 0.01 (tension)
o B. 0.50 (tension)
o C. 0.99 (compression)
o D. 2.29 (compression)


76. A backfill material is described as sand-silt clay mix with plastic fines. The Unified Soil
Classification is SM-SC. Per ASCE 7, the estimated design lateral soil load (psf/foot of depth)
for relatively nonrigid walls is most nearly:
o A. 35
o B. 45
o C. 85
o D. 100
77. A building is to be constructed on a site defined as Site Class E with a 0.2-sec mapped spectral
response acceleration of 100% g. Per IBC 2015, the design spectral response acceleration at short
periods is most nearly:
o A. 0.60
o B. 0.73
o C. 0.90
o D. 1.60


78. The figure shows a cross section of a deck slab of a steel girder bridge.
Design Code:
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 7th edition, 2014.
The effective span length Leff to be used for the empirical design of the deck slab is most nearly:
8 1/2"
36"
3" 3"
18"
8'-6"
o A. 6'-9"
o B. 7'-0"
o C. 7'-3"
o D. 8'-6"


79. The formwork and shoring are in place at both levels of the two-story building shown. Shores are
spaced at 6 ft on center. Assume all Level 2 loads are carried by the formwork and shoring
during the roof pour. During placement of concrete at the roof, the service load (lb) in a shore at
Level 1 is most nearly:
o A. 4,930
o B. 9,860
o C. 11,650
o D. 15,420


80. The first five 28-day average standard-cured concrete strength tests are shown below.
Test 28-Day Average fc Date

1 4,215 March 3
2 4,160 March 7
3 3,625 March 11
4 4,010 March 12
5 4,015 March 16
The required f c = 4,000 psi. Which of the following statements is true?
o A. The concrete is unsatisfactory because the average of the last three consecutive tests is
less than the required f c .
o B. The concrete is unsatisfactory because Test 3 did not meet the required f c .
o C. The concrete is satisfactory because the average of the first three tests is greater than or
equal to the required f c .
o D. The concrete is satisfactory because Test 3 is within 500 psi of the required f c .
Copyright © 2021 by NCEES 61


PE CIVIL: STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS
63

Detailed solutions for each question begin on the next page. Unless otherwise noted, questions can be
solved using common engineering knowledge or the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook.
1 D 21 A 41 C 61 B
2 C 22 A 42 B 62 A
3 C 23 C 43 A 63 B, C, F, H
4 D 24 B 44 149–151 64 A
5 C 25 C 45 C 65 D
6 B 26 B 46 D 66 B
7 C 27 C 47 B 67 B
8 D 28 B 48 D 68 C
9 B 29 D 49 D 69 see solution
10 B 30 D 50 see solution 70 D
11 A 31 C 51 C 71 D
12 A 32 D 52 B 72 A
13 C 33 A 53 B 73 B
14 D 34 C 54 B 74 A
15 B 35 B 55 B 75 A
16 D 36 C 56 A 76 C
17 C 37 B 57 D 77 A
18 D 38 D 58 D 78 C
19 A 39 C 59 A 79 C
20 C 40 C 60 A 80 A
Copyright ©2021 by NCEES 64


3
1. Horizontal length of side slope  14   21.0 ft
2
Slope length  (14)2  (21) 2  25.24 ft
7
Cross-sectional area of lining   (2  25.24)  9  34.70 ft 2
12
(34.70  227)
Volume of lining   291.7 yd3
27
Delivered volume  291.7 yd 3  1.12  327 yd3
(waste)
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: D
2. $75,000  $10,000
D
10
D  $6,500
Book value after 8 years  $75,000  (8)($6,500)  $23,000
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: C
3. Crew cost = 2($50/hr) = $100/hr

$4,000
Days allowed = = 5 days
8 hr/day $100/hr 
4.

1 ton
5. 1, 000 kN  1, 000 kN   112.4 tons
8.896444 kN
150 tons > 112.4 tons
6. 40
tan  x   x  53.13
30
cos  53.13   100 ft  60 ft 40 ft
50 ft
60 ft  35 ft  25 ft
x
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: B 30 ft
7. w  (20 lb/ft 2 )(8 ft)  160 lb/vertical ft per brace location

 Ma  0
 M a  (160 lb/ft)(16 ft)(16 ft/2)  10 ft (R x )  0
Rx  2, 048 lb
(2, 048) 2
Axial load in brace   2,896 lb
1


8. The wall translation (or strain) required to achieve the passive state is at least twice that required
to reach the active state.
LATERAL PRESSURE
kp
kA
STRAIN 0
AWAY FROM AGAINST

BACKFILL BACKFILL
9. The solution is based on the knowledge that consolidation settlement is the result of the
expulsion of pore water from saturated soil due to imposed load. Therefore, the volume of the
wick drain effluent (water) to be treated equals the consolidation settlement volume over the
affected site area, and is computed as follows:
Affected area  21.5 acres × 43,560 ft 2 /acre  936,540 ft 2
Mean consolidation settlement over affected area  22 in. = 1.83 ft
Settlement volume = effluent volume  936,540 ft 2 ×1.83 = 1,713,868 ft 3
Convert to gal:1,713,868 ft 3 × 7.48 gal/ft 3  12,819,733 gal
Cost for effluent treatment and disposal  12,819,733 gal × $0.25/gal = $3,204,934
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: B
10. Effective vertical stress at Point A, v

 10 ft  120 pcf  5 ft 120 pcf  62.4 pcf   7 ft 110 pcf  62.4 pcf 
 1, 200 psf  288 psf  333 psf
 1,821 psf
11. The ultimate bearing capacity would be based on buoyant unit weight, also referred to as the
effective unit weight.
Effective unit weight = saturated unit weight – unit weight of water
THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: A


12. The long-term settlement for Case I is less than Case II because clay is subject to long-term
settlement.
13. The minimum factor of safety for permanent slopes is 1.5. Other references use a factor of safety
greater than or equal to 1.3, but of the options presented, 1.5 is the closest.
14. Because the structure is cantilevered, in addition to the wind, dead load and live load will
contribute to uplift.
15. By inspection, Member b = 0 kips, and Member c = 100 kips.
16. Beam stress, f = M/S, where M = wL2/8 and S = bh2/6.

S is equal for both beams, but M varies because it depends on beam length.
Beam 1 (shorter beam): M1 = wL2/8
Beam 2 (longer beam): M2 = w(2L)2/8 = 4wL2/8
M2 is four times greater than M1. Therefore, the maximum bending stress is four times greater in
the longer beam.
wL  1(30)  30 kips  15 kips

17. Uniform load: V 
2 2 2
Point load: V = P = 15 kips

2
P = 2(15) = 30 kips


18. Ix is maximum for this section by inspection, or calculate Ix  Ad2 for each section.
19.   32 K a  tan 2 (45  /2)  0.307

 t  110 pcf Pa  (0.5)(110)(8) 2 (0.307)  1, 081 lb/ft
M a  (1, 081)(8/3)  2,883 ft-lb/ft
(2)(8)(150)(1)(3)  7, 200 ft-lb/ft 
 total  8,800 ft-lb/ft
(1/2)(2)(8)(150)(1)(2)(2/3)  1, 600 ft-lb/ft 
SF  8,800/2,883  3.05
2 ft 2 ft × 8 ft × 150 pcf = 2,400 lb/ft
2 × 8 (150 pcf) = 1,200 lb/ft

2
8 ft
1,081 lb/ft
8 ft/3
POINT O
1.33 ft
2 ft 2 ft
3 ft
4 ft
20. 
Q  VA  1.49 R 2/3S1/2 A
n 
  (1.5 ft  4 ft) 
2/3 
  1.49  1/2  1.5 ft  4 ft
0.022  4 ft  2(1.5 ft) 
(0.002)  
 
 16.4 cfs
43,560 ft 3
Volume  25 acre-ft   1.089  106 ft 3
1 acre-ft
1.089  106 ft 3 1 min 1 hr
Time   
16.4 ft 3 / sec 60 sec 60 min
 18.5 hours


21. Q1 12 in. 2%
? in. 2%
Q2
Q1
12 in. 2%
2 Q1 = Q2
2  V1A1    V2 A 2 
 1.49  2/3 1/ 2   1.49  2/3 1/ 2 
2    A1  R1 S      A2  R 2 S 
 n    n  
  A1   
2/3
 A2  
2/3
2  A1       A 2    
  P1     P2  
2
 D2  1
A1    0.785 ft 2
4 4
P1    D    1  3.14 ft
    D 2 
2/3 
 2 
2  
  0.785    D 2  
2/3
4 
2  0.785       
  3.14    4    D 2   

 
   
 
 D 2   D 2/3
0.623  2  2 
 4  4 
 
 D 22   D 2 2/3
 
 4   4 
 
2/3
8/3  1  1 
   D2    
 4  4 
8/3
0.623  0.311  D 2 
3/8
 0.623 
   D2
 0.311 
12 in.
D 2  1.297 ft   15.6 in.  16 in.
ft


22. According to the arithmetic mean method, the average precipitation is simply the average of all
the rainfall gauges.
Average precipitation = (2.1 + 3.6 + 1.3 + 1.5 + 2.6 + 6.1 + 5.1 + 4.8 + 4.1 + 2.8 + 3.0)/11
= 3.4 in.
23. From the IDF curve, read a rainfall intensity of 3.5 in./hr for a 50-year frequency rainfall with a
60-min duration.
From the table, the runoff coefficient for a downtown area is 0.70–0.95. For the maximum runoff
rate, use the high value of 0.95.
Q = CiA = 0.95 × 3.5 in./hr × 90 ac
Q = 300 cfs
V
24. Time 
Q
ft 3
V  400, 000 gal   53, 476 ft 3
7.48 gal
Q  1.5 ft 3 /sec
53, 476 ft 3 1 hr
Time  3
  9.9 hours
1.5 ft /sec 3, 600 sec

L V2
25. The Darcy–Weisbach equation is h f = f
D 2g
where
hf = headloss, ft
f = friction factor, unitless
L = length, ft
D = diameter of pipe, ft
V = velocity, ft/sec
g = gravitational constant, 32.2 ft/sec2
Substituting gives
1, 650 ft V2
5 ft  0.0115  
3.0 ft 2  32.2 ft/sec2
V 2  50.91 ft 2 /sec 2
V  7.135 ft/sec
Q  VA  V   D 2  7.135 ft/sec   (3.0 ft) 2
4 4
Q  50 cfs
26. P1 v12 P v2
z1    z2  2  2
 2g  2g
z1  z 2
Since A1  A 2 , v1  v 2 .
v12 v 22
 
2g 2g
so P1  P2 to balance


27. R  5, 729.648/DC PI 12+40
 5, 729.648/10  572.96 ft
T
1  DEFLECTION = 12° 30′ = 12.5°
T  R tan     R tan (6.25)
2 
PC D°C = 10°
 572.96 (tan 6.25) PT
 572.96 (0.1095178) NOT TO SCALE
 62.75 ft
Station PC  Station PI  T
 12  40   62.75
 11  77.25
Station PT = Station PC + length of curve
Length of curve  L  100  /DC
 100(12.5)/10  125 ft
Station PT  Station PC  125 ft  11  77.25   125  13  02.25


28. L = KA
K = L/A
L = length of vertical curve, ft
A = algebraic difference in grades, percent  g 2  g1 
Given: VPC = 12+00

VPI = 13+50
VPT = 15+00
g1 = – 2.30%
g 2 = +3.00%
L = 300 ft
K L  300  56.60 ft/percent for the vertical curve.
A 3  (2.3)
The length from Station 14+00 to Station 15+00  100 ft
K L
A
A  L  100  1.77%
K 56.60
A  g 2  g1
Tangent slope at Station 14+00 = g1
g1  g 2  A  3.00%  1.77%  1.23%
Alternate solution:
Y  elevation at a point X ft from VPC

Y  slope at a point X ft from VPC
X  [14  00]  [12  00]  200 ft
g1  slope 1 in ft/ft
g 2  slope 2 in ft/ft
L  length of vertical curve, ft
 g  g1  2
Y  YVPC  g1X   2 X
 2L 
 g  g1 
Y  g1   2 X
 L 
 0.03  (0.023) 
Y   0.023    200  0.0123 ft/ft or 1.23%
 300 


  Jan. through Dec.
29. AADT 
12
 833, 200 /12  69, 433
  June through Aug.  77,300
78,950
77, 200
233, 450 / 3  77,817
Seasonal factor for June through August
 77,817 / 69, 433
 1.121
30. The commonly used soil classification systems for engineering applications are USCS and
AASHTO. Both of these systems use gradation and Atterberg limits as two of the criteria.
31. The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) N-value provides an indication of the relative density of
cohesionless soils.
32. An early-strength concrete is needed with a minimum compressive strength of 3,500 psi. To
achieve the requirements, a Type III cement and chemical accelerators would be necessary.
33. THE CORRECT ANSWER IS: A


34. Area = d2/4 = 28.3 in2
Compressive stress = axial load/area
65, 447
Sample 1 f c   2, 313 psi
28.3
63, 617
Sample 2 f c   2, 248 psi
28.3
69,872
Sample 3 f c   2, 469 psi
28.3
(2, 313  2, 248  2, 469)
Average   2, 343 psi
3
W Ws  Ww
35. Total density     
V Vs  Vw  Va
where   total density
W  total weight
V  total volume
Ws  weight soil
Ww  weight of water
Vs  volume of soil
Vw  volume of water
Va  volume of air
9.11 lb  4.41 lb
  156.67 lb/ft 3 (pcf )
0.03 ft 3

Dry unit weight of soil   d  
1 w
where w  moisture content
156.67 pcf
d   140.51 pcf
1  0.115


36. Use Average End Area Method.
Stationing Excavation (yd3) Embankment (yd3)

1+00 to 2+00 50  150 100
  370
2 27
2+00 to 3+00 50  0 100 0  40 100
  93   74
2 27 2 27
Total 463 74
Net excess excavated material = 463  74  389 yd3
37. Existing:
H  (2  88.4)  (0  23.0)  288.4  23.0  265.4 ft
V  630.32  609.39  20.93 ft
New:
H  (1  15.0)  (0  23.0)  115.0  23.0  92 ft
92
V   20.93  7.26 ft
265.4
Inv Elev.  630.32  7.26  623.06 ft
The top of the pipe will be above the invert elevation by (60 in.  6 in.)/12 in./ft = 4.50 ft
623.06  4.50  627.56 ft
38. Rushing erosion is not a stormwater erosion classification.


39. Type B soil has a maximum permissible slope of 1:1.
5 ft FACE OF
Therefore, a 12-ft depth requires a 12-ft distance. BUILDING
1:1 12 ft
TOE OF
SLOPE
12 ft
NOT TO SCALE
Because there is a 5-ft perimeter strip, the minimum distance from the toe of the slope to the face
of the structure = 12 ft +5 ft = 17 ft.


40.
FORESLOPE = V1:H1
1:10 1:8 1:6 1:5 1:4 1:3 1:2

0.5 1:2
0.4
1:3
BACKSLOPE = V 2 /H 2
BACKSLOPE = V2:H2
0.3
PREFERRED CHANNEL 1:4

CROSS SECTION KEY = 5:1
0.2 1:5
1:6
1:8
0.1 1:10
0
(FLAT) 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
FORESLOPE = V1/H1
This area is applicable to all Vee ditches, rounded channels with a bottom width less than
2.4 m [8 ft], and trapezoidal channels with bottom widths less than 1.2 m [4 ft].
This area is applicable to rounded channels with bottom width of 2.4 m [8 ft] or more and to
trapezoidal channels with bottom widths equal to or greater than 1.2 m [4 ft].
Adapted from AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, 4th edition, 2011.

41. p f  0.7 CeCt I s pg (Eq. 7.3-1)

where Ce  0.9 (Table 7-2)
Ct  1.2 (Table 7-3)
I s  0.8 (Table 1.5-2)
p g  20 psf
p f  (0.7)(0.9)(1.2)(0.8)(20)
 12.1 psf
ps  Cs p f (Eq. 7.4-1) and Cs  1.0 (Fig. 7-2)
 1.0(12.1)  12.1
Unbalanced snow load  I s p g (Par. 7.6.1)
 0.8(20)
 16 psf
16 psf controls
60(200)
42.  6 kips
2
43. Reference: IBC 2015/ASCE 7-10. IBC 2015 refers to ASCE 7-10.
Per ASCE 7-10, 11.7, (Seismic Design Category A)
F  0.01w w  dead load (Eq.1.4-1)

 0.01(200, 000)
 2, 000 lb
44. Maximum moment occurs when load is at beam midspan.

(20 kips)(30 ft)
M  PL   150 ft-kips
4 4
THE ACCEPTABLE RANGE IS: 149–151

45. Take moments about Support B:

R a  24  6.4  24  2  242 /2  20  1.55  82 /2  1  8  0
R a  28 kips
46. Calculate reactions by taking moments about Support A:
(6 kips)(5 ft)  (1 kip/ft)(20 ft)(20 ft/2)  R B (20 ft)

R B  11.5 kips; R A  14.5 kips
Location of maximum moment is where shear diagram = 0
3.5 kips 11.5 kips

x (15 ft  x)
3.5(15  x)  11.5x
x  3.5 ft
Distance from right end:
20 ft  (5 ft  3.5 ft)  11.5 ft
2 (2)(12) 2 (8)
47. FEM BA  Pa2 b   5.76 ft-kips
L 202
2 (1)(15)2
FEM BC  wL   18.75 ft-kips
12 12
18.75  5.76  12.99 ft-kips

Esteel 29  106
48. n   18.125
E wood 1.6  106
  nwh  (18.125)(6)(0.125)  13.6 in 2
Asteel
A wood  wh  (6)(8)  48 in 2
  A wood  13.6  48  61.6 in 2
A  Asteel
 )  (y wood  A wood )  (0.0625)(13.6)  (4.125)(48)  198.85 in 3
 yA  (ysteel  Asteel
 yA 198.85
cy   3.23 in.
A 61.6
b  d3 (6)(8)3
I wood    A wood  (y wood  y) 2    (48)(4.125  3.23)2  294.4 in 4
12 12
b  d3
Isteel    Asteel
  (y  ysteel )2 
12
(18.125)(6)(0.125)3
  (13.6)(3.23  0.0625) 2  136.5 in 4
12
I  I wood  Isteel  294.4  136.5  430.9 in 4
Sbottom  I  430.9  133 in 3

c 3.23
P  a  b (6)(4)(6)
M   14.4 ft-kips
L 10
(14.4)(12 in./ft)
f b  M   1.3 ksi
S 133
f b  f b  n  (1.3)(18.125)  23.5 ksi
49. 15.5 in.  6 in.  9.5 in.

Wu/DT  1.2(10 psf )  1.6(50 psf ) 15 ft  1,380 plf
R u/DT  1 (1.38 klf )(60 ft)  41.4 kips

2
 9.5 in. 
Tu  41.4 kips    32.8 ft-kips
 12 in./ft 

50. Referring to the beam shown in the question, there is a zero moment at the hinge.
THE CORRECT DIAGRAMS ARE SHOWN ABOVE.
(200 lb/ft)(20 ft) 2 (1,000 lb)(20 ft)

51. M max  
8 4
 10,000 ft-lb  5,000 ft-lb  15,000 ft-lb
(4 in.)(12 in.)3
I  576 in 4
12
fb  Mc
I
(15,000 ft-lb)(6 in.)
 (12 in./ft)
576 in 4
fb  1,875 psi
3 b d 3 8(12)3  4(8)3
52. I  bd  1 1   981 in 4
12 12 12
V  1,000 plf 
10 ft   4,000 lb 
   7,000 lb
 2   2 
VQ 7,000 lb (85 in 3 )
 horizontal    151 psi
IB 981 in 4 (2  2 in.)

53. MS   20 kips 12 in.  5 in.  140 in.-kips

NS  20 kips
(140 in.-kips)(5 in.) Top tension
flexure   7.8 ksi 
90 in 4 Bottom compression
20 kips
axial   2.9 ksi tension
7 in 2
Max compressive stress (at bottom):
7.8 ksi  2.9 ksi   4.9 ksi
54.
200 lb  28 ft  125 lb  16 ft
RA   111.76 lb
68 ft
200 lb  40 ft  125 lb  52 ft
RD   213.24 lb
68 ft
40 ft
HA   R A  4, 470.4 lb
1 ft
HA  HD
FCD  213.242  4, 470.42
FCD  4, 475.5 lb
55. rEW  rNS K EW  K NS Buckling in east–west direction will control.

56. ACI 318-14, Tables 19.3.1.1, 19.3.2.1, and 19.3.3.1 give 4.5%. Neglect tolerance per problem
statement.
 minimum = 4.5%
57. Concrete reaches ultimate strain and fails prior to steel yielding. Failure is sudden without
warning (brittle failure).
58. Douglas Fir-Larch No. 2, Fc  1,350 psi Table 4A

Fc*  (Fc )(C D )(C M )(C t )(CF )(Ci ) Table 4.3.1
 (1,350)(1.6)(1.0)(1.0)(1.15)(1.0)  2, 484 psi
Fc  (Fc* )(C P ) Table 4.3.1
 (2, 484)(0.33)  819.72 psi
A  bd  (1.5)(3.5)  5.25 in 2
P  Fc A  (819.72)(5.25)  4,303 lb Table 4.3.1

59. Reference: TMS 402/602, Paragraph 8.3.5.1.4
The allowable shear stress resisted by the steel reinforcement is given by:
A Fd 
Fvs  0.5  v s v  Equation 8-30
 A nvs 
where
0.5 is an empirical factor Commentary Section 9.3.4.1.2.2
A v  cross-sectional area of shear reinforcement
Fs  32, 000 psi for Grade 60 reinforcement Section 8.3.3.1 (b)
A nv  net cross-sectional area of member
The allowable shear force V is given by :
V  Fvs A nv
Rearranging Equation 2-30:
A Fd 
V  0.5  v s v 
 s 
 0.2(32, 000)(24) 
 0.5  
 8 1, 000  
 0.5 19.2 
 10 kips
60. Reference: ACI 318-14, Section 6.5, Table 6.5.2
Two or more spans not exceeding 10 ft.

Spans are equal.
Loads are uniformly distributed.
LL  3DL
Prismatic members
ln  10 ft  1 ft  9 ft per Sec. 6.5

Wu  1.2 100  1.6  50  200 plf
Use Wu ln 2 /12 for ALL supports.
Note: Beam/column stiffness not applicable to slabs
M u  Wu ln 2 /12  1.35 ft-kips/ft

61. The properties of a W1022 are as follows: AISC, 14th ed., Table 3-2.
b M p x  97.5 ft-kips
M p x/Ω b  64.9 ft-kips
BF/Ω b  2.68 kips (ASD) or b BF  4.02 kips (LRFD)
L p  4.7 ft
L b  10 ft
ASD: M p x/Ω b  BF(L b  L p )  M n /Ω b
64.9  2.68(10  4.7)  50.7 ft-kips
LRFD: b M p x  BF(L b  L p )  b M n
97.5  4.02(10  4.7)  76.2 ft-kips
62.
STRAND
CENTROID

3
63.  conc. load  PL AISC, 14th ed., Beam Design
28 EI
5 WL4
 uniform   Set  conc. load   uniform  L/240
384 EI
I  
L
240
3
 PL 
5 WL4
28 E 384 E
 3 5 WL4 
I  240  PL 
required
L  28 E 384 E 
 30(15  12)3 5 (1/12)(15  12) 4 
 240  
(15)(12)  28 (29, 000) 384 (29, 000) 
 1.33(215.5  39.3)  339 in 4
A. W12×40 I = 307 in4

B. W12×45 I = 348 in4 > 339 OK
C. W12×50 I = 391 in4 > 339 OK
D. W14×26 I = 245 in4
E. W14×30 I = 291 in4
F. W14×34 I = 340 in4 > 339 OK
G. W16×26 I = 301 in4
H. W16×31 I = 375 in4 > 339 OK
THE CORRECT ANSWERS ARE: B, C, F, H
64. A = Area of flange = 6 in.0.5 in.) = 3 in2

y  distance from neutral axis to centroid of flange  5.75 in.
Qflange = 3 in2 (5.75 in.) = 17.25 in3
VQ 20 kips(17.25 in 3 )
q   1.5 kips/in.
I 232 in 4

65. Reaction at Joint A = 1/2 total applied load (due to symmetry)

= (1/2)(50 + 100 + 50) = 100 kips
Considering Joint A:
 Fy  0 FAB
 3 FAB  100  0 +y
5 A
+x
FAB   5 (100)
3
100 kips
  167 kips (compression)
0.822 E min
66. FcE  NDS Section 3.7.1
(le /d) 2
E min  E min  CM  C t  Ci  CT
where :
E min  440, 000 psi (given)
Cm  1.0 (dry service)
Ct  1.0 (normal temperature)
Ci  1.0 (given)
CT  1.0 (not a truss member)
E min  440, 000 psi  1.0  1.0  1.0  1.0
 440, 000 psi
Check le /d: 3 1/2-in. direction 8  12 / 3.5  27.5
1 1/2-in. direction 4  12 / 1.5  32 Controls
0.822  440, 000
FcE   353 psi
322
(1.6 kips)(3 in.)

67.  0.619 kips  619 lb
(8.25 in.  0.50 in.)

68. By inspection P controls.
M n  M p  Fy Z x  1.6 M y
Fy  36 ksi
Sx  1/6 bd 2  1/6 (6)(0.375)2  0.141 in 3
M y  FySx  (36)(0.141)  5.076 in.-kips
Zx  1/4 bd 2  1/4 (6)(0.375) 2  0.211 in 3
M p  Fy Zx  (36)(0.211)  7.6 in.-kips  governs
Check M p  1.6 M y 1.6  5.076   8.1  7.6  OK
AISC ASD:
M n /  7.6/1.67  4.55 in.-kips
Pallow  4.55  1.19  1.2
 4  1 2  3 8  
AISC LRFD:
M n  0.9(7.6)  6.84 in.-kips
Pn  6.84  1.79  1.8
 4  1 2  3 8  

69. Reference: ASCE 7-10, 3rd printing, Section 12.3.1.3.
THE CORRECTLY LABELED DIAGRAMS ARE SHOWN ABOVE.

70. Overturning moment, M ot  20 kips  22 ft  440 ft-kips

2.5 kips/ft  (24 ft)2
Restoring moment, M r = 80 kips  2 ft   880 ft-kips
2
Footing weight, Wftg  2.5 kips/ft  24 ft  60 kips
Total vertical load, Ptot  80 kips  20 kips  60 kips  120 kips
M r  M ot 880 ft-kips  440 ft-kips
Resultant location, y    3.7 ft
Ptot 120 kips
Since resultant is outside the middle third of the footing base:
2 (Ptot ) 2 (120 kips)
Pmax     2.7 ksf
3 (y  footing width) 3 (3.7 ft  8 ft)
71. d  24 in.  (3 in.)cov  (1 in.) #8  20 in. (given) Use d at CL of # 8 layers

bo at d/2 from face (critical section)
bo  4(32 in.)  128 in.
Per ACI 318-14, Section 22.6.5.2, Table 22.6.5.2, Section 22.6.5.3,
use smallest of the following:

a. 2  4  6
1/1 
 (40)(20 in.) 
b.   2   8.3
 128 in. 
c. 4 Controls
Vn  0.75(4)(1)( 3, 000 )(128 in.)(20 in.)
 420.6 kips
72. Critical case is skin friction resistance = applied uplift load.

(20 ft)D(200 psf )
 100 kips
1, 000
100 kips  1, 000
D
(200 psf  20 ft  )
D  7.96 ft

73. AISC, 14th ed.
ASD: Table 7-1

Fnv /Ω  13.5 ksi
Allowable load  2(13)(0.79)  21.2 kips
LRFD:
R n  Fnv Ab
Fnv  20.3 ksi (A307 bolts)
R n  (20.3)(0.79)(2)  31.9 kips
74. Vertical reaction to Footing B  150 kips  5 ft/6 ft  125 kips

Footing spring constant K  100 lb/in 3  24 in.  24 in.  57, 600 lb/in.
F  K
  F/K = 125 ×1,000/57,600 = 2.2 in.
75. Reference: PCI, Chapter 4.

Total prestress force, P = 2 × 6 strands × 0.153 in2/strand × 175 ksi = 321.3 kips
Axial stress = P/A = 321.3/(36  18) = 0.496 ksi (compression)
Bending stress due to prestress = Pe/S S = bd2/6 = 18 × 362/6 = 3,888 in3
e = 36/2 – 3 – 2/2 = 14 in.
Bending stress due to prestress = 321.3 × 14/3,888 = 1.158 ksi (tension at top)
Bending stress due to beam self-weight = 0.65 ksi (compression at top)

Thus, stress at top at release = 0.49 – 1.15 + 0.65 = –0.01 ksi (tension)
76. Reference: ASCE 7-10, 3rd printing, Design Loads Table 3.2-1, p. 9.
85 lb/ft2

77. Design spectral response acceleration at short periods: IBC 2015, 1613.3.4
SDS  2 SMS (Equation 16-39)
3
Adjusted maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration IBC 2015, 1613.3.3
for short periods:
SMS  Fa Ss (Equation 16-37)
For Site Class E and mapped short period maximum considered IBC 2015, Table 1613.3.3(1)
earthquake spectral acceleration:
SS  100% g
Fa  0.9
 SMS  0.9  1.0  0.9
SDS  2  0.9  0.6

3
78. Reference: AASHTO Section 9.7.2.3.
Leff = 8.5 ft – bf + flange overhang

= 8.5 ft – 1.5 ft + 0.25 ft
= 7.25 ft (7 ft 3in.)
79. R   0.5' 150 pcf   50 psf  12 psf    0.83' 150 pcf   50  12    6 '  6 '
 11, 646 lb
80. Reference: ACI 318-14.
ACI 318 26.12.3.1(b)
Concrete is unsatisfactory. Every arithmetic average of any three consecutive strength tests
should be equal to or exceed the required f c .
4, 215  4,160  3, 625 4,160  3, 625  4, 010 3, 625  4, 010  4, 015

 4, 000;  3,931;  3,883
3 3 3


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David Caon (23-240-25) [email protected]

Introduction to NCEES Exams....................................................................1

Exam Specifications ......................................................................................3