ASCE Structural Engineering and Materials 2

Question 1

What is the theoretical effective length factor K for a column with both ends fixed against rotation and translation?

Accepted Answer

0.5

Answer

A fixed-fixed column buckles with inflection points at quarter-lengths, giving a theoretical K of 0.5.

Question 2

What is the maximum bending moment in a simply supported beam of span L carrying a uniform load w?

Accepted Answer

wL²/8

Answer

For a simply supported beam under uniform load, the midspan moment is wL²/8.

Question 3

Under ACI 318, what strength reduction factor (φ) applies to tension-controlled flexural sections?

Accepted Answer

0.90

Answer

ACI 318 assigns φ = 0.90 to tension-controlled sections because they fail in a ductile way.

Question 4

What is the approximate modulus of elasticity of structural steel?

Accepted Answer

29,000 ksi

Answer

Structural steel has E ≈ 29,000 ksi (200 GPa), regardless of grade.

Question 5

Per ACI 318, the modulus of elasticity for normal-weight concrete (psi) is approximated as:

Accepted Answer

57,000√f'c

Answer

ACI gives Ec = 57,000√f'c in psi for normal-weight concrete.

ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers Certification Practice Test