Civil Engineering PE Steel Structure Design Methods 5

Question 1

A composite steel beam uses shear studs to transfer horizontal shear between the steel section and concrete slab. The total horizontal shear force V' for full composite action between the point of maximum moment and zero moment is:

Accepted Answer

The lesser of 0.85f'cAc and AsFy

Answer

Full composite action requires the shear connection to transfer the lesser of concrete compression capacity (0.85f'cAc) and steel tension capacity (AsFy).

Question 2

In AISC LRFD, what is the design flexural strength φbMn for a compact W-shape beam with adequate bracing?

Accepted Answer

φbMn = 0.90 × Mp = 0.90 × FyZx

Answer

For a compact, adequately braced section, Mn = Mp = FyZx and φb = 0.90, so φbMn = 0.90FyZx.

Question 3

Serviceability deflection limits for steel floor beams under live load are typically:

Accepted Answer

L/360

Answer

IBC and AISC recommend a live-load deflection limit of L/360 for floor beams to prevent cracking of brittle finishes.

Question 4

Which steel property is used to calculate thermal expansion in steel structures, critical for bridge design?

Accepted Answer

Coefficient of thermal expansion α = 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°F

Answer

Thermal deformation ΔL = αLΔT; for steel, α = 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°F is the standard value used in structural calculations.

Question 5

In the plastic design method for continuous steel beams, collapse occurs when enough plastic hinges form to create a:

Accepted Answer

Mechanism (statically unstable structure)

Answer

Plastic collapse occurs when sufficient plastic hinges form to convert the structure into a mechanism, preventing additional load resistance.

Civil Engineering PE Practice Test

Civil Engineering PE Practice Test

Civil Engineering PE Steel Structure Design Methods 5