NCEES Structural Engineering 3

Question 1

On the NCEES PE Structural exam, pre-stressed concrete beams differ from ordinary reinforced concrete beams primarily in that they:

Accepted Answer

Introduce compressive stress to counteract tensile stresses under load

Answer

Use higher-grade reinforcing bars

Answer

Rely entirely on shear reinforcement for moment resistance

Answer

Are always post-tensioned, never pre-tensioned

Question 2

Which NCEES PE Structural topic involves checking that a retaining wall does not overturn about its toe?

Accepted Answer

Overturning stability check

Answer

Bearing capacity check

Answer

Sliding stability check

Answer

Settlement analysis

Question 3

According to ASCE 7 seismic provisions tested on the NCEES exam, the Seismic Design Category (SDC) is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Site-adjusted spectral accelerations and risk category

Answer

Soil type alone

Answer

Building height only

Answer

Geographic latitude of the site

Question 4

In NCEES PE Structural design, the interaction equation for a steel beam-column under combined axial and flexural loading is from which specification?

Accepted Answer

AISC 360 Chapter H

Answer

ACI 318

Answer

ASCE 7 Chapter 12

Answer

NDS Chapter 3

Question 5

For a wood beam designed per NDS (as tested in NCEES exams), the wet service factor CM is applied when:

Accepted Answer

Equilibrium moisture content exceeds 19%

Answer

The beam is fully submerged in water

Answer

Lumber is pressure-treated

Answer

Temperature exceeds 100°F

Question 6

In NCEES PE Structural exam problems, a composite steel-concrete beam achieves its strength through:

Accepted Answer

Shear connectors (studs) that transfer horizontal shear between beam and slab

Answer

High-strength bolts connecting the slab directly to the web

Answer

Chemical bonding between concrete and steel flange

Answer

Friction at the steel-concrete interface only