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

Prestressing introduces a permanent compressive force that offsets tensile stresses caused by service loads, allowing larger spans.

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

The overturning stability check ensures the stabilizing moment from wall weight exceeds the overturning moment from retained soil pressure.

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

SDC is assigned based on site-adjusted short-period and 1-second spectral response accelerations combined with the building's risk category.

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

AISC 360 Chapter H provides the H1-1 interaction equations for combined axial force and flexure in steel members.

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

NDS requires the wet service factor CM to reduce allowable stresses when wood EMC exceeds 19%.

NCEES National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Practice Practice Test

NCEES National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Practice Practice Test

NCEES Structural Engineering 3