NCEES Civil Engineering PE Exam 3

Question 1

In a Critical Path Method (CPM) project schedule, the critical path is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The longest path through the project network, which controls the project duration

Answer

The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities from project start to finish; any delay on this path directly delays project completion, and all critical activities have zero total float.

Question 2

In concrete mix design per ACI 318, the water-to-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm) primarily governs:

Accepted Answer

Both compressive strength and durability (permeability resistance)

Answer

A lower w/cm produces higher compressive strength and lower permeability, improving both strength and durability; this is why ACI 318 specifies maximum w/cm ratios for different exposure conditions.

Question 3

A cohesive soil with a liquid limit (LL) of 55 and plasticity index (PI) of 25 plots above the A-line on the Casagrande plasticity chart. Per the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), this soil is classified as:

Accepted Answer

CH — high-plasticity clay (fat clay)

Answer

Above the A-line means clay (C); LL = 55 ≥ 50 indicates high plasticity (H); the A-line value at LL = 55 is PI = 0.73(55 − 20) = 25.6, and PI = 25 is close but the soil's position above the line confirms CH classification.

Question 4

The modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) used for all grades of structural steel in AISC design is approximately:

Accepted Answer

29,000 ksi (200 GPa)

Answer

E = 29,000 ksi (200 GPa) is the modulus of elasticity for all structural steel grades per the AISC Steel Construction Manual; this value is independent of the steel's yield strength.

Question 5

In a project CPM schedule, 'total float' for an activity is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date

Answer

Total float = Latest Start − Earliest Start (or equivalently, Latest Finish − Earliest Finish), representing how much an activity can slip before it impacts the project end date.

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 Civil Engineering PE Exam 3