study guide for structural engineering exam€¦ · ie industrial engineering me mechanical...

Engineering Fundamentals Exam

Study Guide For

Structural Engineering Exam

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Education (QIYAS) and Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) Unless

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design) is owned by the National Center for Assessment in Higher

Education (QIYAS) - Riyadh – Saudi Arabia. EXCEPT with the

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1. Objectives

The aim of this manual is to provide guidelines for the examinees about the exam

structure, timing, percentage of question coverage and distribution among various topic

areas. In essence, the manual represents the bridge between the developed Structural

Engineering Standards and the actual phrased questions, which constitute the tests to be

administered. It is designed to familiarize the examinees with the test questions formats

and contents.

2. Contents

This study guide contains essential information for the examinees. Specifically, the

following topics are presented in this manual:

Exam structure, exam schedule and organization, exam type, eligibility for exam, and

exam rules

Organization of the exam framework

Table of Specifications which includes an overview of the table, its structure and

contents

Sample of questions and solutions for the Structural Engineering discipline

3. Exam Structure

The exam is conducted in two sessions and the duration of each session is 3 hours.

3.1 General Engineering Exam

The first session covers the General Engineering topics. These include the following fourteen

topics:

1. Mathematics

2. Probability and Statistics

3. Computer Literacy

4. Statics and Dynamics

5. Chemistry

6. Thermodynamics

7. Fluid Mechanics

8. Materials Science and Engineering

9. Electricity and Magnetism

10. Engineering Drawing

11. Engineering Economics

12. Project Management

13. Ethics

14. General Skills

a. Use analytical thinking (logical deductions, statements and assumptions,

cause and effect, verbal reasoning, analyzing arguments, statements and

conclusions, break a complex problem into smaller problems and solve

them)

b. Use effective communication in writing, orally, and graphically

c. Work cooperatively with other team members to deliver the required

outcomes

d. Set goals and ways for personal development

e. Strive for ways to resolve conflicts while being sensitive to others opinions

f. Be able to use time and available resources in an efficient way

g. Recognize and interpret environmental, social, cultural, political and safety

considerations in engineering solutions.

h. Recognize decision making process

i. Recognize major engineering concepts outside the discipline.

j. Interpret uncertainties in measurements and calculations

k. Analyze and interpret data

l. Apply evaluation criteria and contemporary knowledge to select the

optimum design from alternative solutions

3.2 Engineering Discipline Exam

The second session covers the Engineering Standards and is based on topics associated with

one of the following engineering disciplines:

Code Discipline

CE Civil Engineering

CHE Chemical Engineering

EE Electrical Engineering

IE Industrial Engineering

ME Mechanical Engineering

SE Structural Engineering

4. Exam Implementation

The exam consists of two sessions:

The first session consists of General Engineering Exam. The total duration of this

session is 3 hours with a total number of 90 questions.

The second session consists of Engineering Discipline Exam. This session consists of

50 questions with a total time of 3 hours.

5. Exam Type

The exam is initially paper-based and will become computer based in a later stage. The

exam, in both sessions, is of a multiple choice type where each question has four choices

for the answer. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.

6. Eligibility for the Exam

Bachelor degree holders in an Engineering discipline i.e., Chemical Engineering, Civil

Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,

and Structural Engineering.

7. Exam Rules

Books, lecture notes, or any type of materials are not allowed in the exam. Necessary

reference sheets, monographs, equations, relevant data from codes will be provided in

the exam.

Calculators approved by Exam authorities are allowed.

Admission in the examination center will be only through authorized admission card

Examinees are subjected to all the rules and procedures applied by National Center

for Assessment in Higher Education (Qiyas)

8. Organization of the Exam Framework

The core topics constitute the basis of this Engineering Exam. Indicators are used to

describe the knowledge to be tested in each topic. Each of these indicators is further

subdivided into three major levels following the recent Bloom’s taxonomy of learning

levels (Remembering and Understanding; Applying and Analyzing; and Evaluating and

Creating).

Example

Topic: T2: Structural Analysis

Indicator: SE-T2-03: Analyze statically determinate structures using

equations of equilibrium

Learning Level: Applying and Analyzing (AA)

9. Table of Specifications

9.1 Overview

The Table of Specifications is a map which facilitates the transformation of the

Engineering Standards for each Topic Area into balanced and coherent question sheets to

be used in the proposed Exam The Table of Specifications is essentially a tableau

structure which distributes, vertically, the exam Questions among various Topic Areas in

accordance with the applicable Engineering Standards and, horizontally, over various

Learning Levels (Remembering and Understanding, Applying and Analyzing, Evaluating

and Creating).

9.2 Structure and Contents

The table below constitutes the Table of Specifications for the Structural Engineering

Discipline. The Table of Specifications contains the following columns:

9.2.1 Topic Area

These are the widely recognized Topic areas, which are covered in the Structural

Engineering Discipline, namely:

1. Mechanics

2. Structural Analysis

3. Design of Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structures

4. Design of Steel Structures

5. Materials

9.2.2 % of Test

This column summarizes the total percentage (of the total test) allocated for each Topic Area.

9.2.3 Suggested Number of Questions

This column indicates the number of questions to be allocated for each Engineering Standard.

The total number of questions per test conforms to the general guidelines which govern the

total duration of the test. In the present case, 50 questions are included in each Discipline.

9.2.4 Engineering Standards

This column lists the Engineering Standards to be addressed under each Topic Area.

Standards are coded SE-TJ (where SE denotes the Structural Engineering Discipline, TJ

denotes the Topic Number J), whereas the Indicators are coded SE-TJ-K (where K denotes

the Indicator number).

For example: SE-T2-5 is for the question in Structural Engineering (SE) that represents

Topic 2 (Structural Analysis) and Indicator 5.

9.2.5 Assigned Allocations among Learning Levels

The three sub-columns (Remembering and Understanding (RU), Applying and Analyzing

(AA), and Evaluating and Creating (EC)) under this main column specify the question

distribution among the three Learning Levels. For example, for the Design of RC Structures

Principles (SE-T3), there are three questions assigned to Learning Level RU, six questions

for AA, and six questions for EC. It is to be noted that the Learning Levels used in the Table

of Specifications represent the so-called cognitive levels/processes (levels of thinking) in the

revised Bloom's taxonomy.

It is also important to note that the distribution of questions among various Topic Areas

follows a careful and rigorous question allocation process, which ensures that appropriate

relative levels of coverage are maintained for the various Learning Levels. For Structural

Engineering, the distribution of questions (for all Topic Areas) among the three Learning

Levels is 13 questions (26%) for Remembering and Understanding, 24 questions (48%) for

Applying and Analyzing, and 13 questions (26%) for Evaluating and Creating.

Table of Specifications for Structural Engineering Exam

Topic Area % of Test

# Q Engineering

Standard

Assigned Allocations of Questions among Learning Levels

Remembering and

Understanding

Applying and

Analyzing

Evaluating and

Creating

T1- Mechanics 10 5 SE-T1 2 2 1

T2- Structural Analysis 30 15 SE-T2 4 8 3

T3- Design of RC Structures 30 15 SE-T3 3 6 6

T4- Design of Steel Structures 10 5 SE-T4 1 2 2

T5- Materials 20 10 SE-T5 3 6 1

100 50 13

(26%) 24

(48%) 13

(26%)

10. Sample Questions

A sample of questions is shown in the following tabular format in accordance with the

following instructions.

1. For Learning Levels

RU for Remembering and Understanding

AA for Applying and Analyzing

EC for Evaluating and Creating

2. References sheets are denoted in the last column of the Table

Q. No.

Topic Area Indicator

Code Learning

Level Question Statement (Answer’s Choices)

Answer Expected

Time (min)

Supplied Reference

1 Mechanics SE-T1-01 RU

The shown rectangular section is for a reinforced

concrete column, which supports an eccentric

compressive load P acting at point B. The

combined normal and bending stresses at point A

is:

A) bh

P

hb

Pex 2

6 B)

bh

P

bh

Pex 2

6

C) hb

P

hb

Pex 2

6 D)

hb

P

bh

Pex 2

6

B 3 – 4 None

Table of Questions Sample

2 Structural

Analysis SE-T2-09 EC

All the three members of the frame shown below

are of equal length and of the same flexural rigidity

EI. If a moment of 11 kN.m is applied at joint B, the

rotation of the joint is:

A) EI

1

B) EI

2

C) EI

3

D) EI

4

B 3 – 4 Reference

#2

A

2 m

2 m 2 m

11 kN.m

B

C D

3 Structural

Analysis SE-T2-04 A

For the shown loaded truss, the internal forces (kN) in the members CD,

CE, DE and EF are, respectively:

A) 0, 15, 0, 0

B) 0, -15, 0, 0

C) 15, 0, 0, 0

D) -15, 0, 0, 0

Note: Negative sign indicates compressive internal force in a member

A 3 –

4 None

B

D A

4 m

2 m 4 m 4 m

15 kN 10 kN

C

E F

G

4

Design of

RC

Structures

SE-T3-02 AA

A rectangular reinforced concrete beam section is shown below. If the

shear carried by the concrete and stirrups are 180 kN and 120 kN,

respectively, then the design shear strength of the section (in kN) is:

A) 120

B) 180

C) 225

D) 300

C 2 –

2.5 None

5

Design of

RC

Structures

SE-T3-08 EC

For the beam section shown, the 28-day compressive strength of

concrete (fc’) is 30 MPa and the yielding strength of steel (fy) is 420 MPa.

According to the Saudi Building Code “SBC 304” (Structural – Concrete

Structures) section 10.2.7, the nominal moment capacity (kN.m) of the

beam is:

(All dimensions are in mm)

A 3 –

4

Reference

#5

h

b

A) 138.2

B) 178.2

C) 195.8

D) 210.6

6 Materials SE-T5-05 AA

A 24 kg of aggregate is sieved through 9.5 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18

mm, 600 µm, 300 µm and 150 µm standard sieves and the masses

retained in each sieve are 0 kg, 0.6 kg, 3 kg, 4.8 kg, 5.6 kg, 5 kg, and 4

kg, respectively. The fineness modulus of this aggregate is:

A) 2.75

B) 2.80

C) 2.85

D) 2.90

C 3 –

4 None

375450

300

Hint: According to ASTM C125, the fineness modulus of aggregates is

calculated by adding the cumulative percentage of mass retained on

each of specified series of sieves.

Reference #2

The stiffness of a joint (k) in a member of length L is equal to:

𝑘 = {

4𝐸𝐼

𝐿 opposite and fixed

3𝐸𝐼

𝐿 opposite and pinned

Reference #5

11. Solution of the Sample Questions

Question #1:

Topic Area: Mechanics

Learning Level: Remembering and Understanding

Indicator:

SE-T1-01 Evaluate axial, normal, shear and bending stresses in prismatic bars of rectangular and circular cross sections

Question Statement:

C) hb

P

hb

Pex 2

6 D)

hb

P

bh

Pex 2

6

The shown rectangular section is for a reinforced concrete column, which supports an

eccentric compressive load P acting at point B. The combined normal and bending

stresses at point A is:

A) bh

P

hb

Pex 2

6 B)

bh

P

bh

Pex 2

6

Answer:

B

Supplied Reference: None

Estimated Solution Time by Examinee: 3.0 – 4.0 minutes

Remarks: The objective of this question is to ensure that the examinee can

formulate and determine stresses

Solution:

At point A, xM is causing tensile stresses and P is causing compressive stress.

Thus, the stress at point A is given by:

A

P

Z

M

x

xA

where

xZ & A = the section modulus about x and the area of the section, respectively

6

2bhZ x

bhA

The bending moments resulted from the load P is:

xx ePM

bh

P

bh

PexA

2

6 (Ans.)

Question #2:

Topic Area: Structural Analysis

Learning Level: Evaluating and Creating

Indicator:

SE-T2-09 Analyze indeterminate beams and frames using different methods including both classic and numerical methods

Question Statement:

D) EI

4

All the three members of the frame shown below are of equal length and of the same

flexural rigidity EI. If a moment of 11 kN.m is applied at joint B, the rotation of the

joint is:

A) EI

1

B) EI

2

C) EI

3

A

2 m

2 m 2 m

11 kN.m

B C D

Answer:

B

Supplied Reference: Reference #2



determine rotation of indeterminate frame

Solution:

Ans.EIEIEI

MEIKM

EI

L

EI

L

EI

L

EI

L

EIKKKK

T

BCBDBAT

2

11

112

11

2

2

11 know, we

2

1111344joint theof stiffness Total

Question #3:

Topic Area: Structural Analysis

Learning Level: Applying and Analyzing

Indicator:

SE-T2-04 Evaluate the internal forces in determinate beams, frames and trusses

Question Statement:

For the shown loaded truss, the internal forces (kN) in the members CD, CE, DE and

EF are, respectively:

Note: Negative sign indicates compressive internal force in a member

A) 0, 15, 0, 0

B) 0, -15, 0, 0

C) 15, 0, 0, 0

D) -15, 0, 0, 0

B

D A

4 m

2 m 4 m 4 m

15 kN 10 kN

C

E F

G

Answer:

A

Reference Sheet: None



determine internal force in a truss

Solution:

From equilibrium of joint D,

. 0

. 0

AnsF

AnsF

DE

CD

From equilibrium of joint E,

. 00 AnsFF EFx

. (T) kN 150 AnsFF CEy

15

E

Question #4:

Topic Area: Design of RC Structures


Indicator:

SE-T3-02 Analyze and design reinforced concrete beams for flexure and shear according to code provisions

Question Statement:

A rectangular reinforced concrete beam section is shown below. If the shear carried by

the concrete and stirrups are 180 kN and 120 kN, respectively, then the design shear

strength of the section (in kN) is:

(A) 120

(B) 180

(C) 225

(D) 300

h

b

Answer:

C




evaluate shear strength of beam

Solution:

Ans.VVV scn kN 252)120180(75.0

:strengthshear design The

Question #5:

Topic Area: Design of RC Structures

Learning Level: Evaluating and Creating

Indicator:

SE-T3-08 Recognize the importance of building codes, especially SBC and ACI Codes, in the RC design process

Question Statement:

For the shown beam section, the 28-day compressive strength of concrete (fc’) is 30

MPa and the yielding strength of steel (fy) is 420 MPa. According to the Saudi Building

Code “SBC 304” (Structural – Concrete Structures) section 10.2.7, the nominal

moment capacity (kN.m) of the beam is:

(All dimensions are in mm)

A) 138.2

B) 178.2

C) 195.8

D) 210.6

375450

300

Answer:

A

Supplied Reference: Reference #5



evaluate ultimate moment of a beam and apply SBC

Solution:

kN.m 38.21kNmm102.1382

7.513758.395

2

: Compute

mm 7.515950

4.7754548.39565.7

:for solving and mequilibriufor and Equating

65.7103003085.085.0

kN 8.39510420204

3

3

3'

32

adTM

M

aaTC

aCT

aaabfC

fAT

n

n

c

ys

ac 1

'85.0 cf

abfC c

'85.0

2

ad

ys fAT

300

3-

375

Question #6:

Topic Area: Materials


Indicator:

SE-T5-05 Analyze testing results of concrete and other construction materials

Question Statement:

A 24 kg of aggregate is sieved through 9.5 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 µm,

300 µm and 150 µm standard sieves and the masses retained in each sieve are 0 kg,

0.6 kg, 3 kg, 4.8 kg, 5.6 kg, 5 kg, and 4 kg, respectively. The fineness modulus of this

aggregate is:

A) 2.75

B) 2.80

C) 2.85

D) 2.90

Hint: According to ASTM C125, the fineness modulus of aggregates is calculated

by adding the cumulative percentage of mass retained on each of specified series

of sieves

Answer:

C




analysis engineering properties of constituent materials of concrete

Solution:

Sieve size Retained mass (kg)

% retained

Cumulative % retained

9.5 mm 0.00 0.00 0.00

4.75 mm 0.60 2.50 2.50

2.36 mm 3.00 12.50 15.00

1.18 mm 4.80 20.00 35.00

600 µm 5.60 23.33 58.33

300 µm 5.00 20.83 79.17

150 µm 4.00 16.67 95.83

Pan 1.00 4.17

Total 24.00 100.00 285.83

Fineness modulus = 285/100 = 2.85 (Ans.)

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