SEng APPLICANT’S

MANUAL
Registration of Structural
Engineers in Bangladesh

International Code Council

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This document provides guidance on the Bangladeshi SEng registration

process. It goes over the application process on PRP (Professional
Registration Program) Portal, the eligibility criteria, details about the SEng
Exam, and more.
This is an evolving document. More information will be added in the coming
weeks. Check the PRP Portal every week for the latest copy of the
document.
Updated: 2 November 2022

Table of Contents
Application Process ............................................................................................................................. 4
Eligibility? ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Checking eligibility on PRP Portal ................................................................................................. 4
Personal Information ........................................................................................................................ 2
Professional Experience .................................................................................................................. 2
Filling Experience Record ............................................................................................................. 2
Educational Qualifications ................................................................................................................ 6
Uploading Documents ...................................................................................................................... 7
Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 8
Payment........................................................................................................................................... 9
Submission of Application ................................................................................................................ 9
Application Status .......................................................................................................................... 10
Problems with Application .............................................................................................................. 10
Application Rejected ...................................................................................................................... 11
Application Accepted...................................................................................................................... 11
SEng WRITTEN EXAM FORMAT...................................................................................................... 13
EXAM FORMAT ............................................................................................................................. 13
SYLLABUS FOR THE EXAM ......................................................................................................... 14
EXAM UNITS ................................................................................................................................. 17
PASSING SCORE ......................................................................................................................... 17
REFERENCED CODES AND STANDARDS .................................................................................. 17
SEng Sample Questions .................................................................................................................... 18
TYPE OF QUESTIONS .................................................................................................................. 18

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MCQs TESTING UNDERSTANDING ......................................................................................... 18

MCQs REQUIRING LOOKING UP INFORMATION FROM CODES ........................................... 18
MCQs REQUIRING LIMITED NUMBER CRUNCHING............................................................... 18
GRAVITY BREADTH QUESTIONS................................................................................................ 19
Solutions .................................................................................................................................... 34
LATERAL BREADTH QUESTIONS ............................................................................................... 44
Solutions .................................................................................................................................... 52
CONCRETE GRAVITY DEPTH QUESTIONS ................................................................................ 60
STEEL GRAVITY DEPTH QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 79
GEOTECH GRAVITY DEPTH QUESTIONS ................................................................................ 106
LATERAL DEPTH QUESTIONS .................................................................................................. 108
General / Analysis .................................................................................................................... 108
Concrete ................................................................................................................................... 113
Steel ......................................................................................................................................... 116

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Application Process
Eligibility?
In order to be eligible to write the SEng Exam, If both the above requirements are met by the
an applicant needs to: applicant, they can find the option to “Check
• be an IEB Member or Fellow in good Eligibility” on their dashboard/sidebar in the
standing. IEB membership or fellowship portal.
requires a bachelor’s degree in civil
engineering from a BAETE-accredited
university or equivalent plus at least two
years of civil engineering experience.
• successfully complete a minimum of 12
semester hours of structural analysis
and design courses from a BAETE
accredited university or equivalent, of
which at least 6 semester hours are on
structural design courses.
• gain five years of acceptable work
experience. Two of these five years
must involve structural engineering
experience. The last two items related to SEng Training will
• attend a minimum of 30 out of 48 be automatically checked as the Portal already
sessions in the SEng training program verified that information. The applicants can
along with at least 5 out of 8 seismic then check all the items that they feel are met by
sessions in the SEng training program. them. If they satisfy all checklist items, they will
• produce at least three referee get the option to “Register for SEng Exam”.
recommendations in the prescribed Note: This is just a preliminary checklist that is
format, one of which must be from the provided as a tool for the applicant to check their
applicant’s academic /professional eligibility.
supervisor. At least two of the referees
must be IEB Members or Fellows in
good standing.

Checking eligibility on PRP Portal

The PRP Portal provides the applicant with the
means to check their eligibility before starting
the application process. The Portal will
automatically detect:
• if the applicant has fulfilled the SEng
training requirement.
• if the applicant is an IEB Member.

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The Application Process starts upon clicking the
button: “Register for SEng Exam”. The sidebar
will change to include various forms that need to
be filled out to apply for SEng registration.
Personal Information
The first form that appears on the sidebar of the
SEng Application is on Personal Information.
The required fields are marked by “*”. Unless
the applicant fills in the required information, the
application will remain incomplete and they will
not be able to submit the application. The
applicant should fill in all the information
carefully as this will be verified thoroughly once
the application is submitted. Any false
information provided will lead to the
disqualification of the applicant.
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Professional Experience
In order to be eligible to sit for the SEng exam,
an applicant needs to record five years of
experience. Two of these five years of
experience must be in structural engineering.
The form starts with the applicant’s current or
most recent experience.
Filling Experience Record
The professional experience page is divided
into a number of sections. The first section
shows directions to filling the form, which says:
“Fill in your employment history below,
starting with the current/most recent
employment. Press the "Add" button to
add more employment records. To delete
an employment record, click on the
checkbox next to it and press the
"Delete" button (the first record cannot
be deleted).”
This will be explained in more detail later in this
section. The second section shows the current
status of the experience recorded by the
applicant. Unless the applicant satisfies the five
years’ experience requirement, the application
will remain incomplete and they will not be able
to submit the application.
Each professional experience record is verified
by the applicant’s supervisor. This is done
during the application stage, before the
application is submitted. The verified
experience record will go through another round
of verification after the submission of the
application. The next section notifies the
applicant about the current status of verification
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from their supervisor. When the applicant is
recording his or her experience this will read as:
“This work experience record has not been
verified yet. Kindly send the record for verification
by entering the contact information below and
then click on "Send for Verification".
Once the experience record is sent for
verification, the notification will change to:
“This work experience has been sent to contact
email for verification”.
Once the verification is received from the
supervisor, the notification will change to:
“This work experience has been verified”.
If for some reason, the supervisor rejected the
record instead, the notification will read:
“This work experience has been rejected. Kindly
check the information and resend for
verification.”
In the next section, the applicant will record
general details about the company and his/her
employment. These details are:
o Employment type: The applicant can
choose between “Structural Engineering”
and “Civil Engineering”. Based on this
input, the portal will determine the length
of experience for the applicant.
o Employer: The name of the company.
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o City/Province: Where the company is
located.
o Designation: The current position or role
that the applicant holds.
o Start Date: The start date for the
employment.
o End Date: The end date for the
employment.
o I am currently employed here: The
applicant will be able to select this only for
the current or most recent employment.
For past employment records, this option
will be disabled. Once the applicant
checks on this, the End Date will
disappear.
In the next section, the applicants have to enter
their supervisor’s contact information. The
instruction is self-explanatory and says:
“Provide a contact to verify your employment with this
company. To meet the SEng requirements, select a
supervisor or department manager at the time of your
employment, who can verify all of the positions you
have held within the company, and your experience
on all related projects. It is preferred that this person
not be related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption.
If a supervisor or department manager can no longer
be contacted, provide the name of a project manager
under whom you worked on a project.”
Note: The applicants won’t be able to send the
experience record for verification unless they fill
in the contact information.
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In the next section, the applicants fill in their
daily tasks and duties and the representative
projects they have primarily worked on. This is
an important section, as this describes the
experience that the applicant has gained during
his or her employment with the company. All
applicants must provide a complete outline of
their professional experience. It is very
important that each experience record
describes explicitly, yet concisely, the
complexity of the work performed, the duties,
and the exact engineering work that the
applicant personally performed. This
information will be verified by the supervisor
during the application process and the PRP
admin after the application is submitted. The
final verification will determine whether the
experience gained by the applicant is relevant
and suitable to be eligible for SEng registration.
Tasks and Duties
The applicants need to describe the tasks and
duties for which they were or are responsible in
the aforementioned company. The applicant
can write up to a maximum of 300 words in this
text area. For Tasks and Duties, the applicants
should include their level of responsibility,
degree of personal responsibility, the
complexity of the work performed, and
engineering decisions that they made or usually
make in the prescribed role.
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Representative Projects
For projects, the applicants must include the
project name, location, dates, and the exact
engineering or surveying work they personally
performed. The number of projects provided
should be representative of the number of years
the applicant has worked for each employer and
span the entire time frame of the employment
dates (one project for every two years of
employment, do not skip large periods of time).
Each project should contain:
• Project scope, location (1-2 sentences)
• Dates of the project
• 1-2 sentences about what the applicant
specifically did on the project (using I
statements like "I designed" and "I
calculated")
Use the following guidelines when determining
how many average-sized projects to include.
Larger projects that span multiple years are not
expected to fall within these guidelines.
5 years of employment 2-3 projects
10 years of employment 4-6 projects
20 years of employment 8-12 projects
The following are examples of the way work
experience descriptions should be written about
an applicant’s specific role in a project. These
are just examples and should not be used in any
work description.
Bridge Design
Project Name, scope
Dates of project
I designed a three-span, precast concrete bridge that is
supported by driven steel piling. As part of the design, I had
to locate the bridge in the 100-year floodplain. I designed
the concrete back walls of the abutments to support the
earthen backfill. The design was performed using the
allowable stress design method. I developed construction
plans for the bridge and approaching roadway. I was the
project engineer during the construction of the bridge and
roadway. While serving as project engineer, I was in charge
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of independent testing of the densities of the roadway

items, quality assurance of the concrete used during
construction of the bridge, and establishment of the
horizontal and vertical alignments of the roadway.

Structural

Project Name, scope

Dates of project

I designed and performed calculations for a building (steel

roof, concrete shear walls, mat foundation), retaining wall,
water storage tank, bracing system, seismic force-resisting
system connections, and basement walls. I helped
contractors and subcontractors in understanding the
design intent as well as in determining adequate
substitutions and field fixes, given the unique constraints
of the project due to its location. I also performed general
inspections during construction to ensure compliance with
the design.
Note: Please understand that position titles and
terms such as “responsible for”, “assisted”,
“supported”, “worked”, “coordinated”, “tasks
included”, “my duties”, “my role”, “led”, “served
as”, “in charge of”, “involved in”, “managed”,
“oversaw”, “supervised”, “helped”, etc. do not
provide the exact ENGINEERING work that one
has personally performed. Hence, the Projects
section should include at least one or two
sentences for each project that clearly and
specifically describe the applicant’s engineering
work in first person (I analyzed, I calculated, I
designed, I reviewed, I developed, I served as
Engineer of Record, etc.) to better focus on the
engineering tasks that one performed and
distinguish it from work done by others.
What does each button do?
The next section contains a number of buttons:
This button can be used to add more
work experience records. Once this button is
clicked, a new form will load with “Past
Employment 1”. New navigation buttons will
appear at the top of the record to navigate
between Previous Record and Next Record.
This button can be used to delete a
past employment record. Current / Most recent
employment cannot be deleted. In order to
delete a record, the applicant needs to check
the box next to the “Past Employment” title and
then click on delete.
This button is used to send
the experience record to the entered contact for
verification. If the contact name and email fields
are empty, the applicant will not be able to
perform this action. Applicants have to send
each record for verification individually. In other
words, for every record, an applicant has to click
on “Send for Verification” to get it verified by the
chosen supervisor.
This button is used to save the
professional experience section at its current
stage.
How does a supervisor verify?
When the applicant sends a particular
experience record to the chosen supervisor by
clicking on “Send for Verification” for that record,
the supervisor will instantly receive an email
from PRP Administration, which will look like
this:

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Dear Supervisor Name: Each educational record consists of the

following items.
The following individual is filling out an application on the
PRP Portal for the purpose of obtaining an SEng license.
Your name was included in the application as the supervisor
Institution
at his/her place of employment. Please click on the link Enter the institution’s name. For BSc, a list of
below if you want to review the work experience, he/she has BAETE accredited universities is already
added. Kindly verify if the information added is correct. provided.

Name: Applicant Name

Email: Applicant Email

Verify Candidate’s Work Experience {This is a link that will

direct the supervisor to a page with the experience record
that he or she needs to verify}

Thanks,
PRP Administration

The applicant should ideally notify the

supervisor that he/she will receive this email
from PRP Administration. The supervisor has to
click on the link in the email hyperlinked to
“Verify Candidate’s Work Experience” in order
to verify the information entered in the
experience record by the candidate. The
supervisor can choose to either verify or reject
If the applicant has attained his/her BSc degree
the entered work experience. The applicant will
from a foreign university, they can select
be notified about the result of verification on the
Foreign Universities from the drop-down menu.
Professional Experience page itself as shown
Note: In this case, the applicant needs to
previously.
provide an Equivalency Certificate from UGC to
support their degree. Applicants with degree
Educational Qualifications from universities outside the list will not be
The applicants need to fill in their educational eligible to sit for the SEng Exam.
qualifications, including:
• SSC/ Equivalent Education Board
• HSC/ Equivalent This section is only there for the SSC and HSC
• BSc/ Equivalent in Civil Engineering education levels. Select the board from the list
• MSc/ Equivalent in Civil/ Structural in the drop-down menu.
Engineering
• PhD in Civil/ Structural Engineering
• Other Educational Credentials

It is mandatory to fill in the information up to the

BSc level, without which the application cannot
be submitted.

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Year of Passing Photograph

This is the year when the applicant received
his/her degree.
Result Type and Class/GPA
Due to the varying nature of how results are
recorded in various institutions; this option
provides a list of result types:
Each applicant must upload a colored 300px by
300px passport style photograph. The
photograph should:
• have been taken in the last 6 months
• have a clear image of the face. Do not
use filters commonly used on social
media.
• not be a selfie.
• not be taken with eyeglasses on.
• have a plain white or off-white
background.

Signature
Each applicant must upload a signature in either
The applicant can select one of the result types
black or blue ink. The size allowed for
and provide the relevant Class or GPA.
signatures are 600px by 300px. The signature
should be clear and have a plain white or off-
Uploading Documents white background.
Every applicant has to upload a number of
documents to support their application. The Transcripts / Diplomas
mandatory documents that must be uploaded Each educational record should be backed up
are shown in the following table by supporting documents which should
preferably be transcripts or other documents,
Item Format Options
such as degrees or diplomas. In the case of a
Photograph jpg or png 300px by 300px
Signature jpg or png 600px by 300px foreign university, an Equivalency Certificate
Address pdf, doc, utility bill, or any from UGC (University Grants Commission)
docx other document must also be uploaded along with the
showing proof of
transcripts. To upload the Equivalency
residence
SSC pdf, doc, transcripts or Certificate, use the Other Diploma/Transcript
docx diplomas option.
HSC/Equivalent pdf, doc, transcripts or
docx diplomas
View Uploaded Files
BSc/Equivalent pdf, doc, transcripts or
in Civil docx diplomas The applicant can view all the uploaded files in
Engineering one place by clicking on the “View Uploaded
Files” button. This will open up a page with the
In order to upload a document, the applicant list of files that have been uploaded. This page
must first click on “Choose File” and browse for also provides the applicant with the option to
the file on the computer. Then click on Upload delete a file.
to upload the document.

There is one extra step involved in uploading

documents. The applicant needs to select the
document type after choosing the file and then
click on Upload to upload the document.

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Recommendations
In order to be eligible to sit for the SEng Exam,
an applicant needs to produce at least three
referee recommendations in prescribed format,
one of which must be from the applicant’s
academic/professional supervisor. At least two
of the referees must be IEB Members or Fellows
in good standing.
Most of the work here is done through the portal.
The applicant just needs to enter the information
for the three referees (name, email address,
phone number) and then click on “Send for
Recommendation” for each entry. The portal will
automatically send the assigned referee an
email that will contain a link to submit a
recommendation through the portal.
Each recommendation entry provides the status
of the recommendation beneath. Initially, it will
show as:
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“This recommendation has not been sent yet.
Fill in the contact information and send for
recommendation.”
Once the recommendation is sent, the status
will change to:
“The email request for recommendation has
been sent to the contact.”
Once the recommendation is received from the
referee, the status will change to:
“The recommendation from the contact has
been received.”
The application cannot be submitted unless the
portal receives recommendations from all three
referees. Hence, the applicant should actively
notify the referees about the email sent from the
PRP Portal. They also have the option to resend
the recommendation email if they want to
change the referee or send a fresh email to the
existing one.
How do referees send their recommendations?
When the applicant sends the assigned referee
request for recommendation, the PRP Portal will
send an email to the referee, which will look like
this:
Dear Referee Name:
The following individual has requested the PRP Portal to
compile a recommendation on his/her professional record
that will be used to support applicants for licensure. This
process depends, among other considerations, on the
verification of the extent, diversity, and quality of his/her
practical training and experience. We, therefore, request
your assistance, as an employer, supervisor, peer, or client,
in filling out this form with sincere and conscientious
consideration of the need for accurate data and for an
objective appraisal of the applicant’s ability and/or
potential to practice engineering. Please click on the link
below to fill out the recommendation for the applicant.
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• Bank Transfer: Directly transfer it to

Applicant ESCB’s bank account. Here are the
Name: Applicant Name
bank details:
Email: Applicant Email

Click here to fill recommendation for the Applicant. Bank Name: Mercantile Bank LTD.
{This is a link that will direct the referee to a form that Branch: Engineers Institution
he/she can fill and then send by clicking on the Send button A/C Name: Engineering Staff College,
on the same form.} Bangladesh
A/C Number: 014213100000156
Thanks,
PRP Administration
• Use bKash: Send the payment to bKash
The applicant should ideally notify the referee Number: +8801911391407
that he/she will receive this email from PRP • Use Nagad: Send the payment to Nagad
Administration. The referee has to click on the Number: +8801911391407
link in the email “Click here to fill • Pay through Cash Deposit directly to
recommendation for the Applicant.” Which will ESCB's office:
direct the referee to a form. The referee needs Address of ESCB's office:
to fill out that form and send the Engineering Staff College, Bangladesh.
recommendation by clicking on the Send button IEB Headquarters, Ramna, Dhaka-1000
at the end of the form. The applicant will be
notified about the status of the recommendation The applicant needs to record the transaction id
on the recommendation page itself as shown or receipt number from the transaction made on
previously. the PRP Portal.

Payment Submission of Application

The payment for the entire registration process In order to submit the application, the applicant
for SEng License is divided into three can click on the Submit Application button from
installments: the sidebar on the PRP Portal. The portal
checks if all the necessary items have been
• Installment 1: Fee for administration and completed or not. If some items are incomplete,
verification of the application: 3,000 it will not allow the application to be submitted
BDT.
• Installment 2: Upon acceptance of
application, fee for the written exam:
7,000 BDT.
• Installment 3: Upon passing the written
exam, fee for the oral exam and
certificate: 3,500 BDT.

The applicant needs to pay the administration If a checklist item has been completed, it will
fee of 3,000 BST before the submission of the show with . When all the checklist items
application. The payment can be made in 4 are completed, the applicant will find the
ways: “Submit Application” button.

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Note: Once the application is submitted, the
applicant will no longer be able to edit any
information.
Application Status
This page will show the current status of SEng
registration to the applicant. Before submission
of the application, the Application Status will
show:
Your application has not been submitted yet. Go to Submit
Application and follow the steps. Please review all
information carefully before submitting. Once the
application has been submitted, you will not be able to
revise it anymore.
Once the application is submitted, the PRP
admin will verify the application. The Application
Status page will show the current status of
verification for each checklist item.
Problems with Application
It is possible even after submitting the
application that the admin finds some problems
associated with the documents submitted or
documents missing. In that case, the PRP
admin will notify the candidate about the
incomplete application. The PRP Portal will
send an email similar to the below to the
applicant.
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SUBJECT: SEng License - Missing Items or More
Information Required
Dear Applicant Name:
We are currently reviewing your application and ran into
some problems, that can either be associated with some
missing items or more information might be required.
Check "Application Status" on PRP Portal to know further
details. Your application will not be processed further
unless we receive an update from you on these issues.
Name: Applicant Name
Email: Applicant Email
Click here to go to the PRP Portal.
{This is a link that will direct the referee to the PRP Portal
where the applicant can check the Application Status
Page.}
Thanks,
PRP Administration
The Application Status page will show the
details of documents that should be either
replaced or uploaded. The Status page will also
provide buttons to upload the missing or correct
document.
Once you have uploaded the documents, the
Status page will show the documents that you
have uploaded.
The PRP admin will check the information and
will let you know the update on the documents
by the email shown below. The Status page will
go back to the submitted status.
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SUBJECT: SEng License - Update on Missing Information

Dear Applicant Name:

We have received the missing documents. We will review

the new documents and get back to you with further
updates. Check "Application Status" on PRP Portal to get
instant updates on your application. Application Accepted
Once all the information is verified, the PRP
Applicant Name: Applicant Name
Applicant Email: Applicant Email
Admin will accept the application. The applicant
will be notified by email and with an update on
Click here to go to the PRP Portal. the Application Status page. The Applicant now
{This is a link that will direct the referee to the PRP Portal needs to pay the written exam fee of 7,000 BDT
where the applicant can check the Application Status in order to get his/her Admit Card.
Page.}

SUBJECT: SEng License - Application Accepted

Thanks,
PRP Administration
Dear Applicant Name:

Application Rejected
In cases where the application failed to meet the
eligibility criteria, the PRP admin will reject the
application. The Applicant will be notified by
email and with an update on the Application
Status page.
SUBJECT: SEng License - Application Rejected
Dear Applicant Name:
We have reviewed your application thoroughly.
Unfortunately, your application does not meet our eligibility
criteria and could not be accepted as submitted. Kindly
check the application status on PRP Portal for more details.
Please try again next year.
Applicant Name: Applicant Name
Applicant Email: Applicant Email
Click here to go to the PRP Portal.
{This is a link that will direct the referee to the PRP Portal
where the applicant can check the Application Status
Page.}
We are pleased to notify you that your application for SEng
Exam has been accepted. You are now eligible to sit for the
SEng Exam. Kindly pay the "Written Exam Fee" on PRP
Portal to get the admit card for the exam. If you have any
issues, kindly send us an email.
Applicant Name: Applicant Name
Applicant Email: Applicant Email
Click here to go to the PRP Portal.
{This is a link that will direct the referee to the PRP Portal
where the applicant can check the Application Status
Page.}
Thanks,
PRP Administration
The Payment page will open up for the applicant
once more to submit the payment for the SEng
written exam.

Thanks,
PRP Administration

The Application Status page will provide further

details as to why the application was rejected.

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The Applicant has to enter the Transaction Id or

Receipt number of the payment made. Once the
payment is received by the PRP Admin, the
applicant will be notified by email and with an
update on the Application Status Page.

SUBJECT: SEng License – SEng Exam Admit Card

Dear Applicant Name:

We have received your written exam fee. You can now

download your SEng Admit Card from the PRP-Portal under
Application Status.

Applicant Name: Applicant Name

Applicant Email: Applicant Email

Click here to go to the PRP Portal.

{This is a link that will direct the referee to the PRP Portal
where the applicant can check the Application Status
Page.}

Thanks,
PRP Administration

The Application Status page for the applicant

will now show a button to download the SEng
written exam admit card.

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SEng WRITTEN EXAM FORMAT

EXAM FORMAT
The 12-hour SEng exam is a breadth and depth exam offered in two parts on successive days. The 6-
hour Vertical Forces (Gravity) and Incidental Lateral Forces part is typically offered on Thursday and
focuses on gravity loads and includes secondary lateral loads such as earth pressure. The 6-hour
Lateral Forces (Wind/Earthquake) part is typically offered on Friday and focuses on wind loads and
earthquake forces. Please note that the exams will be administered in US units.

Each part of the structural exam has a 3-hour breadth (morning) module and a 3-hour depth (afternoon)
module.
• Breadth modules (AM sessions): These modules contain questions covering a
comprehensive range of structural engineering topics. All questions are multiple-choice.
• Depth modules (PM sessions): All questions are on in-depth structural analysis and design
requiring detailed manual calculations.

Candidates must take the breadth and depth modules of each part. To pass the SEng exam, a candidate
must receive acceptable results on both components. Please note that it is possible to score 90 out of
90 in the written exam without answering any Bridge related breadth or depth questions.
Summary of SEng Exam Format
Day Time Subject Marks Number of Questions
Morning
30 out of 35 multiple-choice
(9.00 AM - Gravity Loads (Breadth) 20
questions.
12.00 PM)
Answer 5 out of 8 design and
analysis questions
Day 1
• 1 Foundation/Geotechnical
Afternoon
(compulsory)
(2.00 PM – Gravity Loads (Depth) 25
• 2 Steel (1 steel compulsory)
5.00 PM)
• 3 Concrete (1 concrete
compulsory)
• 2 Bridges
Morning
30 out of 35 multiple-choice
(9.00 AM - Lateral Loads (Breadth) 20
questions
12.00 PM)
Answer 5 out of 6 design and
analysis questions
• 1 General/Analysis
Day 2
Afternoon • 1 Concrete Building - Wind
(2.00 PM – Lateral Loads (Depth) 25 • 1 Concrete Building -
5.00 PM) Earthquake
• 1 Steel Building - Wind
• 1 Steel Building - Earthquake
• 1 Concrete Bridge - Wind
Day 3 Oral 10
Total Marks = 100

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SYLLABUS FOR THE EXAM

Multiple-Choice Questions for Depth Questions / Afternoon
Topics for SEng Exam (Breadth and Depth)
Breath / Morning Sessions Sessions
Lateral Gravity Lateral
Gravity (30 out of 35 Qs) (5 out of (5 out of 6 Qs)
(30 out General 8 Qs) General
S No Topics
of 35 (3 Qs) (1 Qs)
Qs) Wind Seismic Wind Seismic
(11 Qs) (21 Qs) (3 Qs) (2 Qs)
Concrete

• Material aspects and strength design

• Design of beams and one-way slabs for
flexure
• Design of beams and one-way slabs for shear
3
• Design of beams and one-way slabs for
(must
1. development length 16 6 12 1 1
answer at
• Design of columns
least 1)
• Design of two-way slabs for flexure
• Design of two-way slabs for shear
• Design for torsion
• Non-seismic detailing
• Design principles for prestressed concrete

Steel

• Design of compression members 2

• Seismic design of steel frames (must
2. 8 3 5 1 1
• Design of floor systems for steel buildings answer at
• Design of connections least 1)
• Stability analysis of steel structures

Masonry

• Components: Masonry unit, mortar, grout,

reinforcement, metal ties and anchors
• Basic Design Requirements
• Allowable Stresses
• Design of Unreinforced Masonry
3. • Design of Reinforced Masonry 2 × ×
• Stability Requirements
• Strength Design of Slender Walls and Shear
Walls
• Earthquake Resistant Design
• Strengthening of Masonry Buildings for
Earthquake
• Confined Masonry

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Multiple-Choice Questions for Depth Questions / Afternoon

Topics for SEng Exam (Breadth and Depth)
Breath / Morning Sessions Sessions
Lateral Gravity Lateral
Gravity (30 out of 35 Qs) (5 out of (5 out of 6 Qs)
(30 out General 8 Qs) General
S No Topics
of 35 (3 Qs) (1 Qs)
Qs) Wind Seismic Wind Seismic
(11 Qs) (21 Qs) (3 Qs) (2 Qs)
Geotech

• Geotechnical Design of Foundations: Soils

1
and Foundations (Chapter 3, Part 6, Volume
4. 5 × 3 (must ×
2 of BNBC-2020)
answer)
• Design concepts of Soils and Foundations for
Earthquake Loads

Bridges (NOT COMPULSORY)

• Basic concrete bridge types, preliminary 4 3 2 1

design specifications (Since (Since (Since (Since
• Loads and flexural design of bridges only 30 only 30 only 5 Qs only 5 Qs
(AASHTO LRFD 2017) Qs need Qs need need to need to
5. • Design of bridge decks using AASHTO LRFD to be to be × be be
2017 answered answered answered answered
• Bridge substructure design and service life these these these can this can
extension can be can be be be
• Bridge evaluation and rehabilitation avoided) avoided) avoided) avoided)
• Structural design of railway bridges

Existing Buildings

• Basic concepts
6. • Linear analysis procedure of evaluation ×
• Nonlinear analysis procedure of evaluation
• Modeling parameters and acceptance criteria

7. Hydraulic Structures 0 3 ×

8. Introduction to Building Codes ×

Introduction to BNBC
9. BNBC-2020 Parts 6,7; RAJUK’s Bidhimala, Building ×
Construction Act, Town Improvement Act

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Multiple-Choice Questions for Depth Questions / Afternoon

Topics for SEng Exam (Breadth and Depth)
Breath / Morning Sessions Sessions
Lateral Gravity Lateral
Gravity (30 out of 35 Qs) (5 out of (5 out of 6 Qs)
(30 out General 8 Qs) General
S No Topics
of 35 (3 Qs) (1 Qs)
Qs) Wind Seismic Wind Seismic
(11 Qs) (21 Qs) (3 Qs) (2 Qs)

Candidates will be tested on the various subjects listed above, as they relate to a structure subject to the loads detailed below.

Gravity Loading & Analysis

• Dead Loads
• Live loads, reduction of live loads
• Moving (e.g., vehicular, crane) loads
• Impact (e.g., vehicular, crane, elevator) loads
• Earth pressure
• Differential settlement
10.
• Flood loads
• Rain loads
• Thermal loads
• Shrinkage
• Load Combinations
• Deflection Limits

Wind Loading & Analysis

• Main Wind Force Resisting System

• Components and Cladding
• Basic Wind Speed, Wind Speed Map
• Wind Directionality
11. • Surface Roughness Categories
• Exposure Categories
• Topographic Effects
• Gust Effects
• Design Procedures – Directional Procedures
• Design Procedures – Envelope Procedures

Design for Seismic Forces

• Seismic Design by the Equivalent Lateral Force Procedure

• Seismic Design – Structural Configuration and Irregularity
• Seismic Detailing of Moment Frames
12.
• Seismic Detailing of Shear Walls
• Seismic Design Using Modal Response Spectrum Analysis
• Seismic Design Considerations beyond the Basics
• Seismic Design of Nonstructural Components and Nonbuilding Structures

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EXAM UNITS
Upon discussing with many subject-matter experts, it has been determined that Bangladeshi engineers
are more conversant with FPS. Hence, the exam will be mostly administered in FPS units. For
geotechnical questions and few steel questions the units may be SI as well.

PASSING SCORE
Your exam results are based on the total number of correct answers that you selected. There are no
deductions for wrong answers. There is no specified passing score. The passing score will be
determined based on the overall performance of all the examinees in the respective SEng Exam. PRP-
Portal will not publish the criteria for the evaluation of performance as this will be determined by SEng
exam administrators and may change based on the overall difficulty of the exam.

REFERENCED CODES AND STANDARDS

1. BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
2. ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2008 edition.
3. ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, 2005 edition.
4. AASHTO: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, 8th edition, 2017.
5. AISC 360: Specification for Structural Steel Buildings, 2005 edition.
6. AISC, Steel Construction Manual, 13th edition.
7. AISC 341, Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, Including Supplement No. 1, 2005
edition.

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SEng Sample Questions

TYPE OF QUESTIONS
SEng Examination will test the structural engineering basics and design concepts that an engineer
needs to have in his day-to-day work dealing with various engineering problems. It is based on the
design issues that engineer faces in their field. There will be three major types of questions in the
Breadth sessions:

MCQs TESTING UNDERSTANDING

These questions test a candidate’s general understanding of concepts in structural engineering. Ideally,
these questions should not take more than 3 to 4 minutes to answer.

MCQs REQUIRING LOOKING UP INFORMATION FROM CODES

These are questions that will require the candidate to look information up from tables, charts, etc. in
codes, standards, or design manuals. Ideally, these questions should not take more than 5 to 6 minutes
to answer.

MCQs REQUIRING LIMITED NUMBER CRUNCHING

These questions will require the candidates to make limited calculations before they can answer the
questions. Ideally, these questions should not take more than 8 to 10 minutes.

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GRAVITY BREADTH QUESTIONS

1. The figure shows the loads acting on a beam.

The shear diagram is most nearly:

A.

B.

C.

D.

2. Answer all parts below:

Part 1:
An underreinforced concrete beam with primary failure in flexure is:

A. expected to fail in flexure due to crushing of concrete before the steel yields
B. expected to fail in flexure by yielding of steel before crushing of concrete
C. allowed by code in special instances in which materials are understrength
D. discouraged by code

Part 2:
An overreinforced concrete beam is one in which the:

A. actual 28-day concrete strength is more than that specified in the design
B. actual tensile strength of the steel is less than that specified in the design
C. failure occurs suddenly and without large deformations preceding the failure
D. approach is safe and conservative

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3. A 10-in. × 10-in. column is supported by a 7-ft × 7-ft square footing. The reinforcing steel for the
footing has an effective depth of 8.5 in.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2008 edition.

Design Data:
Normal weight concrete, 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 3000 psi

The two-way shear capacity of the concrete 𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 (kips) is most nearly:

A. 60
B. 103
C. 137
D. 175

4. Assume that for a 6-ft-square footing supporting a 10-in. × 10-in. concrete column, the net
factored soil bearing pressure has the distribution shown below. The effective depth is 8.5 in.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2008 edition.

The factored total maximum one-way shear (kips) is most nearly:

A. 21
B. 38
C. 47
D. 60

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5. A 16-in. × 16-in. concrete column is reinforced by four #11 vertical bars.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2008 edition.
Design Data:
Concrete strength, fc′ = 4,000 psi
Yield stress of reinforcing = 60,000 psi
Assumption:
Special provisions for seismic design do not apply.
The maximum #4 column tie spacing (in.) is most nearly:

A. 16
B. 22
C. 24
D. 66

6. A 24 in. diameter spirally reinforced column with a 1.5 in cover to the spiral is reinforced with
grade 60 bars and has a concrete compressive strength of 4500 psi. Determine the required
pitch of the spiral.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2008 edition.

A. 1 in.
B. 2 in.
C. 3 in.
D. 4 in.

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7. A concrete beam is shown in the figure below.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirement for Structural Concrete, 2008.
Design Data:
fc′ = 4,000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi
Assumptions:
C𝑠𝑠 = 34.32 kips
Cc = 155.5 kips
The moment capacity (ft-kips) of the beam is most nearly:
A. 410
B. 370
C. 350
D. 325

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8. A concrete beam is shown in the figure below.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirement for Structural Concrete, 2008.
Design Data:
fc′ = 4,000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi
The strap beam shear capacity (kips) is most nearly:
A. 41
B. 47
C. 88
D. 117

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9. An 18 in. square column is reinforced with 12 no. 9 grade 60 bars and has a concrete
compressive strength of 4000 psi. The column is braced against sidesway, has an unsupported
height of 9 ft and supports axial load only without end moments.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirement for Structural Concrete, 2008.

Answer all parts below:

PART 1
Determine the slenderness ratio of the column:

A. 14
B. 20
C. 30
D. 40

PART 2
Determine the design axial load capacity of the column.

A. 926 kips
B. 1157 kips
C. 1424 kips
D. 1780 kips

10. A reinforced concrete beam with an effective depth of 16 in and a width of 12 in is reinforced
with grade 60 bars and has a concrete compressive strength of 3000 psi. Determine the area of
tension reinforcement required if the beam supports a total factored moment of 150 ft-kips.

A. 4.35 in.2
B. 2.61 in.2
C. 2.45 in.2
D. 0.64 in.2

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11. The figure below shows the cross section of a simply supported beam reinforced with four no. 8
bars that are confined with no. 3 stirrups spaced at 6 in. Use simplified approach.

Design Code:
BNBC: Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 edition.
ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, 2008 edition.

Design Data:
Normal weight concrete, 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 3,000 psi
Specified steel yield strength 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 = 60 ksi
Assumptions:
Bars are not coated.

The development length of the bars is most nearly:

A. 32 in.
B. 55 in.
C. 62 in.
D. 73 in.

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12. An interior prestressed concrete girder for a two-lane, simply supported highway bridge with a
76-ft span is to be designed. The following figure shows a typical interior girder section with the
preliminary arrangement of prestressing strands.

Design Code:
AASHTO: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, 8th edition, 2017.

Design Data:
Weight of girder 822 plf of girder
Prestressing force at release 650 kips
Area of girder 789 in2
Section moduli for the girder:
Top fiber 8,089 in3
Bottom fiber 10,543 in3

The concrete stress distribution at midspan at release of prestress is most nearly:

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13. Use net area fracture to calculate the nominal tensions capacity in kips of the two connected
plates through a set of bolts having diameters of 7/8”.

Given: Fy = 36 ksi and Fu = 58 ksi

A. 151.5
B. 170.5
C. 181.25
D. 205.25

14. Calculate the value of shear lag factor for the connection shown below. Spacing between bolts
are 2 inches.

L 4” X 4” X 3/8“

A. 0.8
B. 0.86
C. 0.91
D. 1.0

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15. What is the smallest net area for the plate shown below? The bolts are 1” diameter.

A. 10
B. 10.2
C. 10.6
D. 11

16. Determine the critical buckling load about the minor axis of a W12 x 50 column. Its length is 20
ft. For major axis buckling, the column is pinned at both ends, while for minor axis buckling, the
column is pinned at one end and fixed at the other end. Ix = 391 in2; Iy = 56.3; and E=29000
ksi.

A. 323 kips
B. 437 kips
C. 807 kips
D. 1456 kips

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17. The plastic section modulus about minor axis of the section shown below:
15”

tf=1”

17” tw=1.5”

A. 132
B. 112
C. 102
D. 122

18. For an HSS16 × 8 × ¼ member with the following section and material properties:

Section properties Material properties

A = 10.8 in2 Iy = 127 in4 ASTM A500, grade B steel
t = 0.233 in Sy = 31.7 in3 Fy = 46 ksi
Ix = 368 in4 Zy = 35.0 in3 Fu = 58 ksi
Sx = 46.1 in3 b/t = 31.3
Zx = 56.4 in3 h/t=65.7

Part 1
Check whether the:

A. section is compact
B. both section webs and flanges are non-compact
C. only flanges are compact
D. only webs are compact

Part 2
Check whether the:

A. flanges are slender

B. webs are slender
C. both flanges and webs are slender
D. both flanges and webs are not slender

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19. The maximum shear stress at neutral axis for the steel section shown below when the external
shear force, V = 75 kips is:

A. 7.1
B. 1.13
C. 10.25
D. 8.25

20. For the connection shown below:

Assume 7/8 in. A325 bolts are used in a slip-critical connection with a factor for fillers, hf = 1.0.
A36 steel (Fy=36 ksi, Fu = 58 ksi) and Class B faying surface and standard size holes. For plate,
𝑈𝑈𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 1.

Part 1
The block shear strength of the figure below is:
A. 205
B. 219
C. 244
D. 235

Part 2
The connection slip-critical strength:
A. 17 kips
B. 19 kips
C. 22 kips
D. 132 kips

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21. For the connection shown below, the tension member and the gusset plate are made from A36
steel. Electrodes are E70xx. The weld strength of tension member connections is:

A. 5.6 kips
B. 9.8 kips
C. 32.4 kips
D. 44.5 kips

22. The sand in the profile illustrated is saturated above the water table by virtue of capillary action.
Given the soil properties illustrated, what is the total stress, effective stress, and pore pressure
in psf at 35 ft depth (bottom of the profile) :

A. 3825 psf, 2140.2 psf, 1684.8 psf

B. 2150 psf, 1000.2 psf, 1149.8 psf
C. 960 psf, 960 psf, 0 psf
D. 1200 psf, 1075.2 psf, 124.8 psf

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23. Determine the classification of an inorganic soil with the characteristics listed using the USCS
classification systems.

soil size (mm) fraction retained on sieve

< 0.002 0.19 LL = 53
0.002 – 0.005 0.12 PL = 22
0.005 – 0.05 0.36
0.05 – 0.075 0.04 F200= (1-0.29)(100) = 71
0.075-2.0 0.29
>2.0 0

A. CL-ML
B. CL
C. CH
D. ML

24. During the surface investigations for design of foundation, a standard penetration test was
conducted at 4.5 m below the ground surface. The record of number of blows is given below:

0 – 75 mm 3 blows
75 mm – 150 mm 3 blows
150 mm – 225 mm 6 blows
225 mm – 300 mm 6 blows
300 mm – 375 mm 8 blows
375 mm – 450 mm 7 blows

Assuming the water table at ground level, soil as fine sand and correction factor for overburden
as 1.0, the corrected N value for the soil would be:

A. 18
B. 19
C. 21
D. 33

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25. The stresses at failure on the failure plane in a cohesionless soil mass were: Shear stress = 4
kN/m2; normal stress = 10 kN/m2. Determine the resultant stress on the failure plane and the
angle of internal friction of the soil.

A. 10 kN/m2, 20°
B. 10.8 kN/m2, 21° 48’
C. 11.2 kN/m2, 25° 33’
D. 12 kN/m2, 45°

{We will add more geotechnical and bridge questions in coming days}

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Solutions
1. D

Option A incorrectly uses constant shear in Span 1. Option B is incorrect because it uses
the moment diagram for the overhang. Option C is incorrect because it uses the inverted
shear diagram for Span 1.

2. Part 1: B

In the flexural failure of an underreinforced beam, the steel yields before the concrete
crushes, resulting in an increase in ductile failure.

Part 2: C

In the flexural failure of an overreinforced beam, crushing of concrete precedes yielding of

steel, resulting in a sudden failure of the beam.

3. B

𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 𝜙𝜙4�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑜 𝑑𝑑

𝜙𝜙 = 0.75
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ = 3000
𝑏𝑏𝑜𝑜 = 4(10 + 8.5) = 7.4 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖.
𝑑𝑑 = 8.5
√3000
𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 0.75 × 4 × × 7.4 × 8.5 = 103 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
1000

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4. C

Shear at 𝑑𝑑 from the face of the column:

49.5 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖.
𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢 @13.5 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖. = � � (4.9) = 3.37 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
72 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖.
1.875
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = ��(3.37)(18.75)� + �(1.54) � ��� 6 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 46.6 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
2

5. A

ACI 7.10.5.2
Column width = 16 in.
16 bar diameter = 16(1.41) =22.56
48 tie diameter = 48 (0.50) =24.0
Least dimension =16 in.

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6. B

From ACI Sec. 7.10.4.2, the minimum permissible diameter of spiral reinforcement is:
𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏 = 0.375 in.

𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 = area of spiral bar = 0.11 in.2

𝜋𝜋(21 in)2
𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 = gross area of column = 4
= 346 in.2

𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠 = mean diameter of spiral = 21 in – 0.375 in.

= 20.625 in.
From ACI Eq. 10-5, the minimum allowable spiral reinforcement ratio is
𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔
−1 452
𝐴𝐴 −1
𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = 0.45𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ � 𝑐𝑐ℎ
𝑓𝑓
� = (0.45 )( 4.5) �34660 � = 0.0103
𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦

volume of spiral bar per turn 𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑𝑠𝑠

𝜌𝜌𝑠𝑠 = =
volume of concrete core per turn 𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐ℎ 𝑠𝑠
𝑠𝑠 = 2 in
The calculated pitch lies between the maximum of 3 in. and the minimum of 1 in. specified
in ACI Sec. 7.10.4.3.
7. B

𝑇𝑇𝑠𝑠 = (4)(0.79)(60) = 189.6 kips

2.99
𝑀𝑀𝑢𝑢 = 0.90 �189.6(27.5 − 2.99) + 155.5 �2.99 − 0.85 � �� + 34.32(2.99 − 2.50)�
2
= 0.90(4647.1 + 267.3 + 16.8) = 4438.1 in. −kips = 369.8 ft − kips

8. C

𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 0.75�2√4000�(18)(27.5)=46960=47 kips

𝜙𝜙𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑 27.5
𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 = = 0.75 × 0.4 × 60 × = 41.25 kips
𝑠𝑠 12
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = 𝜙𝜙(𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 + 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 ) = 47.0 + 41.3 ≅ 88 kips
.

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9. Part 1: B

From ACI Sec. 10.10.6.3, the effective length factor, 𝑘𝑘, for a column braced against
sideway is, 𝑘𝑘 = 1.0.
The radius of gyration, in accordance with ACI Sec. 10.10.1.2, is
𝑟𝑟 = 0.3ℎ = (0.3)(18 in) = 5.4 in
The slenderness ratio is
in.
𝑘𝑘ℓ𝑢𝑢 (1.0)(9 ft) �12 ft �
= = 20.0
𝑟𝑟 5.4 in.
Part 2: A

In accordance with ACI Eq. 10-7, the column, may be classified as a short column provided
that:
𝑘𝑘ℓ𝑢𝑢 12𝑀𝑀1
≤ 34 − ≤ 40
𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝑀2
20 < 34
Where, 𝑀𝑀1 = 0, and 𝑀𝑀2 = 𝑀𝑀𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
The column is a short column, and the design axial load capacity is given by ACI Eq. 10-2
as:

𝜙𝜙𝑃𝑃𝑛𝑛 = 0.80𝜙𝜙�0.85 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ �𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 − 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 � + 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 �

= (0.80)(0.65)�0.85(4) × (324 − 12) + 12(60)� = 926 kips

10. C

This problem can be worked out in various ways. We will soon post the solution for this.

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11. B

For no. 8 bars, 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏 = 1.0 in.

(12−5)
Clear spacing between bars = 3 − 1.0 = 1.33 > 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏
As per ACI Sec. 12.2.2, the development length for No. 7 and larger bars and where the
𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝜓𝜓𝑡𝑡 𝜓𝜓𝑒𝑒
above clear spacing condition is met is: ℓ𝑑𝑑 = � � 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏
20𝜆𝜆�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′

𝜓𝜓𝑡𝑡 = 1.0 (bottom bars)

𝜓𝜓𝑒𝑒 = 1.0 (no coating)
𝜆𝜆 = 1.0 (normalweight concrete)

60,000
ℓ𝑑𝑑 = = 54.8 ≅ 55 in.
20 × 1 × √3000

Note: Upon using ACI Eq. 12-1, the development length will be 44 in. which is 11 in. less
than the simplified approach.

12. C
762
𝑀𝑀 due to girder weight = 0.822 � 8 � = 594 ft-kips
𝑃𝑃 𝑃𝑃 𝑀𝑀𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
𝑓𝑓𝑡𝑡 = − (distance from center of strands to the C.G. of girder) +
𝐴𝐴 𝑆𝑆𝑡𝑡 𝑆𝑆𝑡𝑡
650 650(24.73 − 4) (594)(12)
=− + − = 0.039 ksi, compression
789 8089 8089
650 659(20.73) (594)(12)
𝑓𝑓𝑏𝑏 = − − + = 1426 ksi, compression
789 10543 10543

13. C
Net area, An = Plate thickness x plate depth – no. of bolts x hole diameter x thickness
An = (5/8) (8)-(3) (7/8+1/8) (5/8)
An = 3.125 in2
Nominal tension capacity = An Fu = 3.125*58 = 181.25 ksi

14. A
According to the AISC Table D3.1, Case 8, U = 0.8

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15. A
For path a-b-c-d-e,
𝑠𝑠 2
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 − �� 𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 + �� 𝑡𝑡
4𝑔𝑔
3 3 32 3
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = (16) � � − [(3) �1 + � + (2)]( )
4 16 4(5) 4
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = 10 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
For path a-b-d-e,
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 − (� 𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 )(𝑡𝑡)
3 3 3
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = (16)( ) − (2) �1 + � ( )
4 16 4
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = 10.22 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
For path a-b-c-g,
𝑠𝑠 2
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔 − �� 𝑑𝑑ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 + � � 𝑡𝑡
4𝑔𝑔
3 3 32 3
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = (16) � � − [(2) �1 + � + ]( )
4 16 4(5) 4
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛 = 10.55 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2

Therefore, the governing net area is 10 in2

16. B
For W12 x 50, x is major axis and y is minor axis, which means Ix > Iy.
According to Table C-A-7.1 of AISC manual, Kx=1.0 and Ky=0.8 (recommended design
value)
Lcx = KxLx = (1.0) (20) = 20’
Lcy = KyLy = (0.8) (20) = 16’
𝜋𝜋2 𝐸𝐸 𝐼𝐼𝑦𝑦 𝜋𝜋2 (29000)(56.3)
Critical load for buckling about y-axis, 𝑃𝑃𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐−𝑦𝑦 = (𝐾𝐾 )2
= = 437 kips
𝑦𝑦 𝐿𝐿𝑦𝑦 (16∗12)2

17. D

𝑍𝑍𝑦𝑦 = (1.0)(15^2/4) + (1.0)(15^2/4) + (17)(〖1.5〗^2/4) = 122 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2

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18. Part 1: B
Check whether the flanges are compact. According to the AISC specifications Table B4.1b,
case 17,
𝐸𝐸 29,000 𝑏𝑏
ʎ𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 1.12� = 1.12� = 28.12 [< 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐]
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 46 𝑡𝑡
Check whether the webs are compact. According to the AISC specifications Table B4.1b,
case 19,
𝐸𝐸 29,000 ℎ
ʎ𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = 2.42� = 2.42� = 60.76 [< 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐]
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 46 𝑡𝑡

Part 2: D
Check whether the flanges are compact. According to the AISC specifications Table B4.1b,
case 17,
𝐸𝐸 29,000 𝑏𝑏
ʎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 1.40� = 1.40� = 35.15 [> 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠]
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 46 𝑡𝑡
Check whether the webs are compact. According to the AISC specifications Table B4.1b,
case 19,
𝐸𝐸 29,000 ℎ
ʎ𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 5.70� = 5.70� = 143.12 [> 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠]
𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 46 𝑡𝑡

19. D
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝐼𝐼𝑥𝑥 𝑏𝑏
(7)(33 ) (1)(6)3
𝐼𝐼𝑥𝑥 = (2) + (2)(21)(4.5)2 +
12 12
𝐼𝐼𝑥𝑥 = 900 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖4
3
𝑄𝑄𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = (7)(3) �3 + � + (3)(1.5)
2
𝑄𝑄𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 99 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖3
(75)(99)
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 =
(900)(1)
𝜏𝜏𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 8.25 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

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20. Part 1: B
𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔 = (9.5)(2)(0.5) = 9.5 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
7 1
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 9.5 − (5)( + )(0.5) = 7.0 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
8 8
7 1
𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = [4 − � + �](0.5) = 1.5 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
8 8
For plate, 𝑈𝑈𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 1
Fracture shear failure: 0.6𝐹𝐹𝑢𝑢 𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 0.6(58)(7.0) = 244 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
Gross yield failure: 0.6𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔 = 0.6(36)(9.5) = 205 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 → 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = ∅�0.6𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝐴𝐴𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔 + 𝑈𝑈𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝐹𝐹𝑢𝑢 𝐴𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 � = 0.75(205.2 + (1.0)(58)(1.5) = 219 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

Part 2: D
Answer is D
𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = 𝜇𝜇𝐷𝐷𝑢𝑢 ℎ𝑓𝑓 𝑇𝑇𝑏𝑏 𝑛𝑛𝑠𝑠 = (0.5)(1.13)(1.0)(39)(1.0) = 22.04 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘/𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = (1.0)(22.04) = 22.04
𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
Therefore, the connection (6 bolts) strength: (6.0)(22.04) = 132.2 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
21. D
Weld symmetrically placed, qualified for simply connection.
Basic weld strength, 𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 0.6𝐹𝐹𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 0.6(70) = 42 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
1 𝑘𝑘
Nominal strength per inch of weld, 𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = 0.707𝑤𝑤𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 0.707 � � (42) = 7.42
4 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖ℎ 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤
Design weld strength, ∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛 = 0.75(7.42)(4 + 4) = 44.5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

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22. A
The total stress profile is a profile of the total weight of the soil column with depth. The total
stress at a depth of 10 ft is

lbf
𝜎𝜎10 = 𝛾𝛾𝛾𝛾 = �120 � × (10 ft) = 1200 psf
ft 3

At a depth of 35 ft, the total stress is

𝜎𝜎 = 𝜎𝜎10 + 𝛾𝛾𝛾𝛾 = 1200 + 105 × 25 = 3825 psf

The pore water pressure above the water table is zero. Below the water table, the pore
water pressure is equal to the weight of the water column. At a depth of 35 ft, the pore water
pressure is

lbf
𝑢𝑢35 = �62.4 � (35 ft − 8 ft) = 1684.8 psf
ft 3

The effective stress profile is determined by subtracting the pore water pressure from the
total stress, or by using buoyant densities below the water table. Above the water table, the
total and effective stresses are equal. At a depth of 8 ft, the effective stress is

𝜎𝜎8 = 𝛾𝛾𝛾𝛾 = 120 × 8 = 960 psf

At a depth of 10 ft, the effective stress is:

lbf lbf lbf

𝜎𝜎10 = 960 + �120 − 62.4 � (2 ft) = 1075.2 psf
ft 2 ft 3 ft 3

At a depth of 35 ft, the effective stress is

lbf lbf lbf

𝜎𝜎35 = 1075.2 2
+ �105 3 − 62.4 3 � (25 ft) = 2140.2 psf
ft ft ft

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23. C
The plasticity index is given by:

PI = LL-PL = 53-22 = 31

From Table 6.3.2 of BNBC, soil is first classified as fine-grained soil (more than 50%
passing the no. 200 sieve as F200 = 71%). The liquid limit is greater than 50 (LL=53).

Using Plasticity Chart in Figure 6.3.1 of BNBC, since the soil plots above the A-line, it is
classified as CH: a highly plastic clay.

24. C
For calculation of SPT number N, we discard the value of blows for first 15 cm and count
number of blows for next 30 cm.

Uncorrected SPT number,

N = N2 + N3
= 12 + 15 = 27
N > 15 and soil is saturated fine sand

Applying dilatancy correction (BNBC D.5.3)

Corrected N = 15 + 1/2 (N – 15) = 15 + 1/2 (27 – 15) = 21

25. B

Resultant stress = √𝜎𝜎 2 + 𝜏𝜏 2 = √102 + 42 = 10.77 kN/m2

𝜏𝜏 4
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡(𝜙𝜙) = = = 0.4
𝜎𝜎 10

𝜙𝜙 = 21° 48′

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LATERAL BREADTH QUESTIONS

1. Answer all parts:
Part 1
According to ASCE, what would be the seismic design category for an occupancy category III
structure that has a mapped spectral response acceleration parameter (S1) of 0.85 at 1 sec?

A. B
B. C
C. D
D. E
Part 2
Depending on the specifics of a structure, the system overstrength factor may vary between

A. 1.0 and 1.3

B. 1.3 and 1.6
C. 1.6 and 2.0
D. 1.25 and 3.0

2. Answer all parts:

Part 1
The response modification factor, R, accounts for a structural system’s

A. resistance
B. Ductility
C. Stiffness
D. None of the above
Part 2
For a 200 ft (61 m) regular building in San Francisco different types of structural systems are
being analyzed. Which of the following systems are allowed by the BNBC? Assume seismic
design category D
(I) Steel eccentrically braced frame
(II) Special steel truss moment-resisting frames
(III) Ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls

A. I only
B. I and II
C. I and III
D. I, II, and III

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3. Answer all parts:

Part 1
The fundamental time period, T, of a high-rise building is larger than the long-period transition
period, TL. The maximum seismic response coefficient, Cs, is given by

𝑉𝑉
A. 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 =
𝑊𝑊
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
B. 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 = 𝑅𝑅
𝐼𝐼
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1
C. 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 = 𝑅𝑅
𝑇𝑇( )
𝐼𝐼
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1 𝑇𝑇𝐿𝐿
D. 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 = 𝑅𝑅
𝑇𝑇 2 ( )
𝐼𝐼

Part 2
The weight, W, used in the base shear calculation for a storage area, must include at least 25%
of the floor.

A. Live load
B. Dead load
C. Combined live and dead loads
D. None of the above

4. The following three structures are located at a site in seismic design category C and underlain
by the same site class. If an earthquake occurs with a predominant period of 0.6 sed, which of
the following buildings may be in resonance with the earthquake?

concrete shear Special steel Reinforced

walls bearing moment- concrete
wall system resisting frame moment-resisting
frame
A. I only
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III

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5. A ten-story office building with site class B, has a response modification factor, R, of 5.6, an
effective seismic weight, W, of 2000 kips (900 000 kg), and mapped acceleration parameters
of Ss = 1.25 and S1 = 0.45. What is the approximate seismic base shear for the structure?
Assume the occupancy importance factor, I, is 1.0; the fundamental period, T, is 2 sec; and the
long-period transition period, TL, is 3 sec.

A. 30 kips (120 kN)

B. 50 kips (240 kN)
C. 70 kips (300 kN)
D. 100 kips (450 kN)

6. Answer all parts:

Part 1
For a moment-resisting structural system, resistance to lateral load is provided by which of the
following?

A. Complete space frame

B. Shear walls
C. Braced frames
D. Flexural action of members
Part 2
For structures three stories or less, which of the following structural systems has lowest ductility
expected by ASCE 7-05?

A. Special reinforced concrete shear walls

B. Special reinforced masonry shear walls
C. Intermediate steel moment frames
D. Steel eccentrically braced frames

7. A four story, special moment-resisting steel frame with equal story heights of 15 ft (4.6 m) has a
fundamental period of 0.7 sec, an occupancy category of III, a redundancy factor of 1.0, and a
design level elastic response displacement of 0.7 in (18 mm). The maximum inelastic
displacement in the first story is most nearly

A. 3 in (80 mm)
B. 4 in (90 mm)
C. 5 in (100 mm)
D. 6 in (110 mm)

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47

8. Answer all parts:

Part 1
When performing a modal response spectrum analysis, the value of the bending moment
generated in a moment frame beam can be divided by the quantity

A. I/R
B. R/I
C. Cd/I
D. I/Cd
Part 2
While performing a modal response spectrum analysis, what percentage of the mass needs to
be considered when determining the number of modes for the analysis?

A. 90%
B. 95%
C. 100%
D. None

9. Which of the following buildings has a soft story

A. I only
B. I and II
C. I and III
D. II and III

10. For the structure shown, Sn represents the story strength of the nth floor. The relative story
strengths of different floors are given as follows. Which floor can be identified as a weak story?

80% S2 < S1 < 90% S2

80% S3 < S2 < 90% S3
80% S4 < S3 < 90% S4
S4 = 90% S5

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48

A. 1st floor
B. 2nd floor
C. 3rd floor
D. 4th floor

11. A ten-story office building as shown has a special moment-resisting steel frame, a seismic
design category of D, mapped MCE spectral response acceleration values of Ss = 1.1 and S1 =
0.75, and design spectral acceleration parameters of SDS = 0.7 sec and SD1 = 0.6 sec. The total
weight of each story is 150,000 lbf (68,000 kg). If the importance factor, I, is 1.0 and the
fundamental period, T = 1.3 sec, does not exceed the long-period transition period, the seismic
base shear is most nearly

Site class C

A. 50 kips (200 kN)

B. 100 kips (400 kN)
C. 150 kips (650 kN)
D. 200 kips (900 kN)

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12. For question Part 1 and Part 2, refer to the following set of assumptions. The plan view of a one-
story residential building with a wood structural panel roof diaphragm is shown. The roof has a
4 ft (1.2 m) overhang. The seismic load is in the north-south direction. (ρ = 1.0.)

Part 1
For the north-south direction, determine the roof diaphragm shear force at line 1.
A. 4000 lbf (18 000 N)
B. 4200 lbf (19 000 N)
C. 8000 lbf (35 000 N)
D. 8200 lbf (37 000 N)
Part 2
For the north-south direction, determine the roof diaphragm shear force at line 2.
A. 4000 lbf (18 000 N)
B. 4200 lbf (19 000 N)
C. 8000 lbf (35 000 N)
D. 8200 lbf (37 000 N)

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50

A three-story building, 36 ft (10.97 m) high and the building length is 150 ft (45.72 m) and width is 60 ft
(18.29 m) (see Figure below). Assume less than 300 people are staying in one area.

Three-story building plan

Given:
Building location Adjacent to the shoreline on flat area
Wind speed 150 mph (67 m/s)
Wind direction South to North
Building type Steel building
Enclosure classification Enclosed

Answer the following questions:

13. The wind velocity pressure for the main wind-force-resisting system at roof height and height of
15 ft are:

A. 59 lb/ft2 and 50 lb/ft2, respectively

B. 50 lb/ft2 and 42 lb/ft2, respectively
C. 39 lb/ft2 and 31 lb/ft2, respectively
D. 46 lb/ft2 and 37 lb/ft2, respectively

14. For the windward wall, the external pressure at roof height is:

A. 34 lb/ft2
B. 44 lb/ft2
C. 39 lb/ft2
D. 27 lb/ft2

15. For the leeward wall, the uniform external pressure is

A. - 28 lb/ft2
B. - 18 lb/ft2
C. - 21 lb/ft2
D. - 14 lb/ft2

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16. For side wall, the external pressure acting on the wall is

A. - 30 lb/ft2
B. - 19 lb/ft2
C. - 24 lb/ft2
D. - 36 lb/ft2

17. For the six-story hotel building, located on an Escarpment, shown in the figure below and, the
topographic factor, Kzt, at centroid of the parapet is:

Assume:
Surface roughness is D
Topography is 2-D escarpment
Occupancy is residential building (less than 300 people congregate in one area)

A. 1.01
B. 1.06
C. 1.11
D. 1.17

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52

Solutions

1. Part 1: D

According to ASCE Sec. 11.6, a structure with an occupancy category of I, II, or III, and a
mapped spectral response acceleration parameter greater than or equal to 0.75 at 1 sec is
given a seismic design category of E. All other structures must be determined in
accordance with ASCE Secs. 11.4.4 and 11.6.1.1.

Part 2: D

In a linear elastic structure, the force in the structure reaches R times the calculated design
seismic force where R is the response modification factor of the structure and has a value
between 1.0 and 8.0 depending on the structural system. However, because of the inelastic
behavior of the actual structure, the fundamental period and the damping ratio increase,
and seismic energy is dissipated. This reduces the actual seismic force that can be
developed to Ωo times the design seismic force, where Ωo is the system overstrength factor,
which varies between 1.25 and 3.0 depending on the structure

2. Part 1: B

A structure’s response modification factor, R, represents the overstrength and global

ductility of structural components.

R values are tabulated in ASCE Table 12.2-1, for various types of building structural
systems, and in Tables 15.4-1 and 15.4-2 for nonbuilding structures. A higher R value is
indicative of a more ductile structural system.

Part 2: B

ASCE Table 12.2-1 does not permit the use of ordinary reinforced concrete shear walls is
buildings of seismic design category D. There is a limit of 160 ft on the height of buildings
supported by special steel truss moment-resisting frames. However, footnote d refers to
ASCE Sec. 12.2.5.4, which permits the height limit to be increased to 240 ft for regular
buildings, which also satisfies item two of that section. There is no limit on the steel
eccentrically braced frames.

3. Part 1: D

ASCE Sec. 12.8.1.1 provides the method to determine the value of Cs. When the
fundamental time period, T, exceeds the long-period transition period, TL, ASCE Eq. 12.8-
4 is used
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1 𝑇𝑇𝐿𝐿
𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 =
𝑅𝑅
𝑇𝑇 2 ( )
𝐼𝐼

Part 2: A

The weight, W, is used in the base shear calculation given by ASCE Sec. 12.8.1, which
refers to Sec. 12.7.2. For areas used in storage, the weight must also include a minimum
of 25% of the live load.

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4. D

Resonance occurs when the building period coincides with the earthquake’s fundamental
time period. Use ASCE Eq. 12.8-7, 𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎 = 𝐶𝐶𝑡𝑡 ℎ𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 , to find the approximate fundamental time
period of each structure and compare it with the earthquake period of 0.6 sec. Use ASCE
Table 12.8-2 to obtain the values of Ct and x.
For structure I, the concrete shear walls’ bearing wall systems falls under ASCE Table
12.8-2’s structure type “other.” Therefore, its values of Ct and x are 0.02 and 0.75. As
given, the height is 93 ft.

𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎,𝐼𝐼 = 𝐶𝐶𝑡𝑡 𝐻𝐻𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 = (0.02)(93 ft)0.75 = 0.60 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

For structure II, with a steel moment-resisting frame, the value of Ct and x are 0.028 and
0.8. As height is 44 ft.
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎,𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 = 𝐶𝐶𝑡𝑡 𝐻𝐻𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 = (0.028)(44 ft)0.8 = 0.58 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

For structure III, with a concrete moment-resisting frame, the value of Ct and x are 0.016
and 0.9. As height is 54 ft.
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎,𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 = 𝐶𝐶𝑡𝑡 𝐻𝐻𝑛𝑛𝑥𝑥 = (0.016)(54 ft)0.9 = 0.58 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

5. B

The seismic base shear is given by ASCE Eq. 12.8-1, V = CsW. The seismic response
coefficient, Cs, is given in ASCE/SEI Sec. 12.8.1. Because the fundamental period, T, is
less than the long-period transition period, TL use ASCE Eq. 12.8-3 to determine Cs.
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1
𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 =
𝑅𝑅
𝑇𝑇( 𝐼𝐼 )
The design spectral acceleration parameter, SD1, is given by ASCE Eq. 11.4-4, where S1
is 0.45.
2 2
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1 = 𝑆𝑆1 = � � (0.45) = 0.3
3 3
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1 0.3
𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 = = = 0.027
𝑅𝑅 5.6
𝑇𝑇( 𝐼𝐼 ) (2sec) � �
1.0
Therefore, the seismic base shear is
𝑉𝑉 = (0.027)(2000 kips) = 54 kips (50kips)

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6. Part 1: D

Moment-resisting structural systems have an essentially complete frame that gives

support to both vertical and lateral loads. According to ASCE Sec. 11.2, resistance to
lateral loads is provided by flexural actions of members.

Part 2: C
The response modification factor, R, reflects the inherent overstrength and global ductility
capacity of different lateral-force resisting systems. As the value of R decreases, the
ductility of the structure decreases. R values are given in ASCE Table 12.2-1. From this
table, the value of R for option A, B, C, and D are 5, 5.5, 4.5, and 8. Therefore,
intermediate steel moment frames have the lowest ductility.
7. A

The maximum inelastic response displacement, δx, for the first story is computed from
ASCE Eq. 12.8-15.
𝐶𝐶𝑑𝑑 𝛿𝛿1𝑒𝑒
𝛿𝛿1 =
𝐼𝐼
From ASCE Table 12.2-1, the deflection amplification factor, Cd, for a special moment-
resisting steel frame is 5.5. For occupancy III structures, the importance factor is 1.25.
The design level elastic response displacement, δxe, is found by elastic analysis, and
given as 0.7 in. Therefore,

𝐶𝐶𝑑𝑑 𝛿𝛿1𝑒𝑒 (5.5)(0.7 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖)

𝛿𝛿1 = = = 3 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
𝐼𝐼 1.25
However, ASCE Table 12.2-1 puts limitation on calculated story drifts using δx. For a
structure four stories or less and with an occupancy category of III, the allowable story
drift should not be greater than 0.020 times the story height, Hs.
in
𝛿𝛿1,𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 0.020ℎ𝑠𝑠 = (0.020)(15 ft) �12 � = 3.6 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
ft

8. Part 1: B

ASCE Sec. 12.9.2 allows the reduction of the force related parameters, including story
drifts, support forces, and individual member forces for each mode of response by the
quantity R/I.
Part 2: A

ASCE/SEI& Sec. 12.9.1 requires careful consideration of the number of modes

generated. In each orthogonal direction, the combined modal mass participation should
be at least 90% of the actual mass for the analysis to be valid.

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9. C

The soft story per ASCE Table 12.3-2 is a type of vertical structural irregularity where the
story stiffness is either less than 70% of that in the story above or less than 80% of the
average stiffness of the three stories above. By inspection, the first story of building I and
middle story of building III are considered soft stories.
10. C

Per ASCE Table 12.3-2, item 5, vertical structural irregularities of the weak story type
exist where the story strength is less than 80% of that in the story above, or Sn<80% Sn+1.
Checking for each story shows that S3 < 80% S4. Therefore, the third floor is a weak story.
11. B

ASCE Sec. 12.8.1 gives the procedure for finding the seismic base shear, V. The seismic
base shear is found using the equation, V=CsW, where Cs is the seismic response
coefficient found using ASCE Eq. 12.8-2, W is the structure’s weight, R is the response
modification factor found from ASCE Table 12.2.1, and I is the importance factor.
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 = [𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴/𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆7 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸. 12.8 − 2]
𝑅𝑅
𝐼𝐼
0.7𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
= = 0.087 (0.09)
8.0
1.0
Check to make sure Cs does not exceed what is allowed by the code, as determined by
the structure’s fundamental time period. Since the fundamental time period does not
exceed the long-period transition period, use ASCE Eq. 12.8-3.
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷1 0.6 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 = = = 0.06
𝑅𝑅 8.0
𝑇𝑇( 𝐼𝐼 ) )1.3 sec )( )
1.0
Since 0.09 exceeds 0.06, use 0.06 as the governing value of Cs. Compute the seismic
base shear.
𝑉𝑉 = 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠 𝑊𝑊
= (0.06)�(10 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓)(150,000 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙)�
= 90,000 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 (100 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘)

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12. Part 1: C

The tributary area to line 1 includes everything to the plane halfway between lines 1 and
2. The seismic load from the roof overhang is tributary to line 2.
lbf
�200 � (80 ft)
𝑉𝑉 = ft
2
16,000
=
2
= 8000 lbf
Part 2: D

The tributary area line 2 includes everything to the plane halfway between lines 1 and 2,
plus the roof overhang. As determined previously, Vroof at line 2 = 8000 lbf. Therefore,
lbf
𝑉𝑉𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 2 = �50 � (4 ft)
ft
= 200 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 8000 lbf + 200 lbf
= 8200 lbf

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13. B

The wind speed pressure is calculated using Eq. 6-15 as mentioned in ASCE7-05 Sec.
6.5.10.
𝑞𝑞𝑧𝑧 = 0.00256 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 𝐾𝐾𝑑𝑑 𝑉𝑉 2 𝐼𝐼
where, 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧 , 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 , 𝐾𝐾𝑑𝑑 , 𝑉𝑉, 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝐼𝐼 are the velocity pressure exposure coefficient, topographic
factor, directionality factor, design wind speed, and wind importance factor.
For a location on the shoreline in a hurricane-prone region, the exposure is category C.
Kz = 1.016 at roof (height=36’) (ASCE 7-05 Table 6.3)
Kz = 0.85 at height=15’ (ASCE 7-05 Table 6.3)
Kzt = 1.0 (For building on flat area)
Kd = 0.85 (ASCE 7-05 Table 6-4)
V = 150 mph (given)
I = 1.0 (Since number of people is less than 300 in one
area, the building is considered as category II
(ASCE 7-05 Table 1-1) and the importance factor, I,
is equal to 1.0 (ASCE 7-05 Table 6-1))
𝑞𝑞𝑧𝑧 = 0.00256 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧 (1.0)(0.85)(150)2 (1.0)
𝑞𝑞𝑧𝑧 = 48.96 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧
lb
𝑞𝑞𝑧𝑧 = 48.96 (1.016) = 49.74 lb/ft2 (50 ) at roof height
ft2

lb
𝑞𝑞𝑧𝑧 = 48.96 (0.85) = 41.62 lb/ft2 (42 ) at height = 15 ft
ft2

14. A

Building is considered as rigid (ASCE 7-05 Sec. C6.2)

𝑝𝑝ℎ = 𝑞𝑞ℎ 𝐺𝐺𝐶𝐶𝑝𝑝 (ASCE 7-05 Eq. 6-17, first term)

where, 𝑝𝑝ℎ is the external pressure at roof height, 𝑞𝑞ℎ , is the velocity pressure at roof height,
G is gust factor, and Cp is the external pressure coefficients.

𝑞𝑞ℎ = 49.74 lb/ft 2 (Calculated from the previous question)

𝐺𝐺 = 0.85 (ASCE 7-05 Sec. 6.5.8.1)
𝐶𝐶𝑝𝑝 = 0.8 for windward wall (ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-6)

𝑝𝑝ℎ = (49.74)(0.85)(0.8) = 34 lb/ft 2

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15. C

𝐿𝐿 60
= = 0.4 < 1.0
𝐵𝐵 150
𝐿𝐿
From ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-6 for leeward wall and < 1.0, 𝐶𝐶𝑝𝑝 = −0.5
𝐵𝐵

𝑝𝑝ℎ = (49.74)(0.85)(−0.5) = −21 lb/ft 2

16. A

𝐶𝐶𝑝𝑝 = −0.7 for leeward wall

lb
𝑝𝑝ℎ = (49.74)(0.85)(−0.7) = −30
ft 2

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17. B
Answer is B
Check whether five conditions in ASCE 7-05 6.5.7.1 are satisfied or not.
- Assume condition 1 and 2 are satisfied
- Condition 3 is satisfied because the building is located near the crest of the
escarpment
𝐻𝐻 30
- Condition 4 is satisfied because = = 0.75 > 0.2
𝐿𝐿ℎ 40
- Condition 5 is satisfied because 𝐻𝐻 = 30 ft > 15ft for exposure D
Therefore, speed up effects at the escarpment must be considered.
According to the ASCE 7-05 Sec. 6.5.7.2, topographic factor, 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 , must be calculated
using ASCE 7-05 Eq. 6-3.
𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 = (1 + 𝐾𝐾1 𝐾𝐾2 𝐾𝐾3 )2
𝐻𝐻 𝐻𝐻
According to the note 2 in ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-4, use = 0.5 because = 0.75 > 0.5 for
𝐿𝐿ℎ 𝐿𝐿ℎ
calculating 𝐾𝐾1 and substitute 2H for Lh for calculating 𝐾𝐾2 and 𝐾𝐾3
𝐾𝐾1
𝐻𝐻 = 0.95 → 𝐾𝐾1 = (0.95)(0.5) = 0.48 (ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-4)
𝐿𝐿ℎ

|𝑥𝑥|
𝐾𝐾2 = 1 − 𝜇𝜇 𝐿𝐿 (ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-4)
ℎ

𝜇𝜇 = 4 for downwind of crest (ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-4)

30
𝐾𝐾2 = 1 − = 0.88
(4)(60)

𝐾𝐾3 = 𝑒𝑒 −𝛾𝛾 𝑧𝑧/𝐿𝐿ℎ (ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-4)

𝛾𝛾 = 2.5 (ASCE 7-05 Fig. 6-4)
4.5
𝑧𝑧, for the centroid of the parapet is 63.5 + � � = 65.75 ft
2

𝐾𝐾3 = 𝑒𝑒 −(2.5) (65.75)/60 = 0.07

Therefore,
𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧𝑧𝑧 = (1 + (0.48)(0.88)(0.07))2 = 1.06

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CONCRETE GRAVITY DEPTH QUESTIONS

1. Interaction Diagram for a Reinforced Concrete Column
In the column shown, the concrete is of normal weight with a compressive strength of 5 ksi, and the
steel has a yield strength of 60 ksi. The cover and tie size are such that the distance from the edge of
the concrete to the centers of the bars is 2.5 in. For the section oriented as shown, bending is about a
vertical axis. Compute the concentric load strength of the section, P, and maximum unfactored moment,
M (equal to Pe), corresponding to

A. concentric loading
B. balanced strain conditions
C. compression failure with strain in the leftmost longitudinal steel equal to zero
D. tension failure with the steel strain equal to 0.01

Solution
Because the reinforcement is symmetric, the plastic centroid is at the geometric center of the cross
section.
A. In the case of concentric loading, the strain is uniformly distributed, and the eccentricity is zero.
𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏ℎ
𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.85(5)(24)(16) = 1632 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑝𝑝𝑠𝑠
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠1 = 2𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 = 2(1) = 2.0 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠1 = 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠2 = (𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 − 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ )𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠1
= (60 − 0.85(5))(2.0) = 112 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑃𝑃0,𝐴𝐴 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠1 + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠2
= 1632 + 112 + 112 = 1856 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑀𝑀𝐴𝐴 = 𝑃𝑃0,𝐴𝐴 𝑒𝑒𝐴𝐴 = (1856)(0) = 0 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

B. In balanced strain conditions, the tensile reinforcement reaches its yield strain (0.00207 for
grade 60 reinforcement) exactly when the concrete reaches the crushing strain, 0.003, as
shown in the following figure. The position of the neutral axis is found by using similar
triangles.
𝑐𝑐 𝑑𝑑
=
0.003 0.003 + 0.00207

0.003𝑑𝑑
𝑐𝑐 =
0.003 + 0.00207

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𝑑𝑑 = 24 − 2.5 = 21.5 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

𝑐𝑐 = 12.7 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

The strain in the compression side reinforcement is also found by similar triangles.

𝜀𝜀𝑠𝑠′ 0.003
=
𝑐𝑐 − 2.5 𝑐𝑐
0.003(12.7 − 2.5)
𝜀𝜀𝑠𝑠′ = = 0.0024
12.7

The strain 𝜀𝜀𝑠𝑠′ exceeds the yield strain 𝜀𝜀𝑦𝑦 , so the stress in the compression side steel is the yield
stress, 60 ksi.

The force components are

𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏(𝛽𝛽1 𝑐𝑐)

= 0.85(5)(24)(0.8)(12.7) = 691 kips

𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ = �𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 − 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ �𝐴𝐴′𝑠𝑠

= �60 − 0.85(5)�(2.0)
= 112 kips

𝑇𝑇 = 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠
= (60)(2.0)
= 120 kips

Equilibrium gives:
𝑃𝑃𝑏𝑏 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ − 𝑇𝑇
= 691 + 112 − 120 = 683 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

ℎ 𝛽𝛽1 𝑐𝑐 ℎ ℎ
𝑀𝑀𝐵𝐵 = 𝑃𝑃𝑏𝑏 𝑒𝑒𝐵𝐵 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 � − � + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ � − 2.5� + 𝑇𝑇(𝑑𝑑 − )
2 2 2 2
24 (0.8)(12.7) 24 24
= 691 � − � + (112) � − 2.5� + (120)(21.5 − )
2 2 2 2

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= 6986 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 582 𝑘𝑘 − 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

C. In the case of compression failure with strain in the leftmost longitudinal steel equal to zero, the
strain in the compression steel is greater than in case B. Therefore, the compression steel
yields, as shown earlier. In this case, the neutral axis coincides with the effective depth.

𝑐𝑐 = 𝑑𝑑 = 21.5 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

The force components are

𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏(𝛽𝛽1 𝑐𝑐)

= 0.85(5)(16)(0.8)(21.5) = 1170 kips

𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ = (𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 − 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ )𝐴𝐴′𝑠𝑠

= (60 − 0.85(5))(2.0)
= 112 kips

Because the strain in the tension-side steel is zero, the steel stress is zero and so is the force in
the reinforcement.

𝑇𝑇 = 0 kips

Equilibrium gives:

𝑃𝑃𝐶𝐶 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ − 𝑇𝑇

= 1170 + 112 − 0 = 1282 kips

ℎ 𝛽𝛽1 𝑐𝑐 ℎ ℎ
𝑀𝑀𝐶𝐶 = 𝑃𝑃𝑏𝑏 𝑒𝑒𝐵𝐵 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 � − � + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ � − 2.5� + 𝑇𝑇(𝑑𝑑 − )
2 2 2 2
24 (0.8)(12.7) 24 24
= 1170 � − � + (112) � − 2.5� + (00)(21.5 − )
2 2 2 2
= 5042 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 420 𝑘𝑘 − 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

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D. In the case of tension failure with strain in the leftmost longitudinal steel equal to 0.01, the
position of the neutral axis is found by using similar triangles.

𝑐𝑐 𝑑𝑑
=
0.003 0.003 + 0.01

0.003𝑑𝑑
𝑐𝑐 =
0.003 + 0.01

0.003(21.5)
𝑐𝑐 =
0.003 + 0.01

𝑐𝑐 = 4.96 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖

The strain in the compression side reinforcement is similarly found.

𝜀𝜀𝑠𝑠′ 0.003
=
𝑐𝑐 − 2.5 𝑐𝑐

0.003(4.96 − 2.5)
𝜀𝜀𝑠𝑠′ = = 0.0024 < 𝜀𝜀𝑦𝑦 = 0.00207
4.96

Strain is below yield, so

𝑓𝑓𝑠𝑠′ = 𝐸𝐸𝑠𝑠 𝜀𝜀𝑠𝑠′ = (29000)(0.00149)

= 43.2 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

The force components are

𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 = 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏(𝛽𝛽1 𝑐𝑐)

= 0.85(5)(24)(0.8)(4.96) = 270 kips

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𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ = (𝑓𝑓𝑠𝑠′ − 0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ )𝐴𝐴′𝑠𝑠

= (43.2 − 0.85(5))(2.0)
= 78 kips

𝑇𝑇 = 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠1
= (60)(2.0)
= 120 kips

Equilibrium gives

𝑃𝑃𝐷𝐷 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ − 𝑇𝑇

= 270 + 78 − 120 = 228 kips

ℎ 𝛽𝛽1 𝑐𝑐 ℎ ℎ
𝑀𝑀𝐷𝐷 = 𝑃𝑃𝑏𝑏 𝑒𝑒𝐵𝐵 = 𝐶𝐶𝑐𝑐 � − � + 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠′ � − 2.5� + 𝑇𝑇(𝑑𝑑 − )
2 2 2 2
24 (0.8)(4.96) 24 24
= 270 � − � + (78) � − 2.5� + (120)(21.5 − )
2 2 2 2
= 4585 kips-in = 382 k-ft

An interaction diagram is a plot of M against P for all possible strain variations. Figure below
shows the interaction diagram for the column of this example. Theoretically, any combination of
P and M that falls within the region bounded by the axes and the curves is safe; those outside
the region cause failure. To account for variations in materials and workmanship, and the relative
significance of a column failure, ACI applies a capacity reduction factor, φ, that depends on
column type and failure mode, as defined in Secs. 9.3 and 10.3 of ACI 318. So, one can easily
plot the 𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙-𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙 interaction diagram using the reduction factors. The criteria are as follows:

• When the strain in the extreme tension steel equals or exceeds 0.005 at failure (tension
controlled), 𝜙𝜙 is equal to 0.9.
• When the strain in extreme tension-side steel is less than 0.002 (compression controlled),
𝜙𝜙 is equal to 0.65 for a tied column and 0.7 for a spiral column.
• When the net tension strain is between the limits of 0.005 and 0.002, 𝜙𝜙 varies linearly from
0.9 to its limiting value for a compression failure.

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2. Torsional Reinforcement
A spandrel beam supports floor loads from a one-way slab. The slab creates a factored shear force of
54 kips and a factored torsional moment of 50 ft-kip at a critical section located 27.5 in from the face of
support. The concrete is normal weight with a compressive strength of 3000 psi. Stirrups are no. 3 with
1.5 in cover. The overhanging portion of the slab is not detailed to resist torsion.

Design the torsional reinforcement for the beam, at a section for which the factored shear is 54 kip and
the reduced torsional moment is 34.4 ft-kip. Assume that no. 3 stirrups at 12 in centers acting alone are
adequate to resist the factored shear. Use grade 60 reinforcement for both transverse and longitudinal
steel.

Solution

The outside perimeter of the cross section is

𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 2(𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 + ℎ)
= (2)(16 + 30) = 92 in

The perimeter of the centerline of the outermost closed transverse torsional reinforcement is

𝑝𝑝ℎ = 2�(𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 − 2(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) − 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏 ) + (ℎ − 2(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) − 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏 )�

= (2)((16 − 2(1.5) − 0.375 + (30 − 2(1.5) − 0.375))
= 78.5 in

𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ = (𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 − 2(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑟) − 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 )(ℎ − 2(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐) − 𝑑𝑑𝑏𝑏 )

= (16 − 2(1.5) − 0.375)(30 − 2(1.5) − 0.375)
= 336 in2

Check that the section can be reinforced to resist the loading. ACI Eq. 11-18 requires

𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 2 𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 𝑝𝑝ℎ 2 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐

�( ) +( 2 ) ≤ 𝜙𝜙 � + 8�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ �
𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑 1.7𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑

The nominal shear strength of the concrete is given by ACI Eq. 11-3

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𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = 2𝜆𝜆�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑

= (2)(1.0)√3000(16)(27.5)
= 48200 lbf

Calculating the left side of ACI Eq. 11-18,

2 2 2
𝑉𝑉 2 𝑇𝑇 𝑝𝑝 54 (34.4)(12)(78.5)
�� 𝑢𝑢 � + � 𝑢𝑢 2ℎ � = �� � +� �
𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑 1.7𝐴𝐴𝑜𝑜ℎ (16)(27.5) (1.7)(336)
= 0.208

Calculating the right side

𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 48200 1 kip

∅� + 8�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ � = 0.75 � + 8√3000� � �
𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑 (16)(27.5) 1000 lbf

= 0.410 ksi > left side, so the cross section is sufficient

ACI Sec. 11.5.6.1 sets the maximum spacing limit for the stirrups.

𝑝𝑝ℎ 78.5
𝑠𝑠 ≤ � 8 = 8 = 9.8 in [does not control]
12 in

Thus, no. 3 closed ties at 4 in centers are adequate for the transverse reinforcement at the critical
section. ACI Eq. 11-22 gives the additional longitudinal steel required.

𝐴𝐴𝑡𝑡 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦
𝐴𝐴𝑙𝑙 = � � 𝑝𝑝ℎ � � 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 𝜃𝜃
𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦
60
= (0.016)(78.5)( )𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 45𝑜𝑜
60
= 1.26 in2

The minimum amount of additional longitudinal steel is set by ACI Sec. 11.5.5.3

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Provide 1.26 in2 of additional longitudinal steel distributed around the perimeter of the closed stirrups at
a spacing not to exceed 12 in.

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3. Singly Reinforced Beam Analysis

A cantilevered singly reinforced beam is subjected to a service dead load of 1.5 kip/ft, which includes
the selfweight of the beam. The beam is reinforced with three no. 9 bars, and the yield stress of the
tension steel is 60,000 psi. The beam’s span is 9.5 ft, and its capacity reduction factor is 0.9. The width
of the beam’s compression edge is 16 in, and the beam’s effective depth is 22 in. The concrete’s
specified compressive strength is 3000 psi. Determine the maximum uniformly distributed service live
load that the beam can support based on its flexural strength.

Solution

The cross-sectional area of one no. 9 bar is

𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠 = 3𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 = 3(1.00) = 3.0 𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑛2

Converting to foot-kips

For a uniformly loaded cantilevered beam,

L is the span length in feet and wu is the factored uniformly distributed load in kips per foot. Using the
strength requirement and solving for wu gives

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In term of the service loads,

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4. Elastic and Long-Term Deflection of a Doubly Reinforced Rectangular Beam

The concrete used in the cantilevered beam shown is of normal weight with a compressive strength of
3000 psi, a modulus of elasticity of 3160 ksi, and a modular ratio of 9. The width of the beam’s
compression edge is 16 in, its effective depth is 22 in, and its overall depth is 25 in. The gross moment
of inertia of the section is 20,833 in4, and the cracking moment is 57 ft-kip. Compute the immediate
deflection and the total deflection if the load is sustained for 10 yr.

Solution
The tension steel is on top and the steel in the lower region is in compression. The transformed area for
calculating immediate deflection is shown.

The neutral axis is at the centroid of the transformed section.

The moment of inertia of the cracked section is

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The maximum service load moment is at left support,

The effective moment of inertia is

The immediate elastic deflection is

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The factor ξ is 2.0 for a load sustained longer than 5 yr,

The long-term deflection after 10 yr is

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5. Flexural Design of a Flat Plate System

Design flexural steel in the east-west direction over the first interior support of the two-way flat plate
consists of rectangular panels as shown in partial plan. Columns are 16 in by 16 in in cross section.
Subdivide the slab into column and middle strips. Concrete is normal weight with a compressive strength
of 3500 psi, and the steel reinforcement has a yield strength of 60,000 psi. The superimposed service
dead load is 25 lbf/ft2, and service live load is 50 lbf/ft2 (nonreducible). Assume a 9 in overall slab depth
and an average effective depth of 7.5 in for both directions.

Solution
The factored gravity load is

For the east-west direction, the span length equals 24 ft. For the exterior span,

The static moment in the exterior span is computed using ACI Eq. 13-4.

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The portion of the exterior span moment in the column strip over the first interior support, on a per-foot
width basis, is

Note that l2/l1 equals 1.0, and αf1 equals zero.

Because the first interior clear span is larger than the exterior span, the moment on the opposite face
must also be computed, and the larger value must be used for flexural design. For the interior span. ACI
Eq. 13-4 gives the statical moment.

The statical moment is allocated to the negative region of the column strip using the factors tabulated
in Tables 8.3 and 8.5 and expressed on a per-foot width basis by dividing by the column strip width.

The column strip negative region must resist 18,200 ft-lbf per foot of width. The minimum steel
throughout the 9 in slab for temperature and shrinkage (per ACI Sec. 7.12) is

For flexure, the main steel area is calculated:

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Thus, no. 7 bars at 12 in centers furnish the required steel and satisfy the spacing limits.
In wide beam shear, the entire width of a critical section—taken at a distance of d from the face of
support—gives a design resistance of

Punching shear occurs around the perimeter of a support and is located at d/2 from the support face.
The design punching shear resistance of a square column is

bo is the critical perimeter. In the case of a rectangular column, the punching shear strength diminishes
as the ratio of the column’s long side to its short side, β, increases. In this case, ACI Sec. 11.11.2.1
gives the design punching shear strength as

The parameter αs is 40 for an interior column, 30 for an exterior column, and 20 for a corner column.

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6. Shear Strength of a Flat plate System

Check the shear strength at a typical interior column in the flat plate of the previous example. The
transfer of moment to the column is negligible.

Solution

From the previous example, the factored gravity load on the slab is 245 lbf/ft2. Critical wide beam shear
occurs in the longer span at distance d from the support.

Thus, the slab has adequate wide beam shear strength. Check the punching shear. For a square
interior column,

From ACI Sec. 11.11,

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For an interior column, the tributary area for the punching shear is outside the critical perimeter and
extending to the centerline of the panels in each direction, as shown.

The punching shear force is

The calculated punching shear, Vu, exceeds the punching shear resistance of the slab, φVc. There are
several possible remedies.
• Increase the critical perimeter by increasing the column dimensions or adding a capital.
• Increase the slab thickness either locally (by adding a drop panel) or globally.
• Add shear reinforcement or a shear head, as defined in ACI Sec. 11.11.4.
• Increase the compressive strength of the concrete locally or globally.
• Use appropriate combinations of the previous four options.

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7. Development Lengths for Grade 60 Bars

Generate a table giving the development lengths of no. 3 through no. 11 grade 60 rebars (yield
strength of 60,000 psi), assuming normal weight concrete (λ = 1) with a compressive strength of 3000
psi and uncoated bottom bars (ψe = ψt = 1).

Solution

For bars no. 6 and smaller, ψs equals 1.0 and the development length equation is

For no. 7 and larger bars, ψs equals 1.25, and the same equation is

The development lengths for these conditions are tabulated as shown.

ACI Sec. 12.2.5 permits a reduction in the development length when the area of steel furnished,
As,provided, exceeds the area theoretically required at a section, As,required. The development length from
the table or formula may be multiplied by the ratio As,required/As,provided to give the allowed development
length.

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79

STEEL GRAVITY DEPTH QUESTIONS

These questions are from “Steel Structures - Design and Behavior, Authors: Salmon, Johnson and
Malhas, 5th Edition”. For now, we are adding snapshots from the book just for your reference. We will
add the questions later.

These are list of examples:

4.14.1
4.14.2
6.6.1
6.13.1
13.2.3
13.2.4
13.6.5
13.8.1
13.9.1
16.7.1
16.7.2
16.11.1
16.11.2

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1. Using Load and Resistance Factor Design, determine the adequacy of the fasteners in the figure
below when 7/8-in diameter A325 bolts are used in (a) a bearing-type connection (A325-X) with
threads excluded from the shear planes, and (b) a slip-critical connection (A325-SC) with Class
A surface condition and standard holes. Assume the strength of the column flange and the ST
section do not govern the answer. Neglect prying action. The gravity loading is 10% dead and
90% live load.

Solution
a) Check connection as a bearing-type connection (A325-X). Obtaining the tension and shear
components of the factored applied force,
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 1.2(0.1) = 1.6(0.9)(75) = 117 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
Tension component = 𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 0.8(117) = 93.6 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑠𝑠
Shear component = 𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 0.6(117) = 70.2 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
The factored loads, Tu and Vu per bolt are
93.6 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
Tension 𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 = = 15.6
6 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
70.2 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
Shear 𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = = 11.7
6 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
The factored load shear stress is
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 11.7
�𝑓𝑓𝑣𝑣 = = = 19.5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘� > [0.2∅𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 0.2(0.75)60 = 9 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘]
𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 0.6013
Therefore, the shear-tension interaction must be considered. From AISC-J3.7, the
′
available stress in tension 𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 per bolt is
′
𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 1.3𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 − 𝑓𝑓 ≤ [𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 90 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘]
∅𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑣𝑣
90
= 1.3(90) − (19.5) = 78 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
0.75(60)
′
∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = ∅𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
= 0.75(78)0.6013 = 35.2 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 > �𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 = 15.6 � 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂
𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏

b) Check connection as a slip-critical connection (A325-SC). For strength, a slip-critical

connection must satisfy the same strength-related criteria of a bearing-type connection. The
shear strength was investigated in (a); bearing strength was given in the problem statement as
not controlling.
For serviceability, the adequacy of slip resistance must be checked. Since standard holes are
used, design for the serviceability limit state. The reduction factor ks is calculated as follows:

𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢
𝑘𝑘𝑠𝑠 = 1 −
𝐷𝐷𝑢𝑢 𝑁𝑁𝑏𝑏 𝑇𝑇𝑏𝑏

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93.6
=1− = 0.646
1.13(6)39
and the reduced design slip resistance is
∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = ∅𝑘𝑘𝑠𝑠 𝜇𝜇𝐷𝐷𝑢𝑢 ℎ𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑁𝑁𝑠𝑠 𝑇𝑇𝑏𝑏
= 1.0(0.646)(0.35)(1.13)(1.0)(1)(39)
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
= 9.96 < �𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = 11.7 � 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁
𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
Since the reduced ∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 is less than the factored shear 𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 the bolts are not satisfactory as a
slip-critical connection.

2. Determine the maximum value of the load P in the previous example assuming a) a slip-critical
connection, and b) a bearing-type connection (A325-N) with threads possible in the shear
planes. Use AISC Specification LRFD Method and assume Class A surface condition with
standard holes.

Solution
a) Slip-critical connection. The factored service load force Pu is
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 1.2(0.1)𝑃𝑃 + 1.6(0.9)𝑃𝑃 = 1.56𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 0.8𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 1.25𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 𝑠𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 0.6𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 0.94𝑃𝑃
The factored load per bolt in shear is
0.94𝑃𝑃
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = = 0.156𝑃𝑃 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
6
The factored load per bolt in tension is
1.25𝑃𝑃
𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 = = 0.208𝑃𝑃 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
6
The design strength in shear ∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 is
∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = ∅𝑘𝑘𝑠𝑠 𝜇𝜇𝐷𝐷𝑢𝑢 ℎ𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑁𝑁𝑠𝑠 𝑇𝑇𝑏𝑏
1.248𝑃𝑃
= 1.0(1 − (0.5)(1.13)(1.0)(1)(39)
1.13(39)(6)
= 15.43 − 0.0728𝑃𝑃

Equating the factored shear Vu to the design strength ∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 gives

0.1560𝑃𝑃 = 15.43 − 0.0728𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃 = 67.4 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
The strength in shear, tension, and bearing must also be checked as if this were a bearing-
type connection. For some very slip-resistant surface conditions the strength as bearing-type
connection may control instead of slip resistance; a relatively unusual situation.

b) Bearing-type connection (A325-N) with threads possible in the shear planes. The factored are
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 1.2(0.1)𝑃𝑃 + 1.6(0.9)𝑃𝑃 = 1.56𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 0.8𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 1.25𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 𝑠𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 0.6𝑃𝑃𝑢𝑢 = 0.94𝑃𝑃
The factored load per bolt in shear is
0.94𝑃𝑃
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 = = 0.156𝑃𝑃 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
6
The factored load per bolt in tension is
1.25𝑃𝑃
𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 = = 0.208𝑃𝑃 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑡𝑡
6
′
From AISC-J3.7, the available stress in tension 𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 per bolt is

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′
𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 1.3𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 − 𝑓𝑓 ≤ [𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 90 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘]
∅𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑣𝑣
𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 0.156𝑃𝑃
𝑓𝑓𝑣𝑣 = = = 0.26𝑃𝑃
𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 0.6013
′
90
𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 1.3(90) − (0.26𝑃𝑃) = 117 − 0.65𝑃𝑃
0.75(48)
The design strength ∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 in tension is
′
∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = ∅𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏
= 0.75(117 − 0.65𝑃𝑃)0.6013 = 52.8 − 0.293𝑃𝑃
Equate Tu to ∅𝑅𝑅𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 , and solve for P
0.208𝑃𝑃 = 52.8 − 0.293𝑃𝑃
𝑃𝑃 = 105 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
Check maximum nominal tensile strength
′
𝐹𝐹𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 = 117 − 0.65𝑃𝑃
= 117 − 0.65(105) = 48.7 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 < 90 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂
Thus, the maximum value of the service load P is 67 kips as a slip-critical connection and 105
kips as a bearing-type (A325-N) connection.
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
3. Establish the column strength curve (𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 ) for weak axis buckling of an H-shaped section
𝑟𝑟
of steel having a yield stress of 100 ksi (690 MPa) exhibiting perfect elastic-plastic strength in a
coupon test (see figure below) and having the very simplified residual stress pattern shown.
Neglect the contribution of the web.

Solution
For any external load the strain on every fiber is the same. Until a fiber reaches the strain 𝜖𝜖𝑦𝑦 at
yield, the applied load is
𝑃𝑃 = � 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝐴𝐴
After a portion has become plastic, the applied load is
𝑃𝑃 = (𝐴𝐴 − 𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 )𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 + � 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐
𝑝𝑝 2𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑒𝑒
In this problem 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = ≤ the entire section remains elastic, 𝐸𝐸𝑡𝑡 = 𝐸𝐸, in which case E’ is
𝐴𝐴 3 𝐼𝐼
and 𝐼𝐼𝑒𝑒 = 𝐼𝐼; thus

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2𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = =
3 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2
� 𝑟𝑟 �

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝜋𝜋 2 (29000)
=� = 65.5 (𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 1 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏)
𝑟𝑟 2
�3� (100)
𝑃𝑃 2𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
When 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = > , the flange tips have yielded, making 𝐼𝐼𝑒𝑒 less than I; thus
𝐴𝐴 3
𝑏𝑏 3
𝐼𝐼𝑒𝑒 �2� 1
= 3 =
𝐼𝐼 𝑏𝑏 8

2 𝐼𝐼𝑒𝑒
2𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝜋𝜋 𝐸𝐸( 𝐼𝐼 ) 𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = = =
3 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2
� � 8 � �
𝑟𝑟 𝑅𝑅
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
= 23.2 (𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 2 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏)
𝑟𝑟
2𝐹𝐹 𝑃𝑃
For average stress infinitesimally greater than 3𝑦𝑦. When 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = = 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦
𝐴𝐴
𝜋𝜋 2 𝐸𝐸
𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 =
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 2
� �
𝑟𝑟
𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
= 18.9 (𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 3 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏)
𝑟𝑟
When the load 𝑃𝑃 = 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 𝐴𝐴. The results are shown. If there had been no residual stress at 𝐹𝐹𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 ,

𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
= 53.5 (𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 4 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏)
𝑟𝑟

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4. Example

Solution

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5. Example

Solution

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6. Example

Solution

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7. Example

Solution

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8. Example

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Solution

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9. Example

Solution

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10. Example

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Solution

11. Example

Solution

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12. Example

Solution

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13. Example

Solution

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GEOTECH GRAVITY DEPTH QUESTIONS

1. A proposed strip footing that is 4 ft (1.2 m) wide will be located 2 ft (0.6 m) below ground surface.
The soil type is uniform dense sand that has a friction angle ∅ of 35°. The total unit weight of the
soil is equal to 125 pcf (19.7 kN/m3). The groundwater table is well below the bottom of the
footing and will not be a factor in the bearing capacity analysis. Using a factor of safety of 3,
calculate the allowable bearing pressure. Assume ∅ = 35𝑜𝑜 , 𝑁𝑁𝛾𝛾 = 37, 𝑁𝑁𝑞𝑞 = 33, and 𝑐𝑐 = 0.

SOLUTION

1
𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 𝑐𝑐𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐 + 𝛾𝛾𝑡𝑡 𝐵𝐵𝑁𝑁𝛾𝛾 + 𝛾𝛾𝑡𝑡 𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 𝑁𝑁𝑞𝑞
2
1
= 0 + (125)(4)(37) + (125)(2)(33)
2
= 17500 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝

𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 17500
For factor of safety, 𝐹𝐹 = 3, 𝑞𝑞𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = = = 5800 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
𝐹𝐹 3

2. A design requires placing a square foundation at 1.0 m depth to carry a column load of 1500 kN.
kN kN
The soil properties: 𝑐𝑐 = 15 ,∅ = 24𝑜𝑜 , and 𝛾𝛾𝑡𝑡 = 18.5 . What should be the width of the
m3 m3
foundation? Assume 𝑁𝑁𝛾𝛾 = 7.08, 𝑁𝑁𝑞𝑞 = 11.4, and 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐 = 23.36

SOLUTION

𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 1.3𝑐𝑐𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐 + 0.4𝛾𝛾𝑡𝑡 𝐵𝐵𝑁𝑁𝛾𝛾 + 𝛾𝛾𝑡𝑡 𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 𝑁𝑁𝑞𝑞

𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = (1.3)(15)(23.36) + 0.4(18.5)(𝐵𝐵)(7.08) + (18.5)(1)(11.4)
𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 = 52.4𝐵𝐵 + 666.4 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘/𝑚𝑚2
𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 52.4𝐵𝐵 + 666.4
𝑞𝑞𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = = = 17.5𝐵𝐵 + 222.1
𝐹𝐹 3
1500
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝐵𝐵2
The applied pressure to the ground is 𝑚𝑚2
1500
Therefore, = 17.5𝐵𝐵 + 221.1
𝐵𝐵2
𝐵𝐵 = 2.4 𝑚𝑚

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3. A strip footing will be constructed on a nonplastic silty sand deposit that has the shear strength
properties of ( c′ = 0 and Ø′ = 30°) and a saturated unit weight of 125 pcf (19.7 kN/m3). The
proposed strip footing will be 4 ft (1.2 m) wide and embedded 2 ft (0.6 m) below the ground
surface. Use a factor of safety of 3. Assume the groundwater table is located 4 ft (1.2 m) below
ground surface. Determine the allowable bearing pressure qall and the maximum vertical
concentric load the strip footing can support for the nonplastic silty sand. Assume ∅ = 30𝑜𝑜 , 𝑁𝑁𝛾𝛾 =
15, 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑁𝑁𝑞𝑞 = 19

SOLUTION

4. Assume a pile having a diameter of 0.3 m (1 ft) and a length of 6 m (20 ft) will be driven into a
nonplastic silty sand deposit which has the shear strength properties of (c = 0 and f¢ = 30°).
Assume that the location of the groundwater table is located 3 m (10 ft) below the ground surface
and the total unit weight above the groundwater table is 19 kN/m3 (120 pcf) and the buoyant unit
weight (𝛾𝛾𝑏𝑏 ) below the groundwater table is 9.9 kN/m3 (63 pcf). Using the Terzaghi relationship,
𝑁𝑁𝑞𝑞 = 30, calculate the allowable end-bearing capacity using a factor of safety of 3.

SOLUTION

The vertical effective stress 𝜎𝜎′ at the pile tip equals:

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LATERAL DEPTH QUESTIONS

General / Analysis
1. A two-story shear frame is shown in the figure below:

Given
𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
= 0.065 in.-1
𝑚𝑚ℎ3

a. Formulate the mass and stiffness matrices of the system.

b. Find the natural frequencies and modes of vibration of the system.
c. Neatly draw the mode shapes.

Solution
𝑢𝑢1
There are two DOFs in the system, {𝒖𝒖} = �𝑢𝑢 �
2
Stiffness Matrix

Case 1: 𝑢𝑢1 = 1, 𝑢𝑢2 = 0

𝑘𝑘21 = −𝑘𝑘2
𝑘𝑘11 = 𝑘𝑘1 + 𝑘𝑘2

Case 2: 𝑢𝑢2 = 1, 𝑢𝑢1 = 0

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𝑘𝑘22 = 𝑘𝑘2
𝑘𝑘12 = −𝑘𝑘2

𝑘𝑘11 𝑘𝑘12 𝑘𝑘 + 𝑘𝑘2 −𝑘𝑘2

Hence, stiffness matrix, [𝐾𝐾] = � �=� 1 �
𝑘𝑘21 𝑘𝑘22 −𝑘𝑘2 𝑘𝑘2
12𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
Lateral stiffness for a column fixed at both ends: 𝑘𝑘 =
𝐿𝐿3

2𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 48𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
𝑘𝑘1 = 12 × 3
× 2 (columns) =
ℎ ℎ3
𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
𝑘𝑘2 = 12 × 3 × 2 (columns) =
ℎ ℎ3
48𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 72𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
+ − −
[𝐾𝐾] = � ℎ
3 ℎ3 ℎ � = � ℎ3
3 ℎ3 � = 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 � 3 −1�
24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 ℎ3 −1 1
− 3 −
ℎ ℎ3 ℎ3 ℎ3

Mass Matrix

With the DOFs defined at the locations of the lumped masses, the diagonal mass matrix is
given by:

𝑚𝑚1 0 2𝑚𝑚 0 2 0
[𝑀𝑀] = � �=� � = 𝑚𝑚 � �
0 𝑚𝑚2 0 𝑚𝑚 0 1

Equation of motion

[𝑴𝑴]{𝒖𝒖̈ } + [𝑲𝑲]{𝒖𝒖} = {𝒑𝒑(𝒕𝒕)}

Find natural frequencies

For an undamped system

[𝑀𝑀]{𝑢𝑢̈ } + 𝐾𝐾{𝑢𝑢} = 0

Assume {𝑢𝑢} = {𝜙𝜙} sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔

{𝑢𝑢̇ } = {𝜙𝜙}𝜔𝜔 cos 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔,

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{𝑢𝑢̈ } = −{𝜙𝜙}𝜔𝜔2 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔

Putting back in the equation

−[𝑀𝑀]{𝜙𝜙}𝜔𝜔2 sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + [𝐾𝐾]{𝜙𝜙} sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 = 0

�[𝐾𝐾] − 𝜔𝜔2 [𝑀𝑀]�{𝜙𝜙} sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 = 0

sin 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 ≠ 0

Hence,

�[𝐾𝐾] − 𝜔𝜔2 [𝑀𝑀]�{𝜙𝜙} = 0

Multiplying by [𝑀𝑀]−1

�[𝑀𝑀]−1 [𝐾𝐾] − 𝜔𝜔2 [𝑀𝑀]−1 [𝑀𝑀]�{𝜙𝜙} = 0

[[𝑀𝑀]−1 [𝐾𝐾] − 𝜔𝜔2 [𝐼𝐼]]{𝜙𝜙} = 0

where [𝐼𝐼] is identity matrix

[𝐼𝐼] = �1 0�
0 1

This is a standard eigen value problem; [𝐴𝐴 − 𝜆𝜆𝜆𝜆]{𝜙𝜙} = 0

1 1 0
For our problem, [𝑀𝑀]−1 = � �
2𝑚𝑚 0 2

TIP: For a 2×2 matrix, the inverse can be easily determined as:

a b −1 1 d −b
� � = � �
c d ad − bc −c a

just swap the ‘a’ and ‘d’, negate the ‘b’ and ‘c’, then divide all by the determinant ad −
bc

24𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐 1 3 −1 3 −1
[𝑀𝑀]−1 [𝐾𝐾] = � 3
�� �� � = 𝛼𝛼 � �
ℎ 2𝑚𝑚 −2 2 −2 2
12𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
where 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑚𝑚ℎ 3

The eigenvalue equation for the system:

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3 −1 1 0 {𝜙𝜙}
�𝛼𝛼 � � − 𝜔𝜔2 � �� = {0}
−2 2 0 1

2
3 −1 𝜔𝜔 1 0
�� �− � �� {𝜙𝜙} = {0}
−2 2 𝛼𝛼 0 1

𝜔𝜔2
𝜆𝜆 =
𝛼𝛼

3 −1 1 0 {𝜙𝜙}
�� � − 𝜆𝜆 � �� = {0}
−2 2 0 1

3 −1 1 0 {𝜙𝜙}
�� � − 𝜆𝜆 � �� = {0}
−2 2 0 1

3 − 𝜆𝜆 −1 {𝜙𝜙}
� � = {0}
−2 2 − 𝜆𝜆
3 − 𝜆𝜆 −1
Since {𝜙𝜙} ≠ {0}, determinate of � �=0
−2 2 − 𝜆𝜆

(3 − 𝜆𝜆)(2 − 𝜆𝜆) − 2 = 0

Solving for 𝜆𝜆
𝜆𝜆2 − 5𝜆𝜆 + 4 = 0

(𝜆𝜆 − 4)(𝜆𝜆 − 1) = 0

𝜆𝜆1 = 1
𝜆𝜆2 = 4

𝜔𝜔12
𝜆𝜆1 = =1
𝛼𝛼
12𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
𝜔𝜔1 = √𝛼𝛼 = � = �(12)(0.065) = 0.88
𝑚𝑚ℎ3

𝜔𝜔22
𝜆𝜆2 = =4
𝛼𝛼
12𝐸𝐸𝐼𝐼𝑐𝑐
𝜔𝜔2 = 2√𝛼𝛼 = 2� = 1.76
𝑚𝑚ℎ3

Find mode shapes

Our equation of motion is:

3 − 𝜆𝜆 −1 {𝜙𝜙}
� � = {0}
−2 2 − 𝜆𝜆

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For 𝜆𝜆1 = 1,

3−1 −1 {𝜙𝜙 }
� � 1 = {0}
−2 2−1

2 −1 𝜙𝜙11 0
� �� �=� �
−2 1 𝜙𝜙12 0

Assuming 𝜙𝜙11 = 1

−2 × 1 + 𝜙𝜙12 = 0; 𝜙𝜙12 = 2

For 𝜆𝜆2 = 4,

3−4 −1 {𝜙𝜙 }
� � 2 = {0}
−2 2−4

−1 −1 𝜙𝜙21 0
� �� �=� �
−2 −2 𝜙𝜙22 0

Assuming 𝜙𝜙21 = 1

−1 × 1 + −1 × 𝜙𝜙22 = 0; 𝜙𝜙22 = −1

Mode shapes

{𝜙𝜙1 } = �1�
2
{𝜙𝜙2 } = � 1 �
−1

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Concrete

2. Shear Design for a Rectangular Beam in a Special Moment Frame.

The rectangular reinforced concrete beam shown is part of a special moment frame in a region
of high seismic risk. The concrete is normal weight with a specified compressive strength of
4000 psi, and the steel has a specified yield stress of 60,000 psi. The beam is subjected to a
service dead load of 2 kip/ft and a live load due to office occupancy equal to 1.8 kip/ft (use a
load factor of 0.5 on live load acting in combination with earthquake load). Treat the beam as
singly reinforced for the purpose of computing nominal moment strength, and assume axial
force is zero. Determine the hoop size and spacing in the end regions near the support faces.

Given:
Area of No. 8 bars = 0.79 in2

Solution

Find probable moment strengths

Case 1: With top steel yielding

2 kip
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠1 �1.25𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 � (5)�0.79 in �(1.25) �60 in2 �
𝑎𝑎1 = = = 5.44 in
0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 kip
(0.85) �4 2 � (16 in)
in
𝑎𝑎1
𝑀𝑀𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝1 = 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠1 �1.25𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 � �𝑑𝑑 −
�
2
kip 5.44 in 1 ft
= (5)�0.79 in2 �(1.25) �60 2 � × �22 in − �� � = 476 ft-kip
in 2 12 in

Case 2: With bottom steel yielding

2 kip
𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠2 �1.25𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 � (4)�0.79 in �(1.25) �60 in2 �
𝑎𝑎2 = = = 4.36 in
0.85𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 kip
(0.85) �4 2 � (16 in)
in

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𝑎𝑎2
𝑀𝑀𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝2 = 𝐴𝐴𝑠𝑠2 �1.25𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 � �𝑑𝑑 −
�
2
kip 4.36 in 1 ft
= (4)�0.79 in2 �(1.25) �60 2 � × �22 in − �� � = 392 ft-kip
in 2 12 in

The gravity load acting in combination with earthquake load is

𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢 = 1.2 𝑤𝑤𝑑𝑑 + 0.5𝑤𝑤𝑙𝑙

kip kip
= 1.2 �2 � + (0.5) �1.8 � = 3.3 kip/ft
ft ft

Maximum shear occurs at the left end for the cycle shown above.

𝑤𝑤𝑢𝑢 𝐿𝐿 𝑀𝑀𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝1 + 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀2 kip 22 ft 476 ft-kip + 392 ft-kip

𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = + = �3.3 �× +
2 𝐿𝐿 ft 2 22 ft
= 36.3 kip + 39.5 kip
= 75.8 kip

As per ACI 21.5.4.2, because the contribution to the design shear due to probable moment
strength is greater than 50%, neglect the contribution of concrete to shear strength.

The maximum shear force 𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 is:

𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 = 𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 − 𝜙𝜙𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐

𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 75.8
𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 = − 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐 = = 101 kips
𝜙𝜙 0.75

�√4000�
𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠,𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 is given by ACI 11.4.5.3 = 8�𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐′ 𝑏𝑏𝑤𝑤 𝑑𝑑 = (8) 1000
(16 in)(22 in) = 178 kips > 101, OK

Assuming no. 3 overlapping hoops in the end region,

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 = 4𝐴𝐴𝑏𝑏 = (4)(0.11 in2 ) = 0.44 in2

For shear strength, ACI Eq. 11-15 requires

𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑 𝜙𝜙𝐴𝐴𝑣𝑣 𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑 (0.75)�0.44 in2 �(60 ksi)(22 in)
𝑠𝑠 = = = = 5.7 in
𝑉𝑉𝑠𝑠 𝑉𝑉𝑢𝑢 75.8 kip

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The minimum stirrup spacing is given in ACI 21.5.3.2.

0.25𝑑𝑑 = (0.25)(22 in) = 0.55 in [controls]

𝑠𝑠 ≤ � 6𝑑𝑑 = (6)(1 in) = 6 in
6 in

Use two no. 3 overlapping hoops at 5 ½ in on centers starting 2 in from support face and
extending 50 in (2ℎ) from face of each support.

3. Shear Design for a Rectangular Beam in a Special Moment Frame.

The rectangular reinforced concrete column shown is part of a special moment frame in a
region of high seismic risk. Concrete is normal weight with specified compressive strength of
5000 psi and steel has a specified yield stress of 60,000 psi. 10 no. 9 bars reinforce the cross
section longitudinally in the pattern shown.

Determine the required spacing of no. 4 hoops and crossties in the vicinity of the joint face,
and the extent of the hoops at that spacing for an unsupported column length of 10 ft.

Solution

The solution is being worked at. We will post the solution soon.

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Steel

3. Design of End-Plate Connection.

Design a four-bolt unstiffened extended end-plate FR moment connection between an ASTM

A992 W18×50 beam and an ASTM A992 W14×99 column flange to transfer the following
vertical shear forces and strong-axis moments following LRFD procedures:

Use ASTM A325-N snug-tight bolts in standard holes and 70-ksi electrodes. The plate is ASTM
A36 material.

Solution

Get Material and Geometric Properties

From AISC Manual Tables 2-4 and 2-5, the material properties are as follows:

Note: The equations used in this examples are from AISC Steel Design Guide 4. Dr.
Amanat has covered this in his lecture Connections-2 as well.

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Required Bolt Diameter Assuming No Prying Action

From AISC Specification Table J3.2, Fnt = 90 ksi, for ASTM A325-N bolts.

Determine the required bolt diameter:

Required End-Plate Thickness

The end-plate yield line mechanism parameter is:

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Beam Flange Force

The required force applied to the end plate through the beam flange is:

Shear Yielding of the Extended End-Plate

The available strength due to shear yielding on the extended portion of the end-plate is
determined as follows.

Shear Rupture of the Extended End-Plate

The available strength due to shear rupture on the extended portion of the end-plate is
determined as follows:

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Note: For the vertical shear forces, the shear yielding strength, shear rupture strength, and
flexural yielding strength of the end-plate are all adequate by inspection.

Bolt Shear and Bearing

Try the minimum of four bolts at the tension flange and two bolts at the compression flange.
Note: Based on common practice, the compression bolts are assumed to resist all of the shear
force.

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4. Base Plate Design.

Design a base plate for axial dead and live loads equal to 100 and 160 kips, respectively, and
moments from the dead and live loads equal to 1000 and 1600 kip-in., respectively. Bending
is about the strong axis for the wide flange column W12×96 with d = 12.7 in. and bf = 12.2 in.
Conservatively, consider the ratio of the concrete to base plate area is unity; Fy of the base
plate is 36 ksi and f′c of the concrete is 4 ksi.

Solution

Compute the required strength

Choose trial base plate size

Determine e and ecrit; check inequality to determine if a solution exist

Therefore, this is the case of base plate with large moment.

Assume that the anchor rod edge distance is 1.5 in. Therefore,

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Since 315 > 306, the inequality is not satisfied.

Hence, a larger plate dimension is required.

As the second iteration, try a 20 × 20 plate. The increased dimensions cause a modification
in the maximum bearing pressure, 𝑞𝑞𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 , 𝑓𝑓, and 𝑒𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 . The new values become

The eccentricity, 𝑒𝑒, still exceeds 𝑒𝑒𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 ; therefore, the load combination is for large moments.
Also:

324 < 342, therefore the inequality in Equation 3.4.4 is satisfied and a real solution for 𝑌𝑌 exists.

Determine bearing length, 𝑌𝑌, and anchor rod tension, 𝑇𝑇𝑢𝑢 or 𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎

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Determine minimum plate thickness

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Bearing interface governs the design of base plate thickness. Use 2-in plate.

{More questions and solutions will be added soon}

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