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Thoughts on Computer-Based Testing

A young engineer’s perspective on how computer-based testing can impact the engineering profession.

Change is scary, and so is the PE Structural Exam. Will changing the PE Structural Exam be a nightmare? Moving the exam from a paper and pencil format to a computer-based testing (CBT) approach has caused quite a stir in the profession; however, it might not be as bad as has been hyperbolized. These changes will have a direct impact on the engineering profession, especially on young engineers like me. While there are concerns and room for improvement, these modifications could serve as a way to improve the examination process and provide a more achievable path towards S. E. licensure.

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Oct, 2023 By Orion R. Paul, P. E. In Structural Perspective

19th Century Mississippi River Bridges #8

Keokuk & Hamilton bridge.

This bridge between Keokuk, Iowa, and Hamilton, Illinois, was one of the eight Mississippi River sites approved by Congress and signed by President Andrew Johnson on July 25, 1866. As such, it had to abide by the requirements for a low-level bridge with a swing span or a high-level bridge with specified horizontal and vertical clearances. The Hancock County Bridge Company received its approval from the Illinois legislature on February 13, 1865, and the Keokuk and Hamilton Mississippi River Bridge Company received its approval from the Iowa Legislature on January 15, 1866. Based upon a survey in 1867, the city of Keokuk in 1868 granted a right-of-way across the levee.

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Oct, 2023 By Frank Griggs, Jr., Dist. M. ASCE, D. Eng., P.E., P.L.S. In Historic Structures

FAQ on SEI Standards

This quarterly article addresses some of the questions received about structural standards developed by the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). In addition, questions from engineers, building officials, and other design professionals are often considered to develop future editions. Following are some questions received by SEI and responses to clarify the provisions.

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Oct, 2023 By Jennifer Goupil, P.E. In Codes and Standards

2024 IBC and IFC Mass Timber Changes

In the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), several changes were made to mass timber provisions, including the following:

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Oct, 2023 By John “Buddy” Showalter, P. E., M. ASCE and Jason Smart, P.E. In Code Updates

A New Code of Standard Practice for Steel Deck

Creating quality in steel deck construction using familiar practices.

The Steel Deck Institute (SDI) has recently published a new 2023 Edition of the SDI Code of Standard Practice for Steel Deck. This edition is unique because it is a completely revised edition, and this is the first version developed as a consensus standard under ANSI guidelines. The SDI Code of Standard Practice for Steel Deck, ANSI/SDI COSP-2023, is an American National Standard that codifies generally accepted industry practices for designing, selling, purchasing, manufacturing, and installing steel deck.

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Oct, 2023 By Thomas Sputo, Ph.D., P.E., S.E. In Steel Codes

UHPC/UHPFRC Compressive Strength Tests

Cylinder vs. cube conversion.

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a concrete class initially developed in the 1990s. UHPC contains no coarse aggregates. When fibers are used in UHPC, it is called Ultra-High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) and offers increased strength and durability. The compressive strength of UHPC may have values exceeding 21,750 psi (Graybeal&Davis, 2008). It has been found by researchers, especially at the Kassel Universität, Germany, that UHPC can be designed to reach compressive strengths up to 36,250 psi. In addition to its high compressive strength, UHPC offers enhancements of high strength concrete (HSC) such as very high tensile strength (over 2175 psi) and flexural strength (over 7250 psi), very high ductility, very high durability to freeze-thaw cycles, chloride penetration, abrasion resistance, and carbonation. These enhanced properties will result in the overall improved performance of structures using this material, thus increasing construction safety, providing longer service life, and lower maintenance costs.

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Oct, 2023 By Dr. N. Subramanian, Ph. D., F. ASCE In Structural Analysis

James R. Harris, Ph. D., P. E., NAE, F. SEI, Dist. M. ASCE

James R. (Jim) Harris received his undergraduate education in civil engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1968. After working in consulting in Denver for five years, he earned his MSCE and Ph. D. from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1975 and 1980, respectively. From 1975-1981 he was a research structural engineer at the National Bureau of Standards after which he returned to professional practice. He established J.R. Harris & Company in 1984.

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Oct, 2023 By STRUCTURE magazine In Structural Influencers

Observations of the Bridge Damage Caused by the M_w 7.8 Turkey (Türkiye)

Earthquake of February 6, 2023.

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Oct, 2023 By Prof. Robert K. Dowell, Ph. D., P. E. In Structural Observations

Shake, Shake, Shake

A beginning primer for a career in civil engineering.

If you are a parent, you know, or will eventually realize, that toys are all-consuming. They take over your home. Your life. Everything. When translated to civil engineering and construction “speak,” they are a critical path to sanity. As such, it becomes crucial to evaluate the value of a proposed toy thoroughly. This is not necessarily the upfront cost, but the value it will bring to your child while factoring in the collateral damage to your mental health (pause here to clean up THAT toy for what seems like the millionth time). The goal, if you wish to proceed with the purchase, is that the toy will keep them blissfully busy—and learning—so you can finish those project calculations you cannot seem to get to and, let’s face it, so that you won’t feel guilty later for the two hours of cartoons they end up watching. With that goal in mind, this article reviews the Civil Engineer Starter Kit by KiwiCo through the eyes and experience of a 14-year-old, 10-year-old, and 8-year-old. Also present during testing were two adult electrical engineers (becomes relevant later), one adult structural engineer, one adult mechanical engineer, and an almost 5-year-old. Disclaimer: Every kid is different, so proceed while keeping your child and situation in mind. And if you don’t have kids, you might learn something too and have fun doing it!

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Oct, 2023 By Erin J. Gachne Conaway, P.E., LEED AP In Engineer's Notebook

The Golden Gate Bridge

The most famous bridge in the world, a symbol of San Francisco and American ingenuity.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most famous and admired structures. Spanning the picturesque Golden Gate Strait north of San Francisco, the bridge transforms the strait into a more beautiful and dramatic setting. This unique site and its bridge are a graceful and majestic entry into the San Francisco Bay, a breathtaking sight welcoming vessels from all over the Pacific.

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Oct, 2023 By Roumen V. Mladjov, S.E., P.E. In Iconic Structures

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