Seismic Books

ajm · Feb 18, 2014

I know I've kind of waited to the last minute, but I'm looking for which book most people recommed/what they feel the strenghts of the various books are for the seismic exam. I am taking a review class which includes 2x 4 hour lectures on the seismic material, too.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards either Hiner (seems you can order the work book from his site) or Ibrahim. The former seems to get the most attention. Any information about what sort of sets these two apart? Anyone have experience with both?

And any thoughts on the Baradar book? That one seems to be the most available...

Thanks.

ptatohed · Feb 18, 2014

ajm said:
I know I've kind of waited to the last minute, but I'm looking for which book most people recommed/what they feel the strenghts of the various books are for the seismic exam. I am taking a review class which includes 2x 4 hour lectures on the seismic material, too.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards either Hiner (seems you can order the work book from his site) or Ibrahim. The former seems to get the most attention. Any information about what sort of sets these two apart? Anyone have experience with both?

And any thoughts on the Baradar book? That one seems to be the most available...

Thanks.

ajm,

What do you mean by 'seems to be the most available'? Also, I don't think Baradar has a current workbook/reference book, right? I think this is PPI's latest book. I think Baradar still authors the solved problems and practice exams though (although they may not reference the current 2012 IBC).

Hiner is good but I've seen a lot of happy customers with Dr. Ibrahim (class and/or book) lately. That would be my suggestion.

Good luck.

ajm · Feb 19, 2014

Sorry, I kind of worded that poorly. What I meant was: looking at retailers for books of this nature (ie. Amazon, PPI, etc.), all of them seem to carry the Baradar book and have it in plentiful quantities, whereas there is limited (if any) stock of the other two I mentioned.

I appreciate your feedback. I think I will shoot the professor for the seismic portion of this review course an email as well and see if he has any thoughts.

ajm · Feb 26, 2014

One other thing (didn't want to start another thread on it):

Am I correct in assuming that you CANNOT bring any of your reference materials (ie. ASCE 7-10, IBC 2012) with you to the exam? The information I've been able to find seems to indicate this, but I just wanted to check...because having to memorize which tables you need to go to for which variables is kind of a pain, particularly when time is limited.

ptatohed · Feb 26, 2014

ajm said:
One other thing (didn't want to start another thread on it):

Am I correct in assuming that you CANNOT bring any of your reference materials (ie. ASCE 7-10, IBC 2012) with you to the exam? The information I've been able to find seems to indicate this, but I just wanted to check...because having to memorize which tables you need to go to for which variables is kind of a pain, particularly when time is limited.

No, that is not correct. You can bring any references you want. There might be some restrictions from the CBT center (no loose/unbound papers, maximum 1 Banker's box, etc.) but it is an open book exam. It is not clear from the BPELS website (at least I couldn't find anything) but the Surv and Seis exams have always been and still are open book.

Lungshen · Feb 26, 2014

Open book. Bring as many books you want but take my advice, you don't have time flipping through books looking for similar problems. If you do, then you are loosing valuable time to solve as many problems as possible. And most likely you won't pass. All you really need to be familiar are few equations ( memorize them) and the ASCE table for R factors. I am structural, strictly building, and licensed since '06. It still took me full 2.5 hrs to work all 55 problems with no time left to back check. And I only took ASCE 7-05 with me to Prometric.

ajm · Feb 27, 2014

That is VERY good news. I was extremely worried about that. I'll have my ASCE 7-10 with me. Being an environmental guy, I suspect this will be tough even with the materials in hand.

You've helped me breathe a little easier.

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