McEngr, In terms of the AASHTO 2008 revision I found that the new SERM manual pages was helpful to get me started in the right direction on basic load combinations and some seismic. But only started! I don't have the 5th edition, but have the 4th with a print out of the new bridge section that PPI2PASS gave out this fall. I had it printed and bound and took it to the last exam. However I still really needed the full 2008 AASHTO book to answer many questions. In the latest practice exam there were some problems that abosultely needed the full book. I also recall a few problems on the last exam sitting that you had to have the full book for. (Can't discuss details, but they were there)
I hate that AASHTO book. But I supose the bridge people say the same thing about the masonry designers guide.
I have always found the SERM book a disapointment. There are several chapters and tables in the CERM that should be moved to the SERM.
If do get it, please let us know what you think of it. I see they say the book now includes 40 solved problems.