Recent content by benjaminb

Something like this maybe.. Dell Precision Tower

It would be asking a lot to require the interims because of how poorly they are implemented in AASHTO. There is nothing in the code itself to clue you into the fact that something has changed. For example, the methodology for calculation of development length of reinforcing bars in concrete is...

I've got one of these that comes in handy every now and then.. Structural Engineer's Pocket Book

Don't eat the yellow snow

I had a similar experience, failed twice, structural depth both times.. it sucks to fail, especially after putting in so much work/studying. @Oregon_Matt and @thekzieg PE gave some good advice, but based on my experience, I believe there's something else to consider: every exam is very different...

I get different results, but not that much different. Are you limiting the reinforcement confinement factor (lambda.rc) to 1.0? 

I haven't actually read the sample exam question, but it sounds like you might be mixing failure modes.. "shear rupture" (AISC J.4) is a weld failure mode whereas "shear yielding" (AISC G.2) is a member failure mode. 

I always take the time to review the index or table of contents for each topic to make sure there isn't somewhere else in the code that has applicable information. I think this is important for the exam because they may ask you something that seems like a simple search through IBC, AISC, or...

The CERM is way more thorough than just a "quick reference", I doubt you would have the time or interest to learn new subjects in a greater level of detail than is provided by the CERM.

My opinion is that you are better off knowing a few references really well than having a whole bunch of mostly redundant reference material that isn't as familiar.

I thought the practice exams were way harder than the actual exam, and not very similar in types of questions. I passed the PE exam and only scored around 50% on both AM and PM NCEES practice exams.

Just got my Washington State certificate (October '13 exam). Washington is also an odd size - 10.5 x 13... diplomaframe.com has some pretty cool options for customization and embossing of the state seal into the mat. They also will customize the size of the opening in the mat to fit non-standard...

October 2012 - 175 hours - fail April 2013 - 200 hours - fail October 2013 - 8 hours - PASS!!!

benjaminb PASSED PE - Civil Washington

Most all of the responses here are people that passed the first time... it took me three tries to pass civil/structural and as a result I have a somewhat different perspective. Each exam is different and the area of civil structural is very broad. For afternoon questions, don't just study the...