Masonry on PE Exam
Masonry on PE Exam
(OP)
I am reviewing the design standards recommended/required for the PE structural exam and the footnote for the masonry code states:
"Examinees will use only the ASD method, except strength design Section 3.3.5 may be used for walls with out-of-plane loads."
Looking through MSJC the strength design chapter includes sections for in-plane and out-of-plane loads on walls (sections 3.3.5 and 3.3.6), but the ASD chapter is more vague (section 2.3.3 Axial compression and flexure).
Does anyone have any insight on what is going on here; why are they allowing strength design for these walls? It seems very nonsensical to study ASD for all masonry members, and then switch to strength design for another.
Thanks in advance.
"Examinees will use only the ASD method, except strength design Section 3.3.5 may be used for walls with out-of-plane loads."
Looking through MSJC the strength design chapter includes sections for in-plane and out-of-plane loads on walls (sections 3.3.5 and 3.3.6), but the ASD chapter is more vague (section 2.3.3 Axial compression and flexure).
Does anyone have any insight on what is going on here; why are they allowing strength design for these walls? It seems very nonsensical to study ASD for all masonry members, and then switch to strength design for another.
Thanks in advance.






RE: Masonry on PE Exam
The MSJC document referenced is probably a consensus standard (commonly referred to as ACI 530) because ACI carried the burden of publication and it is actually the combination/consensus standard of different design methods and the reasons for the use. It includes the principals, accompanying specifications and most importantly the commentary. The document is the most commonly used source adopted by reference by model codes nationally and internationally.
Individual entities (jurisdictions, sates or countries) can adopt the entire standard or just portions depending on the applicability for local conditions. Some localities adopt only portions or can legally put stricter conditions in place of the "pure" standard. during the 25 years of creating the original ACI 530, the major problem was writing it to reflect the local exceptions, practices and terminology and unfortunately the ASTM standards are rather behind the real world for masonry.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Masonry on PE Exam
I wouldn't be too concerned. The PE exam only has a few masonry problems. Even the SE exam when I took it was fairly light on masonry.
RE: Masonry on PE Exam
RE: Masonry on PE Exam
PE, SE
Eastern United States
"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi
RE: Masonry on PE Exam
RE: Masonry on PE Exam
PE, SE
Eastern United States
"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi
RE: Masonry on PE Exam
PE, SE
Eastern United States
"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death!"
~Code of Hammurabi