PCI 7th vs PCI 6th for SE exam

[Surya77]

Hello,

For the SE exam one of the updated reference is PCI 7th ed.

Can any one kindly brief me on the differences between 7th vs 6th. Is it really critical to have 7th edition? or will 6 th suffice for the exam. The book is really expensive (around $400). I understand that this is not time to count pennies, but I was thinking I can use that money to buy other codes if and only if 7th ed is not critical

 

[KootK]

I suspect that you'd be okay with the 6th. I didn't use it at all. Using outdated codes is always a scary proposition though. What if there's an example that would give you just what you need, when you need it... if only it was current! I drove myself nuts with that kind of thinking. And spent a lot of money.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[Surya77]

That is true, codes have changed across the board from 2015 for SE exams. Its getting xtrmly expensive. So I wanted to know if there are any changes in methodology like ASCE 7-10 to consider getting new code.

Thanks for the input thou

 

[KootK]

The changes that would matter would mostly pertain to ACI updates I suspect. I've attached an excerpt from the Handbook that may help you in that regard.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

The PCI Institute, publisher of the book, offers a free webinar titled "Designing with the 7th Edition PCI Design Handbook: An Introduction". I have not viewed it, but one of the slides mentions a comparison of the 6th and 7th editions. Here is link to the website. Registration is required, but that too is free:

http://elearning.pci.org/

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[Surya77]

Thanks //SlideRuleEra// and //KootK// for the info. I really appreciate your time

Then interesting part is PCI 7th Ed is based on ACI 318-05 and ASCE 7-05 and IBC 06. Most of the other code of records are based on IBC 2012.

 

[steellion]

I don't recall using the PCI manual that often when I took the test. That said, you should bring the correct editions of all required references with you for the test. It is not worth it to play around and potentially miss questions simply because you had the wrong reference. I can understand not wanting to spend $400 on it. Perhaps you can borrow it from a colleague?

There are several significant changes from ASCE 7-05 to ASCE 7-10. That is one that is worth the purchase and the time to tab the pages in advance of the exam to be able to quickly find the information you're looking for.

 

[Surya77]

Agreed on that part.

Is there a special reason why PCI never caught up with latest codes? even their latest edition deals with 318-05 and ASCE 7-05. So my question was how does this PCI became relevant to exam when it is still based on IBC 2006?

On the other note

what kind of book are required, there are 5 volumes of Seismic design manual(concrete, steel etc) did guys bought all those 5 volumes.

Also there is a book by alan Williams by title "seismic and wind forces" Is this book more appropriate than seismic design manual volumes.

For the gravity part did you guys read basic college text books ?

This is going to be second most expensive investment after my marriage

Hats off for all the people who studied and attempted the exam (pass or fail its a great battle)

 

[WiSEiwish]

Surya,

The SE was the most mentally draining exam that I took. Make sure you get plenty of rest before hand.
I took both exams this last year (Both in April and the lateral again in October) and this is what I had as far as books:
ASCE 7 (Correct version is imperative)
AISC Steel Construction Manual
ACI 318
PCI 6th
NDS (I had the 2012 version for the exam that required 2005, but it didn't seem to matter)
ACI 530 (I had the 2005 version and it didn't seem to matter)
AISC 341/358 (I also had the Seismic Design Manual but didn't use it. The two specifications were enough)
Structural Engineering Reference Manual (SERM) - Alan Williams (I used this a few times.)
IBC
Structural Analysis - Textbook from college (Opened maybe once)
Reinforced Concrete - Textbook from college (Didn't Open)
LRFD Bridge Design Specification
NEHRP Design Technical Brief No. 1-8 (I did not use these during the test but found they were very helpful study aids)

For the gravity part I studied mostly the above mentioned material. The SERM was helpful providing an overview of the types of things that would be on the exam. I didn't use my textbooks that much in studying.

I found the gravity test to be more difficult than the lateral test even though I had to retake the lateral.

For the lateral portion I went though Chapter 21 of ACI 318 and illustrated very neatly everything that I could. It took me a while to get through the chapter but actually drawing and labeling everything helped with my understanding. I would recommend doing that with anything that you may struggle with.

It is an expensive test requiring many expensive books and the pass rate is not at all comforting. Good luck!