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In this article (and video above), we break down the equilibrium of rigid bodies, zooming in on how to figure out support reactions at a roller. We take you through each step to make it easy to understand and apply in solving support forces in complicated structures.
Consider the loaded system shown below with supports at A, B, C and D. What is the reaction force at D due to the applied 6kN load?
In this article (and video above), I dive deep into a tried-and-true strategy for mastering the Civil PE Exam called the 3-Pass Method. This method isn’t just a theory; it’s a practical, time-tested approach that I found invaluable during my exam journey. So, let’s break it down and see how it can help you ace that test!
The Civil PE Exam, for example, is split into two 4-hour sections. While eight hours might seem ample, trust me, it flies by when you’re solving problem after problem. That’s why a solid time-management strategy is crucial, and that’s exactly where the 3-Pass Method comes in.
It’s a systematic approach to navigating the exam efficiently and effectively. Let’s go through each pass, step by step.
This initial sweep is all about quick wins and assessing the terrain. Here, you’ll flip through all 40 problems. Your goal? To identify and solve the simplest ones, ideally in less than a minute each. For those slightly trickier problems that you’re confident about but need 2-4 minutes, mark them with a “2” and move on. And for the real head-scratchers that leave you puzzled at first glance, give them a “3” and keep going. Aim to spend about 30-60 minutes on this pass in practice, but try to get it down to 30 minutes in the real exam. Ideally, you’ll have nailed at least 20% of the problems in this round.
This is where the heavy lifting happens. Now, you’ll revisit those problems marked with a “2”. These are the questions you feel good about, but they require a bit more time and thought. Your mission is to work through these methodically, averaging about 2-2.5 minutes per problem. Remember, if you’re stuck for more than 3 minutes, make a guess, mark it, and plan to come back to it in the final pass. Budget about 1.5-2 hours for this phase. By its end, you should have confidently tackled around 70-80% of the exam!
The final stretch. Now you return to the problems marked with a “3”. Often, you’ll find they’re not as daunting as they first seemed. Your brain’s been subconsciously processing them while you work through the other sections. Tackle these to the best of your ability. If there are still a few that baffle you, don’t sweat it. Guess, move on, and remember: you’ve built a solid foundation in the first two passes.
As the clock winds down, if you finish early, you have a choice: review your answers or wrap up and enjoy some extra time in your day.
Remember, the 3-Pass Method is a framework, not a rigid rulebook. Adapt it to your style, pace, and needs. Consistent practice, dedication, and strategic approaches like this are your keys to acing the Civil PE Exam.
I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the 3-Pass Method. It’s a game-changer. Practice it with your practice exams, and you’ll walk into the test day ready and confident.
PPI
has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
In this article (and video above), I talk about a common yet often unspoken challenge many face while preparing for the FE Exam – exam anxiety.
Anxiety before a big test like the FE is natural. Often, this stems from feeling underprepared. You might worry that you haven’t studied enough or that your preparation methods aren’t effective. This feeling can be compounded by a fear of failure, especially when you’ve invested so much time and effort into your studies.
Past negative experiences with tests can also play a significant role. If you’ve struggled with exams before, it’s easy to worry that history might repeat itself. And then there’s the fear of the consequences – the thought that your entire future career hinges on this one exam can be daunting.
Interestingly, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting around 18 percent of the population. These disorders can develop from a mix of factors like genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Recognizing that you’re not alone in this can be a source of comfort.
Now, let’s identify the symptoms. Anxiety isn’t just a mental or emotional state; it manifests physically and behaviorally too. You might experience a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, or stomach issues. Emotionally, there’s fear, worry, and a sense of impending doom. Behaviorally, you might find it hard to concentrate or become fidgety. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in managing them. How can we overcome this anxiety when related to the FE exam?
In this article (and video above), I talk with Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE, President & CEO of Lanham Engineering, LLC, about the significance of attaining your engineering license, her journey of establishing her own company and the pivotal role the engineering license played in her success.
Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE is the President/CEO of Lanham Engineering, a DBE/WBE/EDGE certified traffic engineering firm she started in 2013. Her growing fully remote team produces both traffic studies and traffic design plans. Her current roles include business and people manager, accountant, business development lead, and often mans the IT help desk.
She is actively involved in professional organizations in Columbus including WTS, ACEC, ASHE, and ITE. She currently serves on the National WTS DBE/WBE/Small Business Committee, as the chair for the ACEC Ohio Small Firms Committee, and serves on the ACEC/ODOT Liaison Committee. She is passionate about mentorship, currently part of The Ohio State University Civil Engineering Mentorship program and co-chairs the WTS Columbus Mentorship Program.
Joy also serves as treasurer for non-profits including Yay Bikes, the OSU Women in STEMM Alumni Society, and her golf club’s Ladies Golf Association. Ms. Lanham holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Her likes include golf, Las Vegas, and true crime podcasts. Her dislikes include beets, the Boston Red Sox, and meetings that should be an email.
Lanham Engineering, LLC
Connect with Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE, on LinkedIn
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
In this article (and video above), we determine reactions at supports for beams and frames. In this scenario, we analyze a beam supported by a pin at A and a roller at B, carrying various loads.
Consider the beam shown below. It is supported by a pin at A and a roller at B. It carries a distributed load as shown, spanning a distance of 3 meters from the beam’s left end. Additionally, it carries a concentrated load of 6 kN at its right end. Determine the reactions at A and B.
Incorporate support reactions Ay and By. Omit extra x-direction force at A (pin support). Add 6kN concentrated load at the beam’s far-right end. Simplify distributed loads by converting them to equivalent point loads, preserving the original load’s impact on the beam.
Initiate the inspection by focusing on the far-left end of the beam. Examine the uniformly varying load, noting its gradual increase from zero at the left end to a maximum of 2kN/m along the beam.
Compute the equivalent load for the section by finding the area under the triangular curve. Using the formula for a triangle (half base times height) with a 1-meter base and 2 kN/m height, the result is a 1 kN point load. Consider the specific point where this force is applied for a comprehensive understanding.
To find the centroid of a right triangle, connect each vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side with medians. The centroid, acting as the balance point, is consistently located at two-thirds the length of the base from the angle opposite the right angle. This straightforward method simplifies geometric analysis.
The equivalent 1kN point force would act at a distance of 2/3 meters from the left side of the beam.
Proceed to the next step by addressing the rectangular distributed load. Calculate its equivalent point load using the same procedure as previously outlined.
Calculate the area under the rectangular curve to determine the 4kN equivalent load. Due to symmetry, place the equivalent point load at the rectangle’s center, located 2 meters from the left side of the beam.
Incorporate the final equivalent force into the free-body diagram and proceed to calculate reaction forces at supports A and B. A correct diagram ensures a straightforward calculation process.
Initiate the analysis with a force balance in the y-direction for the static beam, setting the sum of forces to zero. Formulate the equation: Force Ay + By – 1 – 4 – 6 = 0, simplified to Force Ay + By – 11 = 0. To resolve the two unknowns, introduce a moment balance about point A.
Designate anti-clockwise as the positive moment direction. Factor in the 1kN force at one-third of a meter from A (add 1/3), and the 4kN force at 1 meter causing a CLOCKWISE moment (subtract 4). Incorporate force By(2) positively and subtract 6(3). Confirm the resultant sum equals zero for equilibrium.
Equation 2 has been successfully solved, revealing that the value of reaction By is 10.833 kN.
Finally, the reaction By can be substituted into equation 1, revealing that Ay is equal to 0.167 kN.
The correct answer is A.
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the FE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
In this article (and video above), I talk with Doug Shatto, PE, PTOE, the president and CEO of Lochmueller Group, about how the PE license can help someone in their career and how a consulting firm can promote and support professional growth in achieving the PE license.
[Read more…] about PE 095: The PE Advantage: A CEO’s Blueprint to Professional Growth
In this article (and video above), I share 5 key tips for passing the FE exam. From setting a clear exam date to overcoming exam challenges, these tips will streamline your FE Exam preparation. Whether you’re starting or refining your strategy, these tips are your pathway to success.
Kickstart your preparation by setting a clear exam date. Utilize calendars, notepads, and reminders for organizational clarity. Given life’s complexities, developing a personalized system is pivotal for sustained focus.
Bid farewell to cramming. Embrace the significance of intervals and ample rest during your study sessions. Optimal retention stems from spaced-out learning. Avoid last-minute cramming sessions as they seldom yield positive outcomes.
Tap into the strength of collective motivation by forming study partnerships. Creating study groups with disciplined peers sharing common goals enhances the quality of learning. The adage “two heads are better than one” holds true in this context.
Identify your preferred learning method. Whether dedicating a week to a single topic or utilizing various study materials like practice tests, flashcards, or videos, customize your study system to align with your learning style.
Acknowledge the formidable nature of the FE exam. Set pragmatic limits and grant yourself grace throughout the preparation process. Recognize that each journey is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. Learn from others but craft a study plan that harmonizes with your capabilities.
Matthew currently serves as the operations leader for the Engineering Management Institute. As a leader, Matthew’s goal is to ensure the efficacy and efficiency of the Learning and Development group. As a civil engineer by trade, Matthew has developed a passion for construction and stormwater management by way of maintenance and rehabilitation services. Matthew has also had experience working for private consulting firms and public agencies and has even held the role of an educator. As such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.
Most recently, during his time working for the public sector, Matthew took on the role of a public works operations manager. There he led quite a few public infrastructure rehabilitation projects and implemented new asset management technologies at a very young age. It is here that the passion for “fixing what’s broken” developed. He now uses his talents to lead EMI’s Learning and Development – Operational procedures, train engineers, and co-host podcasts.
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure the best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page, and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
In this article (and video above), I discuss something significant for those who are gearing up to take the PE Exam soon by walking through a last-minute checklist for the PE Exam to ensure you’re completely prepared for exam day.
First up, let’s talk about the non-negotiables: your documents. You absolutely need to have your NCEES Examinee Letter. Make sure it’s printed out and that your examinee ID number is correct. Equally important is your photo ID. Remember, it has to be government-issued, like a driver’s license or a passport. Student IDs won’t make the cut here.
Moving on to the tools of the trade – your calculator and writing instruments. It’s vital to have an NCEES-approved calculator. Whether it’s from Hewlett Packard, Casio, or Texas Instruments, make sure it’s a model that’s allowed. We have another video focusing on just that – the allowed calculators. And don’t forget to pack a spare battery. For writing, a couple of sharpened mechanical pencils should be in your arsenal. Choose ones with 0.7mm lead for the best writing clarity.
Let’s talk about personal items. While there are strict rules about what you can bring, there are a few things you’re allowed for your comfort and convenience. This includes your eyeglasses – but leave the case at home. You can also bring a sweater or jacket, and yes, even earplugs are permitted. These small comforts can make a big difference in your exam experience.
Now, onto some optional but helpful items. A highlighter can be a lifesaver for marking important information quickly. A clear plastic ruler can come in handy for diagrams and figures. And if you have a formula booklet or specific reference books that are permitted, definitely bring them along.
As for the day before the exam, it’s all about planning and organization. Check your route to the exam center and plan your travel with extra time for any unexpected delays. Pack your bag with snacks, water, and all your exam essentials. And, of course, double-check the exam date and time to avoid any last-minute panic.
And that’s it! Your critical item checklist for the PE Exam. With these tips, you’ll walk into the exam room feeling prepared and confident.
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
In this article (and video above), we calculate the internal forces of trusses using the method of joints. This is a classic example that you might encounter in the static section of the FE Exam. This problem was created and solved by Mechatronical engineer, Chanté van der Spuy.
Consider the truss shown below. It is subjected to a horizontal load of 5 kN at joint D and a vertical load of 5 kN at joint C. The horizontal and vertical reaction forces at joint A are given as 2 kN and 4 kN, respectively. Determine the force in member BD.
[Read more…] about Cracking Truss Forces: Mastering Method of Joints
In this article (and video above), I talk with Kerryn Fulton, P.E., the esteemed President and CEO of C.S. Davidson, Inc. about the critical importance of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license and the myriad benefits that licensure can unlock for you.
Kerryn started her career path after graduating from Juniata High School and earning her engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. Married to Wade, a talented teacher and writer, they have two sons, Thomas and Theo.
In 2001, Kerryn joined C.S. Davidson, an employee-owned engineering firm established in 1923. The company has offices in York, Gettysburg, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the years, she climbed the ladder, becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2013 and ultimately reaching the top spot as CEO in 2016.
C.S. Davidson, Inc.
Connect with Kerryn Fulton, P.E., on LinkedIn
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
