RE EXAM GUIDE

Structural Systems
Overview
Knowledge / Skills

Sample Multiple-Choice Questions

Sample Multiple-Choice Answers
4
11
a
1

Structural Layout Vignette 12

Sample Passing Solution 14
Sample Failing Solution 16

References 18

This document, effective July 2011, supersedes all previous

editions of the ARE® 4.0 Exam Guide: Structural Systems.
Please check NCARB’s web site, www.ncarb.org, regularly
for updates to the ARE 4.0 Exam Guides and for the
Copyright © 2011 most current information regarding the ARE.
Structural
Systems RE
125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
OVERVIEW
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple DIVISION STATEMENT

Choice Questions
Identify and incorporate general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings.
Structural Layout
Vignette

References Content Areas Vignette

1. GENERAL STRUCTURES STRUCTURAL LAYOUT

(38-42 percent of scored items) Design a schematic framing plan for a one-story building
with a mutli-level roof.
2. SEISMIC FORCES
(28-32 percent of scored items)

3. WIND FORCES
(14-17 percent of scored items)

4. LATERAL FORCES
(13-16 percent of scored items)

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 a

Structural
Systems RE
125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

Choice Questions
The division has been broken down into a listing of knowledge and skills directly related to each major content area.
Structural Layout
Vignette 1. GENERAL STRUCTURES B. Materials & Technology
(38-42 percent of scored items) Consider impact of design decisions on the selection
References of systems, materials, and construction details on
A. Principles general structural design.
Apply general structural principles to building design
and construction. 1. Construction Details and Constructability
Apply principles, theory, and calculations related to the
design of connections of the various elements of the struc-
1. Building Design
ture, including connections, fasteners, hangers, and plates.
Achieve required building design by applying principles,
Assess the impact of structural decisions on the construc-
theory, and calculations needed to analyze and design
tion process: including underpinning, shoring, temporary
structural systems and components, calculating forces
structures, stabilization, and construction methods.
on members (loads, shear, moments, reactions, and truss
analysis), and applying basic engineering principles in-
2. Construction Materials
cluding but not limited to: moment of inertia, section
Understand properties of materials that may affect the
modulus, and deflection.
structural characteristics including section modulus, mo-
ment of inertia, thermal movement, fatigue, creep, and
2. Building Systems and their Integration
information gathered from material test reports, or man-
Apply principles, theory, and calculations related to a
uals and apply the knowledge to the design.
building’s structural system and its individual compo-
nents by selecting a structural system or component
that is appropriate for its application including but not C. Codes & Regulations
limited to: post and beam, frames, trusses, arches, shells, Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, and
plates, and skins. other regulatory requirements in the design of
general structural systems
3. Implications of Design Decisions
Assess the impact of structural design decisions on cost, 1. Government and Regulatory Requirements
schedule, and building systems including: material, span, and Permit Processes
height, use, historic preservation, architectural form, Examine building and fire codes and other regulations
acoustical properties, sustainability, vibration susceptibil- affecting structural systems. Apply conditions, constraints,
ity, MEP considerations, etc. and the permit approval process to structural issues, in-
cluding: life safety, testing, inspections, loads, connections,
allowable stresses, erection, and safety factors.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 1

Structural
Systems RE
125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple 2. SEISMIC FORCES C. Codes & Regulations

Choice Questions (28-32 percent of scored items) Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, and
other regulatory requirements in the design for
Structural Layout seismic forces.
Vignette
A. Principles
Apply seismic forces principles to building design
References and construction. 1. Government and Regulatory Requirements
and Permit Processes
1. Building Design Examine construction details and non-structural
Examine behavior of building structural systems when elements pertaining to their resistance to seismic forces.
subjected to seismic forces, including load path, loading
effects and building response, seismic load resisting 3. WIND FORCES
systems, and nature of seismic loads on structures. (14-17 percent of scored items)
2. Building Systems and their Integration
Consider seismic force resisting systems and elements A. Principles
including braced frames, shear walls, rigid frames, flexible Apply lateral force principles into the design and
and rigid membranes, foundations, and retaining walls to construction of buildings to resist wind.
integrate into the design.
1. Building Design
3. Implications of Design Decisions Analyze behavior of building structural systems when
Consider impact of design for seismic forces considering subjected to wind load, including load path, loading
cost, building configuration and function, historic preser- effects and building response, nature of wind loads on
vation, and construction schedule. structures, and causes and characteristics of wind.

B. Materials & Technology 2. Building Systems and their Integration

Consider the impact of applying design decisions on Consider wind force resisting systems and elements in-
the selection of systems, materials, and construction cluding braced frames, shear walls, rigid frames, flexible
and rigid membranes, and foundations to integrate into
details to accommodate for seismic forces.
the design.
1. Construction Details and Constructability 3. Implications of Design Decisions
Examine construction details and non-structural Examine impact of design for wind forces considering
elements pertaining to seismic forces. cost, building configuration, building function, historic
preservation, and construction schedule.
2. Construction Materials
Select construction materials pertaining to their
resistance to seismic forces.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 2

Structural
Systems RE
125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple B. Materials & Technology 2. Building Systems and their Integration
Choice Questions Analyze the impact of design decisions on the se- Consider lateral load resisting systems and elements in-
lection of systems, materials, and construction de- cluding braced frames, shear walls, rigid frames, flexible
Structural Layout tails related to wind forces. and rigid membranes, foundations, and retaining walls to
Vignette integrate into the design.

References
1. Construction Details and Constructability 3. Implications of Design Decisions
Examine construction details and non-structural Assess impact of lateral loads design decisions such
elements pertaining to resistance to wind. as cost, building configuration, building function, and
construction sequencing and schedule.
2. Construction Materials
Ascertain construction materials pertaining to B. Materials & Technology
resistance to wind.
Apply lateral forces principles to the design and
C. Codes & Regulations construction of buildings.
Incorporate building codes and other regulatory
1. Construction Details and Constructability
requirements related to wind forces.
Examine construction details and non-structural
elements pertaining to lateral forces.
1. Government and Regulatory Requirements
and Permit Processes 2. Construction Materials
Incorporate building and life safety codes and regulations Select construction materials that resist lateral forces.
for inclusion in design of structures for resistance to wind.

4. LATERAL FORCES
(13-16 percent of scored items)

A. Principles
Apply lateral forces principles to the design and
construction of buildings.

1. Building Design
Analyze behavior of building structural systems when
subjected to lateral loads, including load path, loading
effects and building response, lateral load resisting sys-
tems, and nature of lateral loads on structures.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 3

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple 1. The most important factor affecting the strength of 3. A slump cone is used primarily to provide an indication of
concrete is the which of the following characteristics of concrete?

weather conditions during curing
Strength and workability
Choice Questions

Structural Layout
volume of the mixture
Durability and finish

Vignette
water-to-cement ratio
Air entrainment and chemical resistance

amount of vibration of the mix
Appearance and color
References

4. Since the 1960's, thin-shell concrete roof structures have

seldom been utilized in the United States and Canada
primarily because

building codes often make it difficult to obtain
approval for their use

design fees are substantially greater than for more
conventional structures

formwork is prohibitively expensive

materials (concrete and steel) are too costly

5. The most frequently used footing type at the exterior wall

for load-bearing wall support systems is

mat footings

pile footings

continuous wall footings

isolated pad footings

2. The drilled pier (caisson) shown above is belled in order to

prevent water infiltration

prevent caving

increase the bearing area

increase frictional resistance

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 4

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

Structural Layout
Vignette

References

6. What is the section modulus for the geometric section 7. When considering permitted live load reductions for
illustrated above? the column shown above, what is the live load for the
floor supported by the column?
in3
kips (kg)

8. If the soil bearing capacity is 3000 psf [143 500 N/m2]

and the applied load is 48,000 lbs [212 kN], which of the
following is the area for the footing?

sf [ m2]

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 5

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

9. Which of the following best defines the P-delta effect? 13. In a renovation of an existing residential building, in which

Lateral forces on the foundations
Sample Multiple
piping of conduit needs to be run through a 2 x 12 [50 x

Bending forces in the vertical members
Choice Questions
300 mm] (actual) wood floor joist, which of the following
Structural Layout
Horizontal forces in the roof sections is the minimum dimension required by the IBC [NBC] from
Vignette
Moment forces at the joint the top or bottom of the joist to the bored hole?

1.0 in [25 mm]

1.5 in [38 mm]
References

10. Concrete should reach its design compressive strength in
2.0 in [50 mm]
how many days?
2.5 in [63 mm]

3

7

28 14. An 18th century farmhouse on the National Historic Regis-

32 ter with exposed timber framing is to be restored and
opened for tours. Which of the following is the most
historically correct method of addressing the lack of live-
11. When concrete is held under sustained stress, the load capacity of the floor framing?
strain will continue to increase with time. Which of the
Replace the undersized framing with new adequately
following defines this time-dependent phenomenon? sized members.

Shrinkage
Sister the existing joists and beams.

Temperature expansion
Limit the number of visitors in spaces to the available

Creep live load.

Contraction
Reduce the span of the floor framing.

12. Steel roof joists are manufactured with camber to 15. Cast-in-place concrete beams and columns with No. 11

provide positive roof drainage [35M] rebar or smaller reinforcing bars that are not ex-

compensate for deflection posed to weather or in contact with the ground should

support a variety or roof deck systems have a minimum coverage of concrete over the bars of

increase lateral stability
1/2 in [12 mm]

3/4 in [19 mm]

1 in [25 mm]

1 1/2 in [37 mm]

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 6

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple 16. A balcony is hung from steel roof framing over a hotel 20. Which of the following is NOT a primary structural system
atrium. Which of the following is the minimum code that is employed to resist lateral loads?

Shear walls
Choice Questions
required increase in live load due to impact?
Structural Layout
0 percent
Braced frames
Vignette
25 percent
Hinged frames

33 percent
Moment-resisting frames

50 percent
References

21. All of the following are criteria for base isolation

systems EXCEPT:
17. Which of the following is generally the most economical
The system must allow lateral movement.
material for the hoistway wall of an elevator in a wood-
The system must control the movement between
frame, two-story apartment building? ground and structure.

Reinforced concrete
Energy must be dissipated in the isolators.

Gypsum shaft wall
The system must amplify ground accelerations.

Pre-fabricated concrete

Concrete blocks
22. An eccentrically braced frame (EBF) utilized to resist lateral
seismic forces in a building is a
18. A one-way slab is used typically in which of the following
frame in which diagonal members are connected to a
types of buildings? beam a short distance from the column joint

Museum
frame in which members are subjected primarily to

Parking axial forces

Library
frame in which members and joints are capable of

Warehouse resisting forces by flexure as well as along the axis of
the member

braced frame whose plan location results in torsion
19. Which of the following would be most appropriate for a
high-rise building in a high-risk seismic zone?

A building on stilts

A building with an L-shaped plan

A building with a symmetrical T-shaped plan

A building with a symmetrical square plan

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 7

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

Structural Layout
Vignette

References

23. For the rigid frame structure shown, the approximate hori-
zontal shear at the base of column 2 (assuming all column
stiffnesses are equal) is
25. In the CMU stem-flanged shear wall arrangement shown,
the minimum dimension X recommended to achieve
k [ kN]
shear transfer is

3t

6t

9t

12t
24. Base isolation in an office building is most effective for
which of the following building heights, assuming that
the areas per floor are the same?

One-story
26. Buckling of a column can be reduced by which of the

Four-story
following? Check the four that apply.

A. Increasing the size of the member

Twenty-story

B. Rotating the column

Forty-story

C. Bracing the column

D. Changing the type of end restraints

E. Reducing the length of the column

F. Reducing the radius of gyration

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 8

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple 27. A loss of soil shear strength resulting in the movement
24 k
Choice Questions of the surficial soil layers of a building site in a direction [117 kN]
parallel to the ground surface under earthquake 16’–0”
Structural Layout conditions is most likely caused by [5 000]

a high water table

1’–6”
Vignette [450]

liquefiable soils

a low bearing capacity

[12 200]
References

40’–0”

a gently sloping site
DL
[1 060] kN
240 k

28. The recommended deflection criteria due to wind

loading on a brick veneer wall utilizing a metal stud
2’–0”
back-up system is

L/360
[600]
20’–0” 6’–0”

L/400
[6 000] [1 800]

L/600 31. What is the factor of safety against overturning for the

L/720 concrete shear wall shown if resisted only by gravity
forces? Assume the weight of concrete equals 150 lb/ft 3
[23.5 kN/m3], and the dead load equals 240 kips [1060 kN].
29. Which of the following professionals has primary legal Ignore the weight of the soil over the footing.
responsibility for the performance of a building in an
1.5
earthquake?
2.0

Building code official
3.7

Structural engineer
4.2

Architect

Geotechnical consultant
32. A primary cause of failure of concrete masonry walls
during hurricanes is
30. Which of the following material lists provides ductility in
poorly filled mortar joints
building construction in the order of highest to lowest?
improper base and sill flashing

Steel, reinforced masonry, reinforced concrete, wood
an inadequate number of wall anchors

Wood, steel, reinforced masonry, reinforced concrete
a lack of vertical reinforcement

Reinforced masonry, reinforced concrete, wood, steel

Steel, reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry, wood

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 9

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Go to page 11 for answers
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple 33. The earthquake regulations of model codes are intended
to provide resistance to which of the following?

Ground shaking
Choice Questions

Structural Layout
Earth slides

Vignette
Ground rupture in fault zones

Settlement
References

34. A structure will have a better chance of surviving an

earthquake if which of the following is true?

Principal members change section abruptly.

The load-bearing members are not equally loaded.

All columns and walls are discontinuous.

The structure has redundancy.
37. In the elevation of a multi-storied building subject to
earthquake forces shown above, at which location is stress
35. Which of the following considerations in structural design concentration most likely to be a problem?
are based on probability as a result of historical analysis?
A

Water pressures
B

Wind forces
C

Dead loads
D

Soil pressures

38. A building form that is ideal for resistance to earthquake

36. According to model codes; Connection of masonry web forces would be characterized by which of the following?
shear walls to masonry flange walls must be accomplished Check the two that apply.
using which of the following details? Check the three
A. Symmetrical about a reentrant corner
that apply.
B. Symmetrical in plan

A. Running bond
C. Heavier at the base than at the top

B. Bond beams
D. Asymmetrical in plan

C. Stacked bond
E. Long linear plan

D. Steel dowels
F. Asymmetrical in elevation

E. High-strength mortar

F. Metal plate strap anchors

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 10

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
SAMPLE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS ANSWERS
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple 1. water-to-cement ratio 28. L/600

Choice Questions 2. increase the bearing area 29. Architect
3. Strength and workability 30. Steel, reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry, wood
Structural Layout 4. formwork is prohibitively expensive 31. 4.2
Vignette 5. continuous wall footings 32. a lack of vertical reinforcement
6. 57.3 in3 [cm3] 33. Ground shaking
References
7. 67 kips [30 390 kg] 34. The structure has redundancy.
8. 16 sf [1.5 m2] 35. Wind forces
9. Bending forces in the vertical members 36. A, B, F
10. 28 37. C
11. Creep 38. B, C
12. compensate for deflection
13. 2.0 in [50 mm]
14. Limit the number of visitors in spaces to the
available live load.
15. 1 1/2 in [37 mm]
16. 33 percent
17. Gypsum shaft wall
18. Parking
19. A building with a symmetrical square plan
20. Hinged frames
21. The system must amplify ground accelerations.
22. frame in which diagonal members are connected to a
beam a short distance from the column joint
23. 2.50 k [11.25 kN]
24. Four-story
25. 6t
26. A, C, D, E
27. liquefiable soils

Updated August 2009 July 2011 ARE® 4.0 11

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT VIGNETTE
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple General Tips for Taking Structural Layout Directions

Choice Questions Use the drawing tools provided to create a two-level roof
framing solution over the program areas shown. The layout you
Structural Layout design should be structurally sound, efficient, and
Vignette
responsive to program requirements.
References
Use the “Layers” tool to draw Your design is to be expressed by superimposing the necessary
the appropriate structural structural members on the background floor plan provided.
elements on the correct plan. Draw the structural elements for the lower roof framing on the
lower level (Lower Roof Framing Plan). Switch layers using the
layers icon and draw all additional structural elements required
for the roof framing on the upper level (Upper Roof Framing
Plan). Return to the lower level and make sure that all upper
level elements are fully supported from below. For scoring, your
solution must be drawn on these two separate layers.

Your layout should show the location of columns and/or load-

bearing walls, the placement of beams, and the placement and
spacing of roof joists. You may not add walls. All walls are
assumed to be non-load-bearing unless you designate them
Make sure all structure otherwise. If your layout includes load-bearing walls, you must
drawn on the Upper use the drawing tool provided to designate existing walls as
Roof Framing Plan is load-bearing walls. For scoring, only walls so designated will be
supported by elements
on the Lower Roof
counted as load-bearing walls. To designate decking, you
Framing Plan. should draw the rectangular boundary of each area of the roof
that is to receive decking and orient the direction arrow to
indicate its span direction.

Before beginning your solution, you should review the

program information that can be accessed through the
Vignette Index screen and familiarize yourself with the floor
plan on the work screen.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 12

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT VIGNETTE
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple Program

Choice Questions The preliminary floor plan for an urban mini-mall has been 4. Columns may be located within walls, including the
completed and approved, and you are now required to window wall and the clerestory window wall.
Structural Layout develop a roof framing layout for the building or portion of
Vignette 5. Walls shown on the background floor plan may be
the building shown on the work screen. The layout must
accommodate the conditions and requirements given below. designated as bearing walls. Additional bearing walls are
References
not allowed.
Site/Foundation
1. The site has no seismic activity and wind pressures are 6. Lintels are required to be shown in bearing walls only.
negligible. Other lintels shall not be indicated.

2. The soils and foundation system should be assumed 7. The opening located between the common area and the
adequate for all standard and normal loads. seating area must be unobstructed and column-free.

3. The distribution of concentrated or special loads need not 8. The common area must be column-free.
be considered.
9. The window wall and the clerestory window extend to
Construction/Materials the underside of the structure above. All other openings
1. Structural steel/open web steel joist construction has have a head height of 7 ft above finish floor.
been chosen for the roof structure type.
10. The roof over the high ceiling space must be higher than
2. Steel beam sections are to be rolled or built-up. the roof over the low ceiling spaces.
 The common area requires a high ceiling with a top of

3. The metal roof deck is capable of carrying the design structure height of 18 ft.
loads on spans up to and including 4 ft.  The remaining spaces require a low ceiling with a top
of structure height of 12 ft.
4. Joists are sized to carry roof loads only.
11. The structure must accommodate a clerestory window to
General Requirements be located along the full length of the north wall of the
1. All portions of the roof framing are flat. common area.

2. Cantilevers are prohibited.

3. Structural members must not extend beyond the building

envelope, except to frame a designated covered entry.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 13

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems Procedural Tips
Overview  When solving this vignette, first
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution draw the structural elements for
the lower roof framing on the
Knowledge/ lower level. Then switch layers
Skills Joist supports end of roofing. using the layers tool, and draw all
Bearing wall. No beam or bearing wall additional structural elements
Sample Multiple needed. required for the upper roof fram-
Choice Questions ing on the upper level. For scoring,
your solution must be drawn on
Structural Layout these two separate layers.
Vignette
 When elements overlap, you may
References have trouble selecting a particular
Correctly drew element. If this happens, keep
the joists in three clicking (without moving
individual sections. the mouse) until the desired
element highlights.
Lintels correctly
placed over all Warnings

openings in All upper walls
bearing walls. supported The joist tool works like a 2-point
rectangle. Choose the draw tool,
Shading and arrow select joist, direction and spacing
indicate properly from the menu and draw a
decked area. rectangle covering the entire
Joists span in area desired. Do not draw
narrow direction. individual joists.

 The decking tool also works like a

2-point rectangle. Choose the
Joists spaced draw tool, select decking and
Efficient use of
bearing walls. correctly. direction from the menu and draw
a rectangle covering the entire
area desired. The shaded 2-point
rectangles you draw describe the
areas covered by decking.

Tools you might

find useful
Lower Roof Framing Plan  Full-screen cursor to help you
The entire lower roof framing plan is covered by roof structure roof areas, so the lack of a bearing wall or beam at the open line up structural elements.
and decking. The four long parallel walls running east/west ends of the structural bays is acceptable. The decking covers
have been designated as bearing walls, and the joists are run- the entire trussed area on this level, and lintels are provided at
ning perpendicular to them. Joists are drawn at the ends of the all door and window openings in the bearing walls.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 14

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT VIGNETTE - Sample Passing Solution
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple Note: Only show

Choice Questions upper roof framing
on this plan.
Structural Layout
Vignette Bearing wall
below supports
References upper roof framing.

Columns are
supported by
lower level
bearing wall.

Upper Roof Framing Plan

Again the entire upper roof area is correctly framed and
decked. The solution accommodates the clerestory window
located along the full length of the north wall of the cafeteria.
And all columns are supported on the bearing walls below.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 15

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

Structural Layout
Vignette

References

Missing column. Joist spacing is too wide.

Joist object drawn as one contin-

uous span instead of two spans
stopping and starting at beam
above SHOP 1. Joint span is inef-
ficient.

Lower Roof Framing Plan

This solution also has the entire area roofed but in a structurally
unsound manner. The joist spacing has been drawn at five feet
on center which exceeds the program limits. A column that
would carry the loads from the upper roof framing down to the
foundation is also missing.
July 2011 ARE® 4.0 16
Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
STRUCTURAL LAYOUT VIGNETTE - Sample Failing Solution
Knowledge/
Skills

Sample Multiple
Choice Questions

Structural Layout
Vignette

References

Joist spacing
is too small.

Column and upper roof Joist span is

framing not supported inefficient.
from below. Note: Only show
upper roof framing
on this plan.

Upper Roof Framing Plan

Once again, the joist spacing is incorrect, and the structure
along the south wall of the common area is not supported
from below.

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 17

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
REFERENCES
Sample Multiple-
Knowledge/
Choice Questions
The following references are presented to assist candidates in preparation for the examination. This list represents texts
Skills
that have content covered in this division of the examination. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible
Structural
Sample Layout
Multiple
reference materials for the subject area. NCARB makes no guarantee that the various references are currently in print.
VignetteQuestions
Choice

Structural Layout ACI Code 318-05 (Building Code Requirements for National Building Code of Canada, 2005
Vignette Reinforced Concrete) Parts 1, 3, 4, 9; Appendix A
American Concrete Institute, 2005 Supplement
References -OR- Chapters 1, 2, 4; Commentaries A, D, F, H, I
CAN/CSA-A23.1-94 (Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete
Construction) and CAN/CSA-A23.3-94 (Design of Concrete NEHRP (National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program)
Structures for Buildings) Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New
Canadian Standards Association Buildings and Other Structures Parts 1 and 2
FEMA 2003
Architectural Graphic Standards
Charles G. Ramsey and Harold R. Sleeper Simplified Building Design for Wind and Earthquake Forces
The American Institute of Architects James Ambrose and Dimitry Vergun
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition John Wiley & Sons, 1997

Building Structures Simplified Design of Concrete Structures,

James Ambrose Eighth Edition
John Wiley & Sons, 1993 James Ambrose, Patrick Tripeny
John Wiley & Sons, 2007
Design Value for Wood Construction
American Wood Council, 2005 Simplified Design of Masonry Structures
James Ambrose
Elementary Structures for Architects and Builders, Fourth Edition John Wiley & Sons, 1997
Ronald E. Shaeffer
Prentice Hall, 2006 Simplified Design of Steel Structures,
Eighth Edition
Introduction to Wood Design James Ambrose, Patrick Tripeny
Canadian Wood Council, 2005 John Wiley & Sons, 2007

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 18

Structural
Systems

125 MC Questions
+
1 Vignette
Structural Systems
Overview
REFERENCES
Sample Multiple-
Knowledge/
Choice Questions
Skills

Structural
Sample Layout
Multiple Simplified Design of Wood Structures, Structure in Architecture: The Building
VignetteQuestions
Choice Fifth Edition of Buildings
James Ambrose Mario Salvadori with Robert Heller
Structural Layout John Wiley & Sons, 2009 Prentice-Hall, 1986
Vignette
Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders, Understanding Structures
References Tenth Edition Fuller Moore
Harry Parker and James Ambrose McGraw-Hill, 1999
John Wiley & Sons, 2005
Wood Design Manual and CAN/CSA-086.1-94
Simplified Mechanics and Strength of Materials, and Commentary
Fifth Edition Canadian Wood Council
Harry Parker and James Ambrose
John Wiley & Sons, 2002

Standard Specifications Load Tables & Weight Tables for Steel

Joists and Joist Girders
Steel Joist Institute, latest edition

Steel Construction Manual

Latest edition
American Institute of Steel Construction, 2006
-OR-
Handbook of Steel Construction,
Latest edition; and CAN/CSA-S16-01 and CISC Commentary
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

Steel Deck Institute Tables

Steel Deck Institute

Structural Concepts and Systems for Architects

and Engineers, Second Edition
T.Y. Lin and Sidney D. Stotesbury
Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988

Structural Design: A Practical Guide for Architects

James Underwood and Michele Chiuini
John Wiley & Sons, latest edition

July 2011 ARE® 4.0 19