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    CM Exam My Experience Bharat Khatri

    Uploaded by

    Nandeesha Ramesh
    This document provides guidance on preparing for and taking the Chartered Structural Engineer Part 3 Examination. It outlines a standard pattern for solving examination questions, including establishing assumptions, considering multiple solutions, and choosing a solution with reasons. It emphasizes preparing by practicing mock exams under timed conditions, establishing reference materials, and following an organized time allocation plan during the exam. The document also provides tips for each exam section, such as describing the chosen structural scheme, providing calculations for primary elements as needed, and including appropriate drawings, method statements, and programs. Overall, it stresses developing an efficient and repeatable approach through thorough preparation.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    CM Exam My Experience Bharat Khatri

    Uploaded by

    Nandeesha Ramesh
    2K views34 pages
    This document provides guidance on preparing for and taking the Chartered Structural Engineer Part 3 Examination. It outlines a standard pattern for solving examination questions, including establishing assumptions, considering multiple solutions, and choosing a solution with reasons. It emphasizes preparing by practicing mock exams under timed conditions, establishing reference materials, and following an organized time allocation plan during the exam. The document also provides tips for each exam section, such as describing the chosen structural scheme, providing calculations for primary elements as needed, and including appropriate drawings, method statements, and programs. Overall, it stresses developing an efficient and repeatable approach through thorough preparation.

    Original Description:

    IStructE

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    This document provides guidance on preparing for and taking the Chartered Structural Engineer Part 3 Examination. It outlines a standard pattern for solving examination questions, including establishing assumptions, considering multiple solutions, and choosing a solution with reasons. It emphasizes preparing by practicing mock exams under timed conditions, establishing reference materials, and following an organized time allocation plan during the exam. The document also provides tips for each exam section, such as describing the chosen structural scheme, providing calculations for primary elements as needed, and including appropriate drawings, method statements, and programs. Overall, it stresses developing an efficient and repeatable approach through thorough preparation.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    2K views34 pages

    CM Exam My Experience Bharat Khatri

    Uploaded by

    Nandeesha Ramesh
    This document provides guidance on preparing for and taking the Chartered Structural Engineer Part 3 Examination. It outlines a standard pattern for solving examination questions, including establishing assumptions, considering multiple solutions, and choosing a solution with reasons. It emphasizes preparing by practicing mock exams under timed conditions, establishing reference materials, and following an organized time allocation plan during the exam. The document also provides tips for each exam section, such as describing the chosen structural scheme, providing calculations for primary elements as needed, and including appropriate drawings, method statements, and programs. Overall, it stresses developing an efficient and repeatable approach through thorough preparation.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    of 34
    At a glance
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    The key takeaways are that the CM examination tests an engineer's understanding and application of engineering principles under testing conditions. It is an opportunity to demonstrate one's knowledge and experience. Proper preparation including practice exams and developing standard solutions is important.

    The purpose of the CM examination is to truly test an engineer's understanding and application of engineering principles under very testing conditions. It is also an opportunity to collate all one's knowledge and experience, organize it, and demonstrate it on the examination day.

    The main steps for preparing for the CM examination are to prepare a study timetable, dedicate 3-4 months of focused effort, aim to do 3-5 practice exams, practice freehand sketching, develop a standard solution pattern, and create a reference folder of tables, notes and calculations.

    Chartered Structural Engineer - Part 3 Exam

    -Personal view point


    Date February 18th 2014

    Bharat Khatri
    B E Civil (Hons), CEng, MIStructE

    What is the CM examination?


    It is truly a test of your understanding and
    application of engineering principles
    .under very testing conditions.!!
    It is an opportunity to collate all your
    knowledge and experience, organise it and
    demonstrate it on the examination day

    Preparation for the Exam

    Prepare a time table of studies and mock exams.


    3 to 4 months of focused and dedicated efforts
    Aim to do 3 to 5 mock exams.
    Avoid practicing a full mock exam in the last week before
    the exam.
    Practice free hand sketching as much as possible for the
    office work
    In the office, try to get as much concept design work as
    possible to help you practice

    Standard pattern for the solution


    Establish a pattern for the solution

    Follow the pattern throughout the preparation


    period so that it becomes your second nature..!!

    Standard pattern for the solution


    My pattern included:
    Assumptions, constraints, ground conditions, head-rooms
    Possible solution 1
    Functional
    framing
    Load paths
    Stability
    Advantages
    Disadvantages

    Possible solution 2
    Functional
    framing
    Load paths
    Stability
    Advantages
    Disadvantages

    - Choice of the solution with reasons

    Standard pattern for the solution


    My pattern included:
    Assumptions, constraints, ground conditions, head-rooms
    Possible solution 1
    Functional
    framing
    Load paths
    Stability
    Advantages
    Disadvantages

    Possible solution 2
    Functional
    framing
    Load paths
    Stability
    Advantages
    Disadvantages

    - Choice of the solution with reasons

    Standard pattern for the solution


    Cont
    - Design calculations
    - 5 to 6 principal elements
    - Letter and Sketch for the letter
    - Method statement
    - Program

    Prepare a references folder


    Collect all the reference charts, tables etc. in a folder
    Use these charts/tables all the time either in office or at
    home
    Keep pre-prepared notes for advantages and
    disadvantages of various materials
    Keep standard design calculations of elements
    Keep refining the folder as you continue practicing
    My folder was 3 inches thick
    Using only one folder for all your work will save you
    a lot of time on the exam day..!!

    Study the Exam CD


    This is the single source of the most useful
    knowledge to pass this exam
    Listen to the audio program several times
    Note down the important points
    Refer to the possible solutions provided in the CD
    Do not get carried away by the beautiful and
    colourful sketches. They are not done under exam
    conditions.!!

    Before every Mock Exam


    Practice past questions
    Practice under timed condition
    Practice to choose the right question
    Think through all parts of the solution before you
    decide to go for it.
    Collate all your key ideas in the first 30 minutes,
    before you put down your solution.

    After every mock up exam


    Read examiners report.
    List down the areas of improvement.
    Discuss your solution with others.
    Add key points for the questions to a list cut the
    thinking time

    My reference Books:

    Time allocation
    Allocate 4 minutes for every mark no
    more..!!
    My allocation was
    9.15 to 9.30

    Read the questions and

    choose one
    9.30 to 9.50

    - Put down the ideas to

    paper for all parts


    9.50 to 11.05

    - Option 1

    11.05 to 12.20 - Option 2


    12.20 to 13.00 - Choice of option and
    reasons

    The Exam- Choosing the right question


    Glance through the questions that are within your
    experience
    Can you quickly think of two Distinct and Viable
    solutions
    Rule out the rest of questions.
    Think through all parts of the solution before you
    make up your mind to go for the question.
    You are not allowed to write before 9:30

    You need minimum 20 marks from each section to


    pass

    Decoding the clients Brief

    Pick up the
    key words
    and write their
    significance

    This will show


    the examiner
    your thought
    process..!!

    Part 1a - Clients Brief


    Write down all the assumptions/constraints
    Write down possible options/materials
    You may rule out the materials one by giving quick
    bullet reasons.
    The constraints will guide you to the desired
    solution
    Answer the question as given
    Dont alter the brief to suit you - instant failure
    Dont apply specialist engineering
    Aim for securing passing marks

    Draw only the following


    functional framing,
    load transfer
    stability aspects
    Nothing more!!

    Functional Framing
    one plan and one section is required. Free hand, quick and
    proportionate sketches, conveying the information are
    adequate.

    Functional Framing and Load Transfer

    Part a - Stability

    Part 1-a
    Describe your scheme even though you think it is very
    simple. Examiner does not know you.
    Approximate size of the slab-columns and beams are
    required.
    If you have a transfer beam, you need to use rule of
    thumb and make sure beam depth is sufficient, probably
    shear is more important than bending.
    Make sure you foundation is doable, it is good to size it
    approximately.
    Rule of thumbs are sufficient for this section
    Do not forget to address robustness, Fire rating,
    buoyancy

    Part 1-a
    Discuss the foundation selected, try to have two distinct
    option. i.e. large diameter bored piles and small diameter
    CFA piles are two distinct options.
    Discuss your basement strategy and show it on section.
    Are you using the retaining wall for permanent use.
    Scheme No.2 to be developed with same detail as
    scheme No. 1
    Try to use the different grid
    Try to use different material
    Try to use different foundation type
    Try to use different stability system

    Part 1-a---Advantages and Disadvantages


    Use pre prepared material for pros and cons of different
    materials and different construction methods (refer to
    Roger Flemings presentation).
    Although you are using ready made material for pros and
    cons but you need to address some pros and cons
    specific to your question and this is how you get the
    mark. i.e. site is in city centre with limited access then
    delivery of pre fabricated steel element would be difficult,
    or question ask you to reduce the noise and pollution
    then you may use pre cast and pre fabricated steel
    rather than concrete.

    Part 1b-The Letter


    List down the main points in pencil as your rough notes.
    make a little sketch to describe your thoughts on the
    problem
    Write the letter concisely, covering the given issues
    Use only positive language
    Include cost and time impact
    Highlight if there can be contractual implications
    Remain anonymous with your signature
    Mark copies to the affected stakeholders
    This is your opportunity to score easy marks..!!
    you do not need to include this change into your
    scheme, client will decide later.

    Quick Sketch for the letter-

    Part 2C-Design

    Choose 5 to 6 primary elements for design


    Provide sufficient calculations for sizing the elements
    Provide checks against bending, shear and deflections
    Provide crack width checks for water retaining elements
    Lateral load resisting system is principal element and
    hence it shall be sized/designed
    Wind load has to be calculated.

    Part 2C-Design
    Do not overspend time on this sections..!!
    If you are running out of time, just write a note for
    the examiner, write down steps/formulae and move
    on.
    It is better to spend time on a new section than
    complete the calculation to nth degree..!!

    Part 2C-Design
    I would say following is required:
    Loading and wind load
    Transfer structure
    Shear wall or moment frame
    Critical beam, column and slab
    Piling
    Pile cap
    Retaining wall
    If you manage to design 5 important elements then you
    have done great
    My personal preference was to sacrifice design of an
    element and go on to spend more time on drawings

    Part 2d-Drawings
    Drawings should include:
    General notes and quantities
    3 plans foundation, ground and typical floor
    One section
    Details of transfer structure
    One or two details (connection or waterproofing detail )
    Drawings are submitted for quantity estimate if you have
    a deep cantilever beam with un usual reinforcement then
    using standard kg/m^3 tonnage will not earn any marks

    Part 2d-Drawings
    See the sample attached- you must do better than this

    Part 2e-Method statement


    Preliminaries
    Site set up, clearing the site, hoardings
    Plant to be provided-cranes, excavators etc
    Sequence of the work
    Identify working sequence
    Brief description of each activity
    Methods for reducing any H&S risks-CDM regulation
    Detailed consideration
    Temporary work (false work to support existing faade or transfer
    structure)
    Dewatering
    Temporary bracings

    Part 2e-Program
    Do not forget
    Underground drain and ground slab
    Fire proofing for steel
    Cladding panels
    Brick work partition and internal finishes
    Services
    External work (landscape)
    Clear the site
    Commissioning
    My understanding is that in the program you need to address activities
    for all the disciplines.

    Questions?
    Happy to answer your queries sent to:
    [email protected]
    All the best!!

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