Civil: Structural PE

Always use Table 12.8-2 values for Ct and x based on the lateral force-resisting system. Steel MRF has the highest Ct (0.028) giving longer periods. This is an upper bound estimate - actual periods are typically 10-15% lower. Remember that period affects seismic base shear calculation.

This is the most basic ASD load combination. Remember ASD uses unfactored loads (no load factors), unlike LRFD which uses load factors. This combination is for gravity-only loading and doesn't include wind, seismic, or other lateral loads.

This is the most common beam deflection formula on the PE exam. Remember L⁴ means small changes in span have huge effects on deflection. Always check your answer against deflection limits (typically L/240 for floors, L/360 for roofs). The formula assumes small deflections and linear elastic behavior.

This is the most fundamental beam equation on the PE exam. Always verify the beam is simply supported before using. For continuous beams, maximum positive moment is wL²/8 but negative moments occur at supports. Remember this gives the absolute maximum moment, which occurs exactly at midspan (L/2).

β₁ = 0.85 for f'c ≤ 4000 psi (memorize this). Above 4000 psi, it decreases by 0.05 per 1000 psi increase. Minimum is always 0.65. This appears in ALL flexural design problems for beams, slabs, and columns.