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Open CalculatorAll Structural Lateral Breadth PE Equations (9)
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Approximate Fundamental Period
Height-based approximate fundamental period for building structures.
basicHigh Frequency -
Diaphragm Chord Force
Chord force at diaphragm edges based on diaphragm moment and chord pair separation.
basicHigh Frequency -
Diaphragm Line Shear
Line shear in a diaphragm due to story shear, used for diaphragm chord/collector design.
basicHigh Frequency -
Overturning Moment from Lateral Forces
Base overturning moment of a structure or wall due to lateral forces.
basicHigh Frequency -
Seismic Base Shear
Total design seismic base shear using design spectral response coefficient.
intermediateHigh Frequency -
Seismic Story Drift (Design)
Amplified design story drift from elastic analysis using deflection amplification and importance factors.
intermediateHigh Frequency -
Vertical Distribution of Seismic Story Forces
Distributes total base shear into equivalent lateral forces at each level.
intermediateHigh Frequency -
Design Wind Pressure on Surface
Exterior surface wind pressure based on velocity pressure, gust factor, and pressure coefficients.
intermediateHigh Frequency -
Wind Velocity Pressure qz
Velocity pressure at height z using ASCE-type formulation (field and SI versions).
intermediateHigh Frequency
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Approximate Fundamental Period on the PE exam?
CRITICAL: Use the correct Ct and x values from ASCE 7 Table 12.8-2 for your structural system. Steel moment frames use x=0.8, while most other systems use x=0.75. This approximation provides an upper bound - actual calculated periods may be lower and require additional analysis for design.
How do I use Diaphragm Chord Force on the PE exam?
Remember that diaphragms act like horizontal beams. One chord will be in tension, the other in compression. Always check both tension capacity and compression buckling of chord members. The distance 'd' is center-to-center of chord lines, not building width.
How do I use Diaphragm Line Shear on the PE exam?
This is the fundamental diaphragm design equation. Story shear Vx comes from seismic or wind analysis at each floor level. Ld is the plan dimension perpendicular to the direction of loading - the distance between vertical lateral-force-resisting elements (shear walls, braced frames, moment frames). Always verify you're using the correct direction's dimension.
How do I use Overturning Moment from Lateral Forces on the PE exam?
Always measure heights from the point where overturning is being checked (usually the base). For distributed loads, use the height to the resultant force location. Remember to include all lateral forces: wind, seismic, earth pressure, and hydrostatic pressure.
How do I use Seismic Base Shear on the PE exam?
This is the fundamental seismic equation - memorize it! Remember that Cs must be checked against code minimums and maximums (typically Cs,min = 0.01 and Cs,max based on SD1). The simplified form shown is most common on PE exams, but be aware of the complete ASCE 7 formula with additional factors.