Structural Systems

This book covers the materials to prepare the candidates for the Structural Systems Division of the Architect Registration Examination (A.R.E. 4.0). It includes the most up-to-date information based on the requirements provided by the National Council for Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The book consists of five parts: 1. General Structures, 2. Lateral Forces, 3. Structural Layout Vignette, 4. Questions and Answers, and 5. Appendix. The first two parts include a number of short numerical examples similar to those given on the A.R.E. The Lateral Forces section covers materials from the FEMA 454 publication on the earthquake resistant design, which the A.R.E. candidates must know. The book includes a large number of graphics to help explain the technical topics. The following is a brief description of each part of the book: General Structures - This part covers the general structures topics of the multiple-choice section of the A.R.E. It is divided into five main sections: 1. Structural Theory, 2. Steel Structures, 3. Concrete Structures, 4. Wood Structures, and 5. Long-Span Systems. Lateral Forces - This part covers the lateral forces topics of the multiple-choice section of the A.R.E. It is divided into four main sections: 1. Different Types of Lateral Loads, 2. Building Structures Lateral Load Resisting Systems, 3. Wind Loading, and 4. Earthquake Loading. Structural Layout Vignette - This part provides information on the structural layout vignette section of the A.R.E. It is divided into four main sections: 1. Directions on Using the NCARB's Vignette Drawing Software, 2. Important Considerations, 3. Steps for Answering the Vignette, and 4. Examples. Five complete examples of the vignette questions along with their answers are included in this part of the book. Questions and Answers - This part includes 255 multiple-choice A.R.E. sample questions along with the detailed answers to each. Appendix - This part includes a list of the formulas and reference materials that are available to the candidates during the Structural System Division of the A.R.E.