The structural engineers professional training manual

The Structural
Engineer’s
Professional
Training
Manual


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David K. Adams, S.E., is a registered civil and structural engineer in California
who graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a degree in
Structural Engineering and has practiced with Lane Engineers, Inc. since 1990.
A typical workday for Mr. Adams includes completion of structural calculations,
drawings, and reports on buildings and other structures for commercial, residential, educational, institutional, and industrial uses. In addition to providing planchecking services for local municipalities to determine building compliance with
life safety, accessibility, and structural requirements of current codes, the author
also provides expert review services for California’s engineer licensing board, has
participated in the development of national and California-specific structural
engineering licensing examinations, and is currently an instructor for the
American Society of Civil Engineers.

Copyright © 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click here for terms of use.


The Structural
Engineer’s
Professional
Training
Manual
David K. Adams, S.E.

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DOI: 10.1036/0071481079


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Contents

Preface xv
Acknowledgments

1

xix

The Dynamics of Training

1

1.1

Making the Transition from Academics to Practice
1.1.1 Making Sense of It All 2
1.1.2 The Engineer’s Toolbox 6

1.2

Training and Being Trained 10
1.2.1 A Philosophy of Training 11
1.2.2 Mentoring 14
1.2.3 How to Teach Others 16

1.3

What is Structural Engineering? 19
1.3.1 Analysis and Design 20

1.3.2 Uncertainty and Error 20
1.3.3 The Experience 24

2

1

The World of Professional Engineering

2.1

The Road to Licensure

2.2

Affiliations and Societies

2.3

Ethics

2.4

Civil Liability 30
2.4.1 Standard of Care 30
2.4.2 Managing Risk 32
2.4.3 Who’s Responsible? 33

2.5

Design Regulations 33
2.5.1 The Role of Government 35
2.5.2 Codes 40
2.5.3 Design and Construction Standards 42
2.5.4 Other Regulations and Considerations 44

2.6

25

Responsibility to Society 46
2.6.1 A Healthy Workforce 46
2.6.2 The Ring Ceremony 47

25
27

28

vii


viii

Contents

2.7

International Issues

2.8

Advocacy

3
3.1

48

49

The Business of Structural Engineering

3.2

Places of Employment 51
3.1.1 Typical Hierarchy 52
3.1.2 Government 54
3.1.3 Private Consulting Firms 54
3.1.4 Industry 55
3.1.5 Colleges and Universities
56
How Does an Engineering Business Survive?
3.2.1 Management 58
3.2.2 Employees 58
3.2.3 Projects 58
3.2.4 Procedures 59
3.2.5 Communication 59
3.2.6 Qualifications 60

3.3

Clients and Consultants

3.4

Engineering Services 62
3.4.1 Contracts 63
3.4.2 Scope of Services 64
3.4.3 Estimating Your Work: Time and Cost 68
3.4.4 Estimating Your Worth: Fair Compensation

3.5

Crisis Management 69
3.5.1 Philosophy of Conflict Resolution 69
3.5.2 Working with Difficult People 71
3.5.3 Legal Means of Resolution 73
3.5.4 Litigation 74

4
4.1

4.2

61

Building Projects
Building Systems 75
4.1.1 Structural 77

4.1.2 Plumbing 79
4.1.3 Mechanical 81
4.1.4 Electrical 81
4.1.5 Fire Protection 82
4.1.6 Egress and Circulation
4.1.7 Weatherproofing 85
The Building Team 89
4.2.1 Owners 90
4.2.2 Architects 91

57

75

84

68

51


Contents

4.2.3
4.2.4
4.3

4.4

5

Engineers 93
Contractors and Subcontractors 94

Land Development 94
4.3.1 Ownership and Legal Interests
4.3.2 Surveying 95
4.3.3 Civil Engineering Work 96
Project Phases 97
4.4.1 Design Phase 97
4.4.2 Approval Phase 98
4.4.3 Bidding Phase 100
4.4.4 Construction Phase 101
4.4.5 Occupancy and Continued Use

Bridge Projects

95

105

107

5.1

Types of Bridges 107
5.1.1 Highway 107
5.1.2 Railway 110
5.1.3 Others 111

5.2

Size and Function of Bridges 112
5.2.1 Reasons to Span 112
5.2.2 Scour 114
5.2.3 Elements of Bridges 114

5.3

Bridge Systems 121
5.3.1 Slab Spans 121
5.3.2 Steel 121
5.3.3 Prestressed Concrete
5.3.4 Timber 123
5.3.5 Movable 123

122

5.4

Other Issues 125
5.4.1 Drainage 126
5.4.2 Joints 127

5.5

Project Phases 128
5.5.1 Approval Phase 128
5.5.2 Design Phase 130
5.5.3 Construction Phase 132

6
6.1

Building Your Own Competence

139

Technical Growth 139
6.1.1 Continuing Education Regulations for Licensure 140
6.1.2 Advanced Educational Degrees 141
6.1.3 Active Professional Involvement 142

ix


x

Contents

6.1.4
6.1.5

Seminars, Conferences and Personal Research 142
Making Proper Use of Technical Research 143

6.2

The Art of Problem Solving 146
6.2.1 Critical Thinking 147

6.2.2 Reaching a Conclusion 149

6.3

Improving Your Productivity 149
6.3.1 How Quickly Can (or Should) You Design?
6.3.2 Time Management 152
6.3.3 Developing Consistency and Clarity 155

6.4

Building Your Confidence 156
6.4.1 Working Within Your Means 157
6.4.2 Computer Usage 158
6.4.3 Defending Your Results 159

6.5

Communication Skills 159
6.5.1 Philosophy of Good Communication
6.5.2 Verbal 161
6.5.3 Writing 161

151

7

160

Communicating Your Designs

165

7.1

Structural Calculations 166
7.1.1 Analysis and Design 167
7.1.2 Presentation 169

7.2

Project Specifications 171
7.2.1 General Organization 173
7.2.2 Bidding Documents and General Project Conditions
7.2.3 Technical Section 174
7.2.4 Special Sections or Conditions 175

7.3

7.4

8
8.1

Project Drawings 175
7.3.1 Goals and Methods 177
7.3.2 Presentation 179
7.3.3 Reviewing the Work of Other Consultants or Clients
7.3.4 Responsibility 181
Engineering Reports

182

Engineering Mechanics
Static Loads 185
8.1.1 Dead 186
8.1.2 Live 186
8.1.3 Snow 187
8.1.4 Soil Pressure 188
8.1.5 Others 189

185

173

180


Contents

8.2

Dynamic-Type Loads 190
8.2.1 Understanding Structural Dynamics 190
8.2.2 Wind 191
8.2.3 Seismic 194
8.2.4 Blast, Impact, and Extreme Loads 201

8.3

Combining Loads and Forces 202
8.3.1 Design Methods 202

8.4

Introduction to Building Materials 203
8.4.1 Common Construction Materials 203
8.4.2 Environmentally Sensitive Materials 204

8.5

General Behavior of Structural Elements
8.5.1 Solid Body Mechanics 205
8.5.2 Serviceability 208

8.6

General Behavior of Structural Systems 209
8.6.1 Horizontal Systems 209
8.6.2 Vertical Systems 210
8.6.3 Redundancy and Reliability 214

8.7

General Behavior of Completed Structures
8.7.1 Buildings 215
8.7.2 Bridges 216
8.7.3 Progressive Collapse 217

9

Soil Mechanics

204

215

219

9.1

Character of Different Soil Types
9.1.1 Rock/Granite 221
9.1.2 Gravel 221
9.1.3 Sand 222
9.1.4 Silt and Clay 222
9.1.5 Other Soil Types 223

9.2

Preparing a Site for Construction 224
9.2.1 Geotechnical Reports 224
9.2.2 Clearing and Excavation 226
9.2.3 Grading 227
9.2.4 Compaction 228

9.3

Behavior of Foundation Types 230
9.3.1 Spread Footings 231

9.3.2 Continuous (Strip) Footings 232
9.3.3 Combined or Mat-Type Footings 233
9.3.4 Deep Foundations 235
9.3.5 Other Types or Systems 238

9.4

Buried or Retaining Structures

220

238

xi


xii

Contents

9.5

Factors to Consider in Foundation Design
9.5.1 Consequences of Poor Soils 241
9.5.2 Settlement 242
9.5.3 Risk 242

9.6

Codes and Standards

10

Understanding the Behavior of Concrete

241

243

10.1

Common Terms & Definitions

10.2

Elements of Concrete 247
10.2.1 Aggregate 247
10.2.2 Hydraulic Cement 249
10.2.3 Water 249
10.2.4 Admixtures 250

10.3

Characteristics of a Final Mix

10.4

Behavior of Concrete Elements 252
10.4.1 Plain Concrete 252
10.4.2 Reinforced Concrete 254

10.4.3 Precast and Prestressed Concrete

10.5

10.6

251

261

Behavior of Concrete Systems 266
10.5.1 Rigid Frames or Cantilevered Columns
10.5.2 Shear Walls 268
10.5.3 Horizontal Diaphragms 270
10.5.4 Shell-Type Structures 271
Construction 272
10.6.1 Risks in Design and During Service

10.7

Quality Control 276
10.7.1 Crack Control

10.8

Codes and Standards

11

246

266

275

277
277

Understanding the Behavior of Masonry
Construction 279

11.1

Common Terms and Definitions

11.2

Elements of Masonry Assemblies
11.2.1 Masonry Units 281
11.2.2 Mortar 288
11.2.3 Grout 289
11.2.4 Reinforcement 291

11.3

Behavior of Masonry Assemblies 293
11.3.1 Beams and Columns 294
11.3.2 Walls 297

279

281

245


Contents

11.3.3
11.3.4
11.4

Frames 298
Prestressed Assemblies

11.5

Quality Control

11.6

Codes and Standards

12

299

Construction 300
11.4.1 Constructability 301
11.4.2 Risk in Design and During Service

303

304
305

Understanding the Behavior of
Structural Steel 307

12.1

Common Terms and Definitions

12.2

Where Does Steel Come From? 308
12.2.1 Mining and Refining 310
12.2.2 Mills and Suppliers 312
12.2.3 Regulations 313

12.3

Behavior and Characteristics of Steel Shapes
12.3.1 Hot-Rolled Shapes 315
12.3.2 Plate Girders 316
12.3.3 Tubular and Pipe Sections 317
12.3.4 Composite Members 318

12.4

Behavior and Characteristics of Steel Connections

12.4.1 Bolts 319
12.4.2 Welds 320
12.4.3 High Strength Bolted Connections 324

12.5

Behavior of Steel-Framed Systems 325
12.5.1 Stability of Beams 325
12.5.2 Stability of Columns and Plates 326
12.5.3 Frames 328
12.5.4 Steel-Panel Shear Walls 330

12.6

Fabrication and Erection 331
12.6.1 Risks in Design and During Service

12.7

Quality Control

12.8

Codes and Standards

13

307

315

318

334

335
336

Understanding the Behavior of Wood
Framing 337

13.1

Common Terms and Definitions

13.2

Where Does Sawn Lumber Come From? 338
13.2.1 Lumber Supply and Harvest 338
13.2.2 Milling and Finishing 339

337

xiii


xiv

Contents

13.2.3
13.2.4
13.3

Species 340
Grading Rules and Practices

341

General Characteristics of Wood 342
13.3.1 Structure 342
13.3.2 Mechanics 343
13.3.3 Moisture Content, Temperature, and Chemical Treatment
13.3.4 Engineered Lumber 345

13.4

Behavior of Wood Elements 346
13.4.1 Panels or Sheathing 347
13.4.2 Connections 349
13.4.3 Influence of Defects 352

13.5

Behavior of Wood-frame Systems 353
13.5.1 Horizontal Diaphragms 354
13.5.2 Laminated Decks 357
13.5.3 Frames 357
13.5.4 Trusses 358
13.5.5 Structural Wood Panel Shearwalls 360

13.5.6 Nonwood Panel Shearwalls 362
13.5.7 Wood Systems Combined with Other Materials

13.6

Construction 363
13.6.1 Risk in Design and During Service

13.7

Quality Control

13.8

Codes and Standards
References 369
Index 383

366
366

364

363

344


Preface

One of the most difficult things about writing this book was coming up with a
title, believe it or not. It needed to be something descriptive, yet succinct; imaginative, yet practical; and inspiring, yet memorable. The book’s title, simple as it
may be, gives an indication that a variety of topics will be covered; being a manual for such a broad-based subject as training engineering graduates. The process
of training is a human one, where individual personalities can either hamper or
enhance effort of both mentor and protégé, and each party must be certain of his
or her role in the experience. It is for graduate and experienced professional alike.
It is for licensed engineers from all ranges of society to refresh their knowledge
of business practice, material behavior, and personal improvement in communicating with others. Most importantly of all, I trust that this book will benefit the
profession of structural engineering, as we all work together to advance a solid
reputation for service to others from all walks of life, all races and creeds, and all
economic backgrounds.
Over the years, I have gathered articles, clippings, books, videos, and other information to help in the process of mentoring new graduates who are eager to begin
their careers on the right foot. This information was also helpful to my own professional growth, as teaching others caused me to examine my own life, resulting
in a benefit for everyone involved in that process. I will be the first to admit that
I have not always consistently remembered or applied principles found in this
book, nor have I had 100% success with bringing out the best in others that I have
trained over the years. However, the information is timely and relevant to all skill
levels within the profession.
I’m quite certain that each chapter will have its own share of critics who ask,
“Why didn’t you cover this?” or “You didn’t spend enough time on that,” and I
am in agreement with many objections that could be raised. There is so much to
talk about, but a choice had to be made as to what seems to be most important and
what might be easily found in another resource. Within these pages, the reader
will not find detailed instructions for designing a wood-frame shear wall, nor a
reinforced concrete drilled pier, nor even for monitoring the financial health of a
sole proprietorship, as all of these duties are exhaustively presented in other references. Rather, this book has three main objectives: (1) introduce the reader to subject matter that is important to know in order to discover the best solutions to real
engineering problems; (2) provide a logical, comprehensive collection of recommendations, facts, and figures to help a mentor guide protégés along an accelerated
xv
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xvi

Preface

path of career growth in confidence; and (3) bring together information that is usually scattered around in different references, yet important to consider in a unified
manner to develop an intimacy with the practice of structural engineering.
Chapter 1 begins with the essence of training, including a look inside an engineer’s toolbox that must be opened for solving real-world problems. These tools
are defined in such a way that a mentor learns how to recognize and pass them
along in the context of building upon a basic engineering education. The practice
of structural engineering is also described as not just a career, but an experience
that can only be lived out through reasonable knowledge of what makes everything around us work and why care is necessary in all dealings.
Chapters 2 and 3 introduce the big world and business of professional engineering in a manner that encourages active participation in the betterment of society.
The subject of ethical practice is not learned to any great degree in college, but it
is a key point of behavior in this profession, as engineers learn how to responsibly apply design regulations to the affairs of business. Different players in the
business world affect the health of this profession and wise associations, as
described in this book, will help to relieve stressful situations. Chapter 3 closes
with an important presentation on managing business-related crises, though the
material certainly has application in one’s own personal life as well.
Chapters 4 and 5 paint a picture of the major trades involved in completing the
design and construction of a building and a bridge, respectively. Different systems
are described that may at first seem to have little relevance to the work of a structural engineer, but the more intimately we are connected with our structures, the
better able we will be to design them or to solve problems when something goes
wrong. Each chapter reviews phases that exist in the creation of these types of
structures, and the reader will discover that some terms and conditions certainly
are relevant to both buildings and bridges.
Chapters 6 and 7 present material useful for personal advancement in confidence
and competence as related to engineering practice. Engineers must have a strong
ability to solve problems strategically, to be as productive as humanly possible,
and to communicate well enough to leave little room for misinterpretation. This

is also where Chapter 7 comes in: we communicate to others through project documents such as structural calculations, specifications, drawings, and reports, all
of which should be clear and presentable. An ability to translate three-dimensional
thought into two dimensions is challenging, but nonetheless critical for success,
and some of the principles described in these chapters will help for training on
this matter.
Chapters 8 through 13 describe the background, composition, and behavior characteristics of common construction materials when subjected to load, which make


Preface

xvii

up the technical backbone of everything that a structural engineer does, and is
therefore relevant to the whole process of training. The most obvious starting point
is a remembrance of engineering principles learned at college, plus an introduction
to further patterns of material behavior that may not have been covered to a great
extent elsewhere. Each of the material chapters begins with a list of some common
definitions used within that particular industry (by no means exhaustive lists), continues with a discussion on the origin of those materials, and is laced with different references to model codes or design standards for description.
I decided to reference the most current editions of model structural codes and
material standards so the reader can look up the stated sections for further review,
as well as to establish a mindset toward specifics rather than randomness. I felt that
generic code titles with specific sections referenced didn’t make a lot of sense.
In closing, this book will be beneficial as a tool in a variety of different situations:
(1) to show a mentor the material necessary to pass along and how to teach it;
(2) to further the education of a new graduate, or a student nearing graduation, in
personal study on relevant subjects they will have to deal with during the course
of their career; (3) as a course book, where a mentor can assign a number of pages
or sections to a trainee, then get together at a later time to discuss or work on practical applications of the material; (4) as further reading during undergraduate or
graduate work in classes relevant to each topic covered; or (5) as a reference for
practical knowledge of subjects certain to broaden an engineer’s problem solving

capabilities. Any way you choose to use it, I trust that it will make a difference in
your understanding of this dynamic career.
Happy mentoring,
Dave K. Adams, S.E.
Tulare, California


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Acknowledgments

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Nestor
Agbayani, Stan Caldwell, Kevin Dong, Jonathan Mallard, and Barry Welliver for
providing technical review of a number of these chapters and suggesting content
bits. I would also like to thank Derek Damko for his work on many of the figures,
my brother Don Adams for some organizational assistance, and my kids, Megan
and Josh, for their work on printing photos and writing captions. There are many
other wonderful individuals and companies that contributed artwork or suggestions for this book and credit is given where it is due.
Dave K. Adams, S.E.
Tulare, California

xix
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The Structural

Engineer’s
Professional
Training
Manual


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1

The Dynamics of Training

Structural engineers usually begin training long before they’ve even dreamed of
joining the profession. As kids, they were the ones who studied roller coasters,
such as that shown in Fig. 1-1, a bit more closely than their pals. They tended to
have a certain creativity in everything they did, whether it was flying to Mars in
a tall bush or solving mysteries that always seemed to plague the neighborhood.
They were curious about how things worked: The world held certain constants
(ice cream always tended to splatter onto the sidewalk if you didn’t eat it fast
enough), yet there were also things that seemed unpredictable (a baseball could
either dribble across a field or fly over a fence depending on how it was hit).

1.1 MAKING THE TRANSITION FROM ACADEMICS
TO PRACTICE
To put an engineering education in the right perspective, a student must ask,
“Why do I want to become a professional engineer?” The answer may begin on
a personal level (money, power, prestige) or from a more service-oriented mindset (create a better world for future generations), but a new graduate will quickly
learn that both perspectives work together to drive a professional engineer forward. Society recognizes the contribution an engineer makes to improve quality
of life and rewards service with job security and satisfaction.

If a child’s imagination creates the skeleton of a career in engineering, it is university study that adds muscle to the bones. The dictates of business and legal
restrictions form the protective surface of skin and an engineer’s growth within
1
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