Professional Review Horizon Specialist Contracting Ltd

Chartered Structural Engineer - Part 3 Exam

-Personal view point

Date February 18th 2014

Bharat KhatriB E Civil (Hons), CEng, MIStructERunning through procedures and routes to Membership30 slidesFell free to interrupt if anything is not clear there should be time for questions at the end

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 ExamPrepare 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 solutionEstablish a pattern for the solution

Follow the pattern throughout the preparation period so that it becomes your second nature..!!

Standard pattern for the solutionMy pattern included:Assumptions, constraints, ground conditions, head-rooms

Possible solution 2Functional framingLoad pathsStabilityAdvantages DisadvantagesPossible solution 1Functional framingLoad pathsStabilityAdvantages Disadvantages - Choice of the solution with reasonsStandard pattern for the solutionMy pattern included:Assumptions, constraints, ground conditions, head-rooms

Possible solution 2Functional framingLoad pathsStabilityAdvantages DisadvantagesPossible solution 1Functional framingLoad pathsStabilityAdvantages Disadvantages - Choice of the solution with reasonsStandard pattern for the solutionContDesign calculations5 to 6 principal elementsLetter and Sketch for the letterMethod statement Program

Prepare a references folderCollect all the reference charts, tables etc. in a folderUse these charts/tables all the time either in office or at homeKeep pre-prepared notes for advantages and disadvantages of various materialsKeep standard design calculations of elementsKeep refining the folder as you continue practicingMy 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 CDThis is the single source of the most useful knowledge to pass this examListen to the audio program several times Note down the important points Refer to the possible solutions provided in the CDDo not get carried away by the beautiful and colourful sketches. They are not done under exam conditions.!!Before every Mock ExamPractice past questionsPractice under timed conditionPractice 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 examRead 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 was9.15 to 9.30 Read the questions and choose one9.30 to 9.50 - Put down the ideas to paper for all parts9.50 to 11.05- Option 111.05 to 12.20 - Option 2 12.20 to 13.00 - Choice of option and reasons13.00 to 13.30 - Lunch13.30 to 14.50 - Design calculations14.50 to 16.20- Drawings16.20 to 16-50 - Method statement and program16.50 to 17.00 - Review the solution and organise the papers

The Exam- Choosing the right questionGlance through the questions that are within your experienceCan you quickly think of two Distinct and Viable solutionsRule 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 passDecoding the clients BriefPick up the key words and write their significanceThis will show the examiner your thought process..!!

Part 1a - Clients BriefWrite down all the assumptions/constraintsWrite down possible options/materialsYou may rule out the materials one by giving quick bullet reasons.The constraints will guide you to the desired solutionAnswer the question as givenDont alter the brief to suit you - instant failureDont apply specialist engineeringAim 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-aDescribe 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 sectionDo not forget to address robustness, Fire rating, buoyancy

Part 1-aDiscuss 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. 1Try to use the different gridTry to use different materialTry to use different foundation typeTry to use different stability system

Part 1-a---Advantages and DisadvantagesUse 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 LetterList down the main points in pencil as your rough notes.make a little sketch to describe your thoughts on the problemWrite the letter concisely, covering the given issuesUse only positive languageInclude cost and time impactHighlight if there can be contractual implicationsRemain anonymous with your signatureMark copies to the affected stakeholdersThis 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-DesignChoose 5 to 6 primary elements for designProvide sufficient calculations for sizing the elementsProvide checks against bending, shear and deflectionsProvide crack width checks for water retaining elementsLateral load resisting system is principal element and hence it shall be sized/designedWind load has to be calculated.

Part 2C-DesignDo 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-DesignI would say following is required:Loading and wind loadTransfer structureShear wall or moment frameCritical beam, column and slab Piling Pile capRetaining wallIf you manage to design 5 important elements then you have done greatMy personal preference was to sacrifice design of an element and go on to spend more time on drawings

Part 2d-DrawingsDrawings should include:General notes and quantities3 plans foundation, ground and typical floor One sectionDetails of transfer structureOne 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-DrawingsSee the sample attached- you must do better than this

Part 2e-Method statementPreliminariesSite set up, clearing the site, hoardingsPlant to be provided-cranes, excavators etcSequence of the workIdentify working sequenceBrief description of each activityMethods for reducing any H&S risks-CDM regulationDetailed considerationTemporary work (false work to support existing faade or transfer structure)DewateringTemporary bracings

Part 2e-ProgramDo not forgetUnderground drain and ground slabFire proofing for steelCladding panelsBrick work partition and internal finishesServicesExternal work (landscape)Clear the siteCommissioning

My understanding is that in the program you need to address activities for all the disciplines.

Questions?

Happy to answer your queries sent to:

bkhatri@pellfrischmann.com

All the best!!