Analysis of Construction Systems

Analysis of Construction Systems:
A Guide for Engineering Licensing Exam Candidates

When preparing for an engineering licensing PE exam a clear understanding of construction systems is essential. This topic lies at the intersection of structural engineering, materials science, and construction management, and is tested directly or indirectly on most engineering licensing exams. In this post, we’ll break down what “analysis of construction systems” really means, the kinds of systems and components you should know, and how to approach exam questions efficiently and effectively.

What Are Construction Systems?

A construction system refers to the combination of structural elements, materials, and methods used to build infrastructure or buildings. These systems vary depending on the function of the structure, environmental loads, and available materials. They can be broadly categorized into:

• Structural systems (e.g., steel frame, concrete frame, wood framing)
• Envelope systems (e.g., curtain walls, cladding, glazing)
• Mechanical and electrical systems (HVAC, lighting, power distribution)
• Foundation systems (shallow vs deep foundations)
• Construction method systems (cast-in-place, prefabrication, modular)

For exam purposes, the primary focus tends to be on structural and foundation systems, their behavior under load, and constructability concerns.

Key Structural Systems to Know

1. Reinforced Concrete Systems

• Description: Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension; steel reinforcement (rebar) provides tensile strength.
• Applications: Slabs, beams, columns, foundations, parking structures, high-rise buildings.
• Exam Focus:
  • Load paths: slab → beam → column → foundation.
  • Moment and shear capacity of beams.
  • Slab behavior: one-way vs two-way slabs.
  • Crack control and reinforcement detailing.

2. Steel Frame Systems

• Description: Steel is strong in both tension and compression. Systems can be rigid or braced.
• Applications: Commercial buildings, bridges, industrial facilities.
• Exam Focus:
  • Moment connections vs. shear connections.
  • Buckling and lateral bracing.
  • Load paths in trusses and frames.
  • Constructability and erection sequencing.

3. Wood Framing Systems

• Description: Lightweight, renewable, and easy to work with. Used primarily in residential and light commercial structures.
• Applications: Homes, townhouses, small commercial.
• Exam Focus:
  • Load transfer through joists, studs, and sheathing.
  • Lateral resistance: shear walls, hold-downs, and anchorage.
  • Fire resistance and code constraints.

4. Masonry Systems

• Description: Masonry (CMU or brick) can be load-bearing or veneer. Often used with reinforced cores.
• Applications: Schools, low-rise buildings, retaining walls.
• Exam Focus:
  • Reinforcement placement in masonry walls.
  • Axial and lateral load resistance.
  • Mortar types and bond patterns.

Foundation Systems Overview

Foundations are critical for transferring building loads to the ground. Two broad categories are:

1. Shallow Foundations

• Examples: Spread footings, mat foundations.
• Exam Topics:
  • Bearing capacity calculations.
  • Settlement analysis.
  • Reinforcement detailing for footings.

2. Deep Foundations

• Examples: Driven piles, drilled shafts (caissons).
• Exam Topics:
  • Pile capacity: end-bearing vs friction piles.
  • Load testing (static and dynamic).
  • Pile group effects and spacing.

Load Paths and Lateral Systems

Understanding how loads move through a structure is crucial. Most questions on exams start with vertical and lateral load paths:

• Dead loads: Self-weight of structural and non-structural components.
• Live loads: Occupant, equipment, and transient forces.
• Environmental loads: Wind, seismic, snow, rain.

Lateral Systems

These resist wind and seismic forces:

• Moment frames: Rigid joints resist rotation.
• Braced frames: Diagonal members provide stiffness.
• Shear walls: Typically concrete or wood panels providing in-plane resistance.
• Diaphragms: Roof and floor slabs that transfer lateral forces to shear walls or frames.

Exam Tip: Be able to identify the lateral load resisting system from a simple plan or elevation view and calculate the distribution of shear or overturning moment.

Constructability and Sequencing

Many licensing exams test not just design principles but constructability. Understand the order of operations in construction:

• Site prep → foundation → superstructure → enclosure → MEP → finishes
• Temporary supports, formwork, and shoring for concrete work
• Erection sequences for steel frames (including use of cranes and bolting vs welding)

Common Exam Questions may involve:

• Determining the most efficient erection sequence
• Selecting equipment or construction techniques
• Identifying potential construction conflicts from a detail

Integration with Building Codes

You’re expected to understand how building codes influence construction systems. While memorization of code clauses isn’t necessary, familiarity is crucial.

• IBC (International Building Code) governs many structural and fire safety requirements.
• ASCE 7 defines minimum design loads.
• ACI 318, AISC 360, and NDS cover materials-specific design.

Exam Strategy: Know which code applies to which material and what its general design philosophy is (e.g., strength vs serviceability).

Sample Exam-Style Practice Question

Question: A four-story building uses reinforced concrete flat plates supported by columns. Which of the following is the most likely failure mode at interior columns under high live load?

1. Punching shear
2. Flexural cracking of slab
3. Buckling of reinforcement
4. Torsional failure of slab

Answer: A) Punching shear
Explanation: Flat plates are susceptible to punching shear at column connections, especially under high concentrated loads. Flexural cracking and torsion are less critical in this scenario.

Tips for Exam Preparation

• Focus on Fundamentals: Load paths, material behavior, and system interaction.
• Use Visual Aids: Sketch load paths, framing systems, and lateral systems.
• Practice with Plans and Details: Be able to read and interpret typical construction documents.
• Solve Practice Problems: Use NCEES-style questions that test analysis and application.
• Time Yourself: Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

The analysis of construction systems isn’t just about memorizing components—it’s about understanding how those components work together to support, stabilize, and protect structures. Whether you’re preparing for the Architectural PE, Civil PE, or another licensing exam, mastering this topic will help you solve problems with confidence and insight. Keep your study focused on load behavior, material strengths, and real-world constructability. The more you understand how buildings go together, the better you’ll perform—on the test and in the field.