PE Civil - Construction Exam Study Guide
This study guide is a focused review of key topics for the construction-focused
portion of the PE Civil exam. It consolidates essential information on
construction management, geotechnical engineering, structural materials,
hydraulics, and safety.
Use this guide to reinforce your knowledge, refresh your memory on critical
definitions and concepts, and prepare yourself to tackle exam questions with
confidence.
PE Civil - Construction Exam Study Guide
1. Construction Management & Scheduling
Free Float: The maximum amount of time that an activity can be delayed
before it delays the subsequent task.
Total Float: The total amount of time a task can be delayed without
delaying the entire project's completion date.
Time of Concentration: The time measured from the most hydraulically
distant point in a drainage area to a point of interest.
2. Geotechnical Engineering & Foundations
Compaction: The process of increasing soil density by decreasing the
volume of air within it.
Consolidation: A time-dependent process of increasing soil density
(primarily in clays) by draining water.
Foundation Types based on Soil:
o Compacted Sand: Spread footing is best, placed below the frost
depth.
This study guide is a focused review of key topics for the construction-focused
portion of the PE Civil exam. It consolidates essential information on
construction management, geotechnical engineering, structural materials,
hydraulics, and safety.
Use this guide to reinforce your knowledge, refresh your memory on critical
definitions and concepts, and prepare yourself to tackle exam questions with
confidence.
PE Civil - Construction Exam Study Guide
1. Construction Management & Scheduling
Free Float: The maximum amount of time that an activity can be delayed
before it delays the subsequent task.
Total Float: The total amount of time a task can be delayed without
delaying the entire project's completion date.
Time of Concentration: The time measured from the most hydraulically
distant point in a drainage area to a point of interest.
2. Geotechnical Engineering & Foundations
Compaction: The process of increasing soil density by decreasing the
volume of air within it.
Consolidation: A time-dependent process of increasing soil density
(primarily in clays) by draining water.
Foundation Types based on Soil:
o Compacted Sand: Spread footing is best, placed below the frost
depth.
