EQuad Engineering Services Structural Engineer Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

Bracing arrangements are needed in structural engineering to provide stability and resist lateral forces.

• Bracing arrangements help to prevent buckling and sway in structures

• They are needed to resist lateral forces such as wind or earthquakes

• Different types of bracing arrangements include diagonal bracing, cross bracing, and portal bracing

• Bracing can be made from materials like steel, concrete, or timber

Temperature loads in structures can be countered by using expansion joints, proper material selection, insulation, and thermal breaks.

• Use expansion joints to allow for thermal expansion and contraction without causing damage to the structure

• Select materials with low thermal expansion coefficients to minimize the effects of temperature changes

• Incorporate insulation to reduce the transfer of heat and minimize temperature...read more

Load calculation is typically done as per the relevant building codes, such as American or European codes.

• Load calculation is based on the specific requirements and regulations outlined in the relevant building codes.

• American codes, such as ASCE 7, provide guidelines for load combinations, dead loads, live loads, snow loads, wind loads, seismic loads, etc.

• European codes, such as Eurocode, also provide similar guideline...read more

Shear critical areas are regions in a structure where shear forces are significant and can lead to failure.

• One shear critical area occurs when the shear force is maximum at a single point or section along the member.

• Two shear critical areas occur when the shear force is significant at two or more points or sections along the member.

• Shear critical areas are important to identify in structural design to ensure the safety...read more

Lateral torsional buckling is a phenomenon in which a beam undergoes both lateral deflection and twisting under load, potentially leading to structural failure.

• Lateral torsional buckling can be countered by increasing the beam's stiffness through the use of larger sections or adding lateral bracing.

• Designing the beam with a more compact shape can also help prevent lateral torsional buckling.

• Using materials with higher ...read more

Understanding steel connections and design for shear and moment forces is crucial for structural engineers.

• Steel connections transfer loads between beams, columns, and other structural members.

• Shear connections resist forces parallel to the plane of the connection, while moment connections resist forces perpendicular to the plane.

• Common types of shear connections include bolted connections, welded connections, and shea...read more

Wind loads on pipe racks are important to consider in structural design to ensure stability and safety.

• Wind loads on pipe racks can be calculated using the ASCE 7 standard or other relevant codes and standards.

• Factors such as wind speed, direction, and exposure category must be taken into account.

• The shape and orientation of the pipe rack can also affect the wind loads it experiences.

• Wind tunnel testing or computationa...read more