Free CA PE Civil Seismic Principles Practice Problems with Solutions

Preparing for the CA PE Civil Seismic Exam? One of the best ways to build speed and confidence is to practice realistic, exam-style problems. These questions help reinforce key seismic concepts, improve your ability to navigate references, and prepare you to solve problems under exam conditions. Try the three sample problems below, then check the solutions at the bottom.

Sample Problem 1

Certain building configurations can create localized weaknesses or torsional effects that influence the distribution of lateral forces. Considering this, which of the following statements is incorrect?

A. Buildings with an “L” shape have re-entrant corners that create stress concentrations and torsional effects, requiring careful structural detailing at the corner

B. A ground-level opening, such as a large entry or garage, can introduce eccentricity in the lateral force distribution

C. Structures shaped like an “H” produce stress concentrations at re-entrant corners and torsion, which must be addressed in design

D. A soft first story is a continuity of stiffness and strength for the lateral load at the ground level

Sample Problem 2

A geotechnical investigation determines that a building site has an average shear-wave velocity of 1,650 ft/s in the upper 100 ft. The mapped spectral response acceleration at a 1-second period is 0.30g. The site is located approximately 2 miles from the nearest active fault and the proposed building has a total floor area of 25,000 ft².

If the long-period transition period, T_L ​= 8 sec, determine the maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration at a 1-second period.

A. 0.57g

B. 0.51g

C. 0.45g

D. 0.63g

Sample Problem 3

Based on the CBC, continuous special inspection is required for:

A. Plug and slot welds for structural steel and cold-formed steel deck

B. Details such as bracing and stiffening for inspection of steel frame joint details for compliance

C. Member locations for inspection of steel frame joint details for compliance

D. Single-pass fillet welds ≤ 5/16” for structural steel and cold-formed steel deck

Study Resource

To further help you prepare, StrataWay offers the CA Civil PE Exam Seismic Companion, which features 75 exam-style, conceptual problems.

Solution to Sample Problem 1

Correct answer is D.

A is incorrect. Buildings with an “L” shape have re-entrant corners that cause stress concentrations and torsional effects during seismic events. These torsional effects occur because the center of mass and center of rigidity do not coincide, leading to twisting motions in the building. Engineers must carefully design and reinforce these corners to prevent excessive deformation or failure.

B is incorrect. A ground-level opening, such as a large entryway, lobby, or garage, can create eccentricity in the lateral force distribution. This happens because the opening reduces lateral stiffness at the ground level, which causes the building to sway unevenly during an earthquake. Proper design may require added shear walls or moment-resisting frames to compensate.

C is incorrect. “H”-shaped structures also have re-entrant corners at the junction of the two wings. These corners concentrate stress and produce torsion, as the wings may respond differently during seismic shaking. Structural detailing and reinforcement are needed to mitigate these effects.

D is correct. The term “soft” does not imply continuity or strength; instead, it indicates a weak point in the structure that can lead to story collapse if not properly reinforced or braced. A soft first story has significantly less lateral stiffness and strength compared to the stories above it. As a result, during an earthquake, this story tends to undergo larger lateral displacements than the upper stories, concentrating deformation and damage at this level.

Solution to Sample Problem 2

Correct answer is C.

Using Table 20.3-1 from ASCE 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, determine the site classification. An average shear-wave velocity of 1,650 ft/s in the upper 100 ft corresponds to site class C.

Using Table 11.4-2 from ASCE 7-16, determine the long-period site coefficient. For Site Class C and S₁ ​= 0.30g, F_v = 1.5.

Calculate the spectral response acceleration parameter at a period of 1 sec:

S_M1 = F_vS₁

S_M1 = (1.5)(0.3g)

S_M1 = 0.45g

Solution to Sample Problem 3

Correct answer is A.

A is correct. Reference the table “Required Special Inspections and Tests of Steel Construction” in Chapter 17A of the CBC. Per the table, continuous special inspection is required for plug and slot welds for structural steel and cold-formed steel deck.

B is incorrect. Per the CBC table, periodic special inspection is required for details such as bracing and stiffening for inspection of steel frame joint details for compliance.

C is incorrect. Per the CBC table, periodic special inspection is required for member locations for inspection of steel frame joint details for compliance.

D is incorrect. Per the CBC table, periodic special inspection is required for single-pass fillet welds ≤ 5/16” for structural steel and cold-formed steel deck.