Structural Topics

I gave it 5 stars because I just passed all 9 of ARE. For mutiple choice divisions. I only studied the Architecture Exam Review Volume I/II and flash card, plus Graphic Standard, Chin's Illastrated books and some downloaded online documents. These togeather covered more than 70% of exam topics, by applying common sense or just guessing for the remaining 30% questions, most people should have no problem to pass ARE. Instead of studing many 1000 page books and couldn't remember any contants, I found it's more efficient to study just few smaller books Thoroughly.

I bought this book as a structural topics refresher for the Architectural Engineering Professional Engineering exam. I was an AE structural option in college, so I knew all this stuff at some point, but I haven't looked at in five years! This book provides a great refresher, reminding you of the important things so you don't get bogged down studying theory from class notes. It's pretty thorough and covers an excellent range of topics (loads, connections, wood, steel, concrete, masonry, etc.). A few qualifiers: 1) Because I was a structural option, the topics were easier to grasp/recall. If you aren't familiar with structural concepts, this may not be your only resource, as it does not go into extreme explanation. The book assumes you have at least been introduced to the topics. 2) This covers the basics. You aren't going to get into plastic vs. elastic analysis, indeterminite analysis (outside of trusses), etc. But if you are looking for one user-friendly book to cover 80% of what you need to know, this is it! 3) Well-written. Good pictures and brief explanations. Goes into just enough detail to cover what really matters. 4) Has sufficient tables and graphs (borrowed from ACI 318, AISC, NDS, etc.) so you don't have to buy those to cross reference. Examples illustrate how to use the tables and graphs. 5) Good sample problems with explanations of why the wrong answers are wrong. 6) Some of the code references are a few years outdated.

I found the Ballast guides to be concentrated specifically on the exams that we are acutally going to take. The subjects were organized and concise. Not too much time was spent on "advanced" topics not necessary for the structural topics tested in the exam. It provided most of the rules of thumbs that can be used by architects not only for the exam, but everyday practice. One could purchase the guide strictly as a desk side companion.

This book offers a great summary of the main issues tested in the A.R.E. Although it should not be used as the only resource to study from, it explains most of the terms in a clear and concise manner. Be forewarned, the book does not provide enough information to pass any of the 9 parts. The test taker must use other resources to find and understand all of the required information to prepare successfully for the exam.