architect54

UPDATE: It seems like the audio files are gone from Caddee.com! Well at least the link below is dead. I believe someone put these audio files on the AREforum FTP and they got taken down from there as well. They may have been too large for the file transfer limit. These files might not have been authentic FEMA files, so the creator decided to take them down rather than be responsible for any misrepresentation or misinterpretation. The audio files seemed possibly for a visually handicapped individual. Either way, they are gone from that link below. Looking for the files? See if someone you know taking the exam has downloaded the files already and is willing to share them with you. Otherwise, just read the original FEMA document.

Are you studying for the Structural Systems portion of the architectural registration exam like me? Here is a resource you may find helpful. These are audio files of chapters 1, 4, and 5 of FEMA 454 “Designing for Earthquakes, A Manual for Architects”. The audio may be helpful after reading FEMA 454 as a repetitive reminder. The audio may be helpful by listening to before reading FEMA 454, as primer to coat your mind with terminology, so it sinks in better when you actually read it. These audio files are by a computer voice and don’t have all of the natural pleasant pauses that a human would provide. Still I’m providing the link because some may find these files helpful.

The actual FEMA document 454, “Designing for Earthquakes” can be found here. That’s the whole book in one file or the separate chapters. I haven’t started reading this book yet. The mantra on the AREforum seems to be chapters 4, 5, and 8 of FEMA 454 are a must read for the exam. Don’t take my word for it. Do your research and good luck.

(FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency.)

From what I’m reading on the AREforum, the Structural Systems exam merits difficulty. It is not to be underestimated and it is difficult to over prepare.

I started posts last week to declare how much trouble I was having starting up for the Structures portion of the architectural registration exam. I won’t use those posts, because Sunday I picked up Salvadori’s “Why Buildings Stand Up”.

I had to do something! I know it may not help enough, but anything to keep me on structures. I tried to get through the whole book. I got thru chapter 4.

Keep persevering!

I set a very good Structural Systems study schedule for myself. The best one I have prepared for any architectural registration exam yet. Like the others, I’m not following it. I will follow it soon. I must, if I expect to handle the structures exam with confidence.

I find myself all over the place when I should be looking at my main resource. When distracted online I put that time to use by looking for other structural resources. Here are two, I’ve found:

• A LinkedIn “Architectural Registration Exam – Structures Study Forum group“. Brought to us by JenGineer Tutoring. I have requested to join, but it might only be open to people being tutored.
• Some “learn and teach” 78 youtube clips from a former Indian(?) student. The clips are a good structures introduction or review. Some clips may be beyond our exam needs. arnab639’s Overview of Structural Analysis, Moment Resisting Frames, and more. At the top of one of his clips, right next to his name it says 78 youtube clips, that’s where you click to see the rest of his videos. They are not on his youtube channel.

Don’t be distracted by these. Stick with your main resource!