SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual, 9th Edition – Alan Williams

The Challenge It Addresses

The NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering (SE) exam is one of the most demanding professional licensure tests in the United States. Candidates face a two-day, multiple-module assessment covering vertical and lateral forces, reinforced concrete, steel, timber, masonry, foundations, and bridges. Without a single, authoritative reference that systematically reviews every topic, exam preparation becomes fragmented, inefficient, and risky.

The SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual, Ninth Edition by Dr. Alan Williams directly solves this problem. It consolidates the entire SE exam syllabus into one comprehensive volume, eliminating the need to juggle multiple textbooks, outdated notes, or scattered online resources.

What Is the SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual?

The SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual (STRM9) is a complete review guide designed specifically for the NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering (SE) exam. Published by Professional Publications, Inc. in 2018, this Ninth Edition delivers thorough coverage of every exam topic, including vertical forces, lateral forces, reinforced concrete, steel, timber, masonry, foundations, and bridges.

Authored by Alan Williams, PhD, SE, FICE, C Eng, the manual combines academic rigor with real-world structural engineering practice. Each chapter presents core principles, design procedures, and solved examples that mirror the complexity and format of actual SE exam problems.

Who Will Benefit Most

This manual is engineered for three specific audiences:

• SE Exam Candidates — Anyone preparing for the NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering exam, including both the vertical and lateral forces modules.
• Structural Engineering Students — Graduate and upper-level undergraduate students seeking a comprehensive, exam-focused review of structural analysis and design.
• Practicing Structural Engineers — Professionals who need a desk reference for codes, design equations, and standard practice in concrete, steel, timber, masonry, and foundation design.

If your goal is to pass the SE exam on your first attempt or to maintain a reliable reference for daily practice, this manual is built for you.

Skills You Will Gain

This manual equips you with the knowledge and problem-solving skills required for SE exam success. Here are six critical areas it covers:

• Vertical Forces Design — Master load path analysis, gravity load distribution, and design of beams, columns, slabs, and walls under vertical loads.
• Lateral Forces Analysis — Understand seismic and wind load application, diaphragm design, shear wall analysis, and moment frame behavior.
• Reinforced Concrete Design — Apply ACI 318 provisions for flexure, shear, torsion, development length, and detailing of concrete members.
• Steel Design — Use AISC 360 specifications for tension members, beams, columns, connections, and composite members.
• Timber and Masonry Design — Design wood members per NDS and masonry elements per TMS 402, including beams, columns, and shear walls.
• Foundation and Bridge Engineering — Analyze shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, and bridge substructures with practical design examples.

Each topic is presented with clear explanations, step-by-step solutions, and references to the applicable building codes.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike generic structural engineering textbooks or scattered online resources, this manual is purpose-built for the SE exam. Competitor materials often lack the depth or breadth required for both the vertical and lateral forces modules, forcing candidates to purchase multiple guides.

This manual covers the entire exam in one volume. It includes detailed code references, design examples, and practice problems that closely match the actual exam format. The author, Dr. Alan Williams, brings decades of structural engineering experience and a deep understanding of the NCEES exam structure.

Furthermore, the Ninth Edition incorporates the latest code updates and design standards, ensuring you study current, exam-relevant material. No other single resource offers this combination of completeness, authority, and exam focus.

Who Wrote This Book

Alan Williams, PhD, SE, FICE, C Eng, is a recognized authority in structural engineering. His academic credentials include a doctorate in structural engineering, and his professional licenses (SE and Chartered Engineer) reflect decades of practical design experience. He has authored multiple structural engineering reference works and has a proven track record of helping engineers pass licensure exams.

The manual is published by Professional Publications, Inc. (PPI), the leading publisher of exam review materials for engineering licensure. PPI has been producing SE and PE exam resources for over 40 years, and their materials are trusted by thousands of candidates annually. This combination of author expertise and publisher reputation provides the highest level of trustworthiness for your exam preparation.

The Bottom Line

For any structural engineer serious about passing the SE exam, this manual is not just worth it — it is essential. The cost of failing the exam (registration fees, study time, lost income) far exceeds the price of this book. With comprehensive coverage, authoritative authorship, and a proven track record, the STRM9 is the single best investment you can make in your exam preparation.

We recommend this manual without reservation. It provides the depth, clarity, and exam focus that no other resource matches. Whether you are a first-time candidate or retaking a module, this reference will significantly improve your chances of success.

Add SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual, 9th Edition – Alan Williams to Your Library

You have committed to earning your SE license. Now equip yourself with the definitive study resource. The SE Structural Engineering Reference Manual, Ninth Edition by Dr. Alan Williams gives you everything you need to pass both modules of the NCEES 16-hour exam. Order your digital copy today and start building the structural knowledge that will carry you through exam day and into your career.