The legendary ARE Structural Systems tutor David Thaddeus is coming to NYC next week (5-7 June)!
The three-day, 30-hour intensive course will take place at Perkins Eastman’s office, near Union Square. (I can’t find how much it will cost though…)
I actually don’t know anyone who took the course myself – but words are if you schedule your test 2 weeks or so after you take that class, you have a very high chance of passing. Check it out:
After retaking SS on 23rd June, I went on a short trip to Italy, as a little reward for myself for all the studies I’ve done so far. I saw two buildings from Kaplan’s “notable buildings”… The Pantheon and Palazzetto Dello Sport. Pantheon I planned to see (duh), but Palazzetto Dello Sport I just randomly came across on my way to Zaha Hadid’s MAXXI. What a pleasant surprise! It was a humble, quiet gem in a less busy area of Rome. If you are going to Rome, make sure you don’t miss it!
Sure I learned about them in “architecture 101”, but seeing these beautiful structures after taking the exam help me appreciate them even more.
pantheon
palazzetto dello sport
Source: http://www.fgg.uni-lj.si/kmk/ESDEP/media/wg11/f0800005.jpg
Allowed Splices:
1. Lapped
2. Welded
3. Mechanical Connection
Focus = Hypocenter (they are synonyms):
The site of earthquake.
Epicenter:
The projection of the focus/ Hypocenter onto the earth’s surface
[SOIL]
Proctor (Compaction) Test:
Determines the optimal moisture content of soil
Test Boring:
Measures ability of the soil to support structures
[CONCRETE]
Cylinder Test:
Determines the quality, texture and strength of hardened concrete
Slump Test:
Measures workability of concrete
Impact-hammer Test:
Measures strength of concrete
Kelly Ball Test:
Measures workability of concrete
ARE we there yet? 
