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100+ Free SE Bridges Practice Questions

Pass your SE Bridges Depth (NCEES Structural Engineering) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Approximately 35-45% (depth Bridges, NCEES 2024-2025) Pass Rate
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Question 1
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Per AASHTO LRFD, the design vehicular live load HL-93 consists of which combination of loads?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SE Bridges Exam

60

Questions per Depth Module

NCEES

6.5 hrs

Depth Module Time (2026)

NCEES

$350

Fee per Module

NCEES

5

AIT Scenarios per Module

NCEES

2x/yr

Test Windows (Apr/Oct)

NCEES

Apr 2024

CBT Transition

NCEES

SE Bridges is the depth track for examinees pursuing structural engineering licensure in bridge design rather than buildings. Each depth module is 60 AIT questions across five scenarios in a 6.5-hour CBT appointment, $350 per module ($700 for both Bridges modules). NCEES references include AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (9th Edition with interims), AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design, AISC 15th, and ACI 318. Verify the current edition list on the NCEES exam page before exam day; NCEES updates the design standards list periodically.

Sample SE Bridges Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SE Bridges exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Per AASHTO LRFD, the design vehicular live load HL-93 consists of which combination of loads?
A.Design truck or design tandem only
B.Design truck plus design lane load, or design tandem plus design lane load (whichever governs)
C.Design truck plus design tandem plus design lane load applied simultaneously
D.Design lane load only
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD 3.6.1.2.1 defines HL-93 as the larger effect of (1) design truck combined with design lane, or (2) design tandem combined with design lane. The dynamic load allowance applies to the truck or tandem but not to the lane load.
2Per AASHTO LRFD, the dynamic load allowance (impact factor IM) applied to the design truck or tandem for most strength and service limit states is closest to which value?
A.15%
B.25%
C.33%
D.75%
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD Table 3.6.2.1-1 specifies IM = 33% for most components for strength and service limit states (deck joints use 75%, fatigue and fracture use 15%). IM applies to the truck/tandem but NOT to the design lane load or pedestrian load.
3AASHTO LRFD Strength I limit state checks the basic combination of permanent loads plus vehicular live load WITHOUT what?
A.Wind load
B.Earth pressure
C.Dead load
D.Vehicular dynamic load allowance
Explanation: Per AASHTO LRFD 3.4.1, Strength I covers basic gravity load combinations without wind. Strength III governs wind without live load (above the 55 mph threshold), and Strength V combines normal vehicle use with wind speed of 80 mph.
4Which AASHTO LRFD load combination is specifically intended for live-load deflection control of bridge superstructures?
A.Strength I
B.Service I
C.Service III
D.Fatigue I
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD 3.4.1 and the optional deflection check in 2.5.2.6 use Service I (load factor 1.0 on live load with IM) for live-load deflection. Service III is for tensile stresses in prestressed concrete superstructures, and Strength I is an ultimate strength check.
5AASHTO LRFD Service III is used primarily to check what condition?
A.Compressive stresses in steel girders under permanent loads
B.Tensile stresses in prestressed concrete superstructures under live load
C.Wind load deflection at the strength limit state
D.Fatigue life of welded steel details
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD 3.4.1 specifies Service III as the load combination for crack control by limiting tensile stresses in prestressed concrete superstructures. The live load factor in Service III was revised in recent editions; verify the value used in the testing-window edition of AASHTO LRFD.
6AASHTO LRFD Service II is intended primarily for what purpose?
A.Tension limits in prestressed concrete
B.Yielding and slip-critical bolt connection checks in steel structures
C.Seismic displacement limits
D.Live-load deflection of pedestrian bridges
Explanation: Per AASHTO LRFD 3.4.1, Service II controls yielding of steel structures and slip of slip-critical connections under vehicular live load. Service I covers general serviceability/deflection, Service III covers prestressed concrete tension, and Service IV covers tension in prestressed concrete substructures with wind.
7Per AASHTO LRFD 3.6.1.1.2, the multiple presence factor for THREE loaded design lanes on a bridge is closest to which value?
A.1.20
B.1.00
C.0.85
D.0.65
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD Table 3.6.1.1.2-1 lists multiple presence factors of 1.20 (1 lane), 1.00 (2 lanes), 0.85 (3 lanes), and 0.65 (4+ lanes) — recognizing reduced probability of all lanes being loaded simultaneously at the design level.
8When the AASHTO LRFD lever rule is used to determine the live-load distribution factor for an exterior girder, the multiple presence factor must be applied to the result. For one loaded lane, what factor is multiplied into the lever-rule reaction?
A.0.85
B.1.00
C.1.20
D.1.33
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD 3.6.1.1.2 and 4.6.2.2 require the multiple presence factor to be included when the lever rule (or rigid method) is used; for one loaded lane this factor is m = 1.20. The approximate distribution factor equations already include this effect implicitly, so m is NOT applied a second time when using those equations.
9AASHTO LRFD 4.6.2.2.2b approximate moment distribution factor equations for an interior girder of a typical concrete-deck-on-steel-girder bridge depend on all of the following EXCEPT:
A.Girder spacing S
B.Span length L
C.Slab thickness t_s
D.Bridge skew angle
Explanation: The base AASHTO LRFD approximate distribution factor equations for moment in interior girders are functions of S, L, t_s, and longitudinal stiffness K_g. Skew correction is handled separately by the skew-modification factors in AASHTO LRFD 4.6.2.2.2e (which reduce moment for skew greater than the threshold).
10For a simple-span concrete-deck-on-steel-girder bridge with girder spacing S = 8 ft and span L = 80 ft, an estimate of the AASHTO LRFD interior-girder moment distribution factor for two or more loaded lanes (typical K_g term) is closest to:
A.0.30
B.0.55
C.0.75
D.1.10
Explanation: AASHTO LRFD 4.6.2.2.2b gives DF = 0.075 + (S/9.5)^0.6 (S/L)^0.2 (K_g/12 L t_s^3)^0.1. For S=8 ft, L=80 ft, and a typical K_g term ≈ 1.0, DF ≈ 0.075 + (0.842)^0.6 (0.10)^0.2 (1)^0.1 ≈ 0.075 + 0.90 × 0.63 ≈ 0.65-0.75 — closest to 0.75.

About the SE Bridges Exam

The SE Bridges track covers the Vertical Forces (Gravity/Other) and Lateral Forces depth components of the NCEES PE Structural Engineering exam for examinees who select the Bridges option. Beginning April 2026, each depth module is a 6.5-hour CBT containing five 12-question alternative item type (AIT) scenarios totaling 60 questions, focused on bridge structures designed under AASHTO LRFD. Examinees must select Bridges (or Buildings) and use the same selection on both vertical and lateral components. NCEES supplies the PE Structural Engineering Reference Handbook and electronic design standards: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (current 9th Edition with interims), AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design, AISC Steel Construction Manual 15th, ACI 318, and supporting AASHTO publications. This 100-question free practice bank focuses exclusively on the Bridges track, with roughly half on gravity/vertical bridge topics and half on wind/seismic and lateral bridge design.

Assessment

Two depth modules (Vertical Bridges + Lateral Bridges) of 60 questions each — combined here as a single Bridges-only practice track of 100 questions

Time Limit

6.5 hours per depth module (Vertical Bridges, Lateral Bridges)

Passing Score

Pass/fail using scaled scoring; NCEES does not publish a fixed cutoff

Exam Fee

$350 per module ($700 for both Bridges depth modules) (NCEES (Pearson VUE))

SE Bridges Exam Content Outline

60 questions (6.5 hrs)

Vertical Bridges (Gravity/Other) Depth

Five 12-question AIT scenarios on AASHTO LRFD load combinations (Strength, Service, Fatigue, Extreme), HL-93 live load, dynamic load allowance, distribution factors, prestressed concrete girders, steel plate and composite girders, decks, and substructure under gravity.

60 questions (6.5 hrs)

Lateral Bridges (Wind/Earthquake) Depth

Five 12-question AIT scenarios on AASHTO LRFD seismic design (SDC A-D, response spectrum, R factors, plastic hinging, capacity protection), wind, bearings (elastomeric, pot, sliding, isolation), abutments, scour, and MASH-tested traffic barriers.

≈50%

Gravity & Vertical Bridge Topics (in this practice bank)

AASHTO LRFD load combinations and load factors, HL-93 design truck/tandem/lane and IM=33%, multiple presence factors, lever rule and approximate distribution factors, influence lines, prestressed concrete I-girders and box girders (Class U/T/C, transfer/development, friction and anchorage losses), steel plate and composite I-girders, fatigue Categories A through E', deck design (empirical and traditional).

≈50%

Lateral & Seismic Bridge Topics (in this practice bank)

AASHTO seismic design categories SDC A-D, acceleration coefficients and site classes, response spectrum and modal analysis, response modification factor R, plastic hinging and capacity-protected design, displacement-based design, isolation bearings, wind on bridges (AASHTO LRFD 3.8), elastomeric and pot bearings, abutment and pier design, scour (HEC-18/HEC-20), MASH TL-1 through TL-6 traffic barriers.

How to Pass the SE Bridges Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail using scaled scoring; NCEES does not publish a fixed cutoff
  • Assessment: Two depth modules (Vertical Bridges + Lateral Bridges) of 60 questions each — combined here as a single Bridges-only practice track of 100 questions
  • Time limit: 6.5 hours per depth module (Vertical Bridges, Lateral Bridges)
  • Exam fee: $350 per module ($700 for both Bridges depth modules)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SE Bridges Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master AASHTO LRFD Section 3 thoroughly — load combinations (Strength I-V, Service I-IV, Fatigue I-II, Extreme I-II), HL-93 live load with IM=33%, and multiple presence factors appear in nearly every Vertical Bridges scenario.
2Drill girder distribution factor calculations using AASHTO LRFD 4.6.2.2 — both the lever rule and the approximate equations for moment and shear in interior and exterior girders.
3Practice prestressed concrete girder problems: Class U/T/C stress limits, transfer and development length per AASHTO LRFD 5.9, and friction, anchorage set, elastic shortening, creep, shrinkage, and relaxation losses.
4Memorize AASHTO LRFD steel fatigue Categories A through E' and the Constant Amplitude Fatigue Threshold table — Vertical Bridges scenarios routinely include fatigue checks on welded details.
5Learn the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design: Seismic Design Categories A-D selection, ductility-based displacement demands, response modification factors R, and capacity-protected design.
6Practice ductile plastic-hinge column design (AASHTO 5.10/5.11 and Guide Spec 4.11) including transverse confinement reinforcement and capacity-protected joint and footing design.
7Know the bearing types (steel-reinforced elastomeric per AASHTO LRFD 14.7.5, pot, disc, sliding, and isolation) and their typical applications and movement capacities.
8Drill scour problems using FHWA HEC-18 (general scour, contraction scour, local pier and abutment scour) — Lateral Bridges scenarios often include extreme-event flood and scour cases.
9Practice MASH 2016 test levels TL-1 through TL-6 and select the appropriate barrier for design speed and traffic mix; AASHTO LRFD Section 13 governs combination railings.
10Bookmark the NCEES PE Structural Engineering Reference Handbook PDF and practice locating AASHTO equations within 30 seconds — speed with electronic references is critical in the 6.5-hour session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is SE Bridges different from the full SE exam?

SE Bridges refers specifically to the Vertical Bridges and Lateral Bridges depth modules within the four-section NCEES SE exam. Examinees who choose Bridges take Vertical Bridges depth and Lateral Bridges depth (60 questions each, 6.5 hours each); Buildings examinees take the parallel Vertical Buildings and Lateral Buildings depth modules. All SE candidates also take the breadth components (Vertical Breadth and Lateral Breadth) which are common to both tracks.

What changed when the SE exam moved to CBT?

NCEES converted the SE exam to computer-based testing in April 2024, replacing the legacy 16-hour pencil-and-paper Friday/Saturday format with four separate CBT modules (Vertical Breadth, Lateral Breadth, Vertical Depth, Lateral Depth). Each module is taken on its own day, and Bridges examinees take the same Buildings/Bridges depth track on both Vertical and Lateral. Beginning April 2026, depth modules were extended from 5.5 to 6.5 hours per appointment to provide additional tutorial and break time.

How much do the Bridges depth modules cost?

Each depth module costs $350, so the two Bridges depth modules total $700. Adding the two breadth modules brings the full four-module SE total to $1,400. State board application or processing fees may apply separately.

Which codes does NCEES use for SE Bridges questions?

NCEES Bridges questions are based primarily on the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (9th Edition, 2020 with interims) and the AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. Supporting electronic references include AISC Steel Construction Manual 15th, ACI 318, and AASHTO publications on construction, scour, and barriers. Always verify the current edition list on the NCEES exam page — specifications are updated periodically.

Can I switch from Bridges to Buildings between vertical and lateral components?

No. NCEES requires examinees to take the same depth track (Bridges or Buildings) for both the vertical and lateral components. Choose the track that matches your professional practice; engineers in transportation, DOT, or bridge consulting typically select Bridges.

What is the SE Bridges exam pass rate?

NCEES does not publish a single combined Bridges pass rate; depth Bridges first-time pass rates have generally run between roughly 35-45%, higher than the Buildings depth modules (15-16%). Always check the most recent NCEES Exam Pass Rates page for the figure that applies to your testing window.