In this guide
PRACTICE PROMPT
Use this fictional setting to practise clear reasoning. It is not an assessment or institution paper.
The setting
A steel beam supporting a 3.5 m high masonry wall over a 5 m opening.
Your task
Size the beam allowing for arching.
What a useful response would show
A judgement about arching action, stated as an assumption.
Reflect afterwards
- What assumption mattered most?
- What would you check before using this on a real project?
- Could another engineer follow your recommendation?