Structural Analysis MCQs (Part-1)

What is the primary purpose of structural analysis in civil engineering?

A To design aesthetic structures
B To estimate the cost of construction
C To select construction materials
D To determine the internal forces and stresses in a structure

Which of the following is an example of a point load?

A Uniformly distributed load
B A weight hanging from a rope
C Wind load
D Snow load

What does a bending moment diagram represent?

A Distribution of shear forces along a beam
B Deflection of a beam
C Distribution of bending moments along a beam
D Load distribution on a beam

In a simply supported beam, where is the maximum bending moment located under a point load at the center?

A At the center of the beam
B At the supports
C At the quarter points of the beam
D Uniform throughout the beam

What is the unit of bending moment?

A Newton (N)
B Pascal (Pa)
C Kilogram (kg)
D Newton-meter (Nm)

Which of the following is true for a fixed support in a structure?

A It allows rotation and translation
B It allows rotation but prevents translation
C It prevents rotation and translation
D It prevents rotation but allows translation

What is the shape of the shear force diagram for a uniformly distributed load on a simply supported beam?

A Parabolic
B Linear
C Rectangular
D Circular

What is the primary assumption in the elastic theory of structures?

A Materials return to their original shape after load removal
B Materials behave plastically
C Materials undergo permanent deformation
D Materials are rigid

Which method is used to analyze indeterminate structures?

A Virtual work principle
B Moment distribution method
C Method of joints
D Method of sections

What is the primary purpose of influence lines in structural analysis?

A To determine the deflection of a structure
B To calculate the stiffness of a structure
C To analyze the effect of moving loads on a structure
D To design foundations

Which of the following is a characteristic of a statically determinate structure?

A It can be analyzed using equilibrium equations alone
B It cannot be analyzed using equilibrium equations
C It has more unknowns than equilibrium equations
D It requires advanced methods like the stiffness matrix method

What is the primary purpose of the stiffness matrix method?

A To calculate deflections in determinate structures
B To determine the load distribution in trusses
C To calculate the buckling load of columns
D To analyze indeterminate structures using matrix algebra

What is the unit of strain energy in a structure?

A Joule (J)
B Newton (N)
C Pascal (Pa)
D Meter (m)

Which of the following is true for a pin support?

A It prevents rotation and translation
B It prevents rotation but allows translation
C It allows rotation but prevents translation
D It allows rotation and translation

What is the primary cause of buckling in columns?

A Compressive forces
B Tensile forces
C Shear forces
D Torsional forces