What is the primary function of a truss in structural engineering?
A To resist bending moments
B To carry axial loads only
C To distribute shear forces
D To resist torsional forces
A truss is designed to carry axial loads (tension or compression) through its members. It consists of triangular units that ensure stability and efficient load distribution, making it ideal for bridges and roofs.
Which of the following is a characteristic of an arch structure?
A It develops tensile forces under load
B It is unstable under vertical loads
C It transfers loads through compression
D It cannot span long distances
Arches are designed to transfer loads primarily through compression. Their curved shape allows them to distribute loads evenly to the supports, making them efficient for bridges and large openings.
What is the primary purpose of a shear force diagram?
A To show shear forces along a beam
B To show bending moments
C To show axial forces
D To show deflections
A shear force diagram represents the variation of shear forces along the length of a beam. It helps engineers identify points of maximum shear, which are critical for designing the beam’s cross‐section.
Which of the following is true for a cantilever beam?
A It is supported at both ends
B It has no supports
C It is fixed at one end and free at the other
D It is supported by a hinge
A cantilever beam is fixed at one end and free at the other. It is commonly used in balconies, diving boards, and overhangs, where the fixed end resists moments and shear forces.
What is the primary assumption in the plastic analysis of structures?
A Materials behave elastically
B Materials yield and deform plastically
C Structures are statically determinate
D Structures are rigid
Plastic analysis assumes that materials yield and undergo permanent deformation under load. It is used to determine the ultimate load-carrying capacity of structures beyond their elastic limit.
What is the primary purpose of the virtual work principle?
A To calculate deflections and rotations
B To analyze trusses
C To determine support reactions
D To calculate bending moments
The virtual work principle is used to calculate deflections and rotations in structures by equating the work done by external forces to the internal strain energy. It is a powerful tool for analyzing indeterminate structures.
Which of the following is true for a statically indeterminate structure?
A It can be analyzed using equilibrium equations alone
B It has more unknowns than equilibrium equations
C It is always unstable
D It has no fixed supports
A statically indeterminate structure has more unknowns (forces, moments) than available equilibrium equations. Additional compatibility conditions are required to solve for all unknowns.
What is the primary purpose of the moment distribution method?
A To analyze determinate structures
B To calculate deflections in beams
C To analyze indeterminate structures
D To determine axial forces in trusses
The moment distribution method is used to analyze indeterminate structures, such as continuous beams and frames, by iteratively distributing moments at joints until equilibrium is achieved.
What is the primary cause of deflection in beams?
A Axial loads
B Bending moments
C Torsional forces
D Shear forces
Deflection in beams is primarily caused by bending moments. The curvature of the beam due to bending leads to displacement, which is influenced by the beam’s material properties and cross-section.
Which of the following is true for a fixed-end moment?
A It occurs at free ends
B It is zero in all cases
C It occurs at fixed supports
D It is caused by axial loads
Fixed-end moments occur at fixed supports due to applied loads. They resist rotation and are calculated using structural analysis methods, such as the moment distribution method.
What is the primary purpose of the stiffness matrix method?
A To calculate deflections using matrix algebra
B To analyze determinate structures
C To determine axial forces in trusses
D To analyze plastic deformation
The stiffness matrix method uses matrix algebra to calculate displacements and forces in structures. It is particularly useful for analyzing complex and indeterminate structures.
Which of the following is true for a simply supported beam?
A It has fixed supports at both ends
B It allows rotation at supports
C It cannot carry point loads
D It is always statically indeterminate
A simply supported beam allows rotation at its supports but prevents vertical translation. It is commonly used in bridges and floors due to its simplicity and efficiency.
What is the primary purpose of load path analysis?
A To determine the aesthetic design of a structure
B To calculate material costs
C To trace how loads are transferred through a structure
D To analyze dynamic loads
Load path analysis traces how loads are transferred from the point of application to the foundation. It ensures that all structural elements are designed to carry the applied loads safely.
Which of the following is true for the influence of temperature on structures?
A It causes thermal expansion or contraction
B It causes no deformation
C It only affects dynamic loads
D It has no effect on support reactions
Temperature changes cause materials to expand or contract, leading to thermal stresses and deformations. This must be considered in the design of structures to prevent cracking or failure.
What is the primary purpose of structural optimization?
A To maximize material usage
B To minimize cost while ensuring safety and performance
C To increase the weight of the structure
D To ignore load requirements
Structural optimization aims to design structures that are cost-effective, safe, and efficient. It involves selecting the best materials, shapes, and sizes to meet design requirements while minimizing costs.