For a continuous beam with different moments of inertia in different spans, the relative stiffness method uses:
Answer: B
Relative stiffness (I/L) is used in distribution factor calculations when moments of inertia vary across spans.
Q.42Medium
The shear force at the point of application of a concentrated load in a beam diagram shows a:
Answer: C
Shear force diagram shows a vertical jump equal to the magnitude of the concentrated load at its point of application.
Q.43Medium
A three-hinged arch is statically determinate because it has:
Answer: B
Three-hinged arch has 4 reaction components (2 at each support) and 3 equilibrium equations plus 1 condition that moment at internal hinge = 0, making it statically determinate.
Q.44Medium
In the method of sections for truss analysis, how many members can be cut for a 2D truss to maintain determinacy?
Answer: C
Method of sections allows cutting maximum 3 members in a 2D truss because we have 3 equilibrium equations (ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0, ΣM=0) to solve for 3 unknowns.
Q.45Medium
A portal frame with fixed supports at the base and a horizontal load at the top will develop which type of stresses at the base?
Answer: C
Portal frame columns experience both axial forces (from vertical loads) and bending moments (from lateral loads and frame action), resulting in combined stresses.
Advertisement
Q.46Medium
For a simply supported beam, which statement about influence lines is correct?
Answer: D
Influence line for shear force in a segment without concentrated loads remains constant (horizontal). Between segments with point loads, it's linear.
Q.47Medium
A truss is statically determinate if it satisfies the condition:
Answer: A
For a 2D truss: m = number of members, n = number of joints. Condition m = 2n - 3 ensures static determinacy (3 reactions for 2D frame).
Q.48Medium
The principle of virtual work states that for a structure in equilibrium, the work done by external forces equals:
Answer: B
Virtual work principle: For equilibrium, ΣδW_external + ΣδW_internal = 0. External work by real forces through virtual displacements equals internal work.
Q.49Medium
In a simply supported beam of span 12m with point load 50 kN at 4m from left support, the shear force just to the right of the load is:
Answer: C
R_A = 50×128 = 33.33 kN; R_B = 50×124 = 16.67 kN. Just right of load: SF = 33.33 - 50 = -16.67 kN (or 16.67 kN downward).
Q.50Medium
A beam element in FEM is typically modeled with how many degrees of freedom per node for 2D analysis?
Answer: C
In 2D beam/frame element, each node has 3 DOF: horizontal displacement (u), vertical displacement (v), and rotation (θ). Total DOF per element = 6.
Q.51Medium
For a cable structure under distributed load, the shape assumed by the cable is:
Answer: A
Under uniformly distributed horizontal load (common assumption in engineering), cable takes parabolic shape. Catenary is the actual shape under its own weight.
Q.52Medium
In Castigliano's theorem for deflection, the deflection at a point is equal to the partial derivative of strain energy with respect to:
Answer: A
Castigliano's theorem: Deflection δ_i = ∂U/∂P_i, where U is strain energy and P_i is load at point i.
Q.53Medium
The deflection of a fixed-fixed beam of span L under central point load W is:
Answer: B
For fixed-fixed beam with central point load, max deflection δ_max = WL³/(192EI) occurs at center. (Note: Verify exact formula for your reference.)
