Structural Analysis – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. 1. Which of the following is a determinate structure?

   • A. Simply supported beam
   • B. Cantilever beam
   • C. Propped cantilever
   • D. Fixed-fixed beam

2. 2. What is an 'indeterminate structure'?

   • A. A structure where the number of unknown reactions or internal forces exceeds the number of available equilibrium equations
   • B. A structure with only two supports
   • C. A structure that is unstable
   • D. A structure made of a single material

3. 3. What is 'static determinacy'?

   • A. The condition where all unknown reactions and internal forces can be determined using only equilibrium equations
   • B. The condition where a structure is unstable
   • C. The condition where a structure has too many supports
   • D. The condition where a structure is flexible

4. 4. What is 'kinematic determinacy'?

   • A. The condition where the displacements of a structure can be determined from the applied loads and support conditions
   • B. The condition where a structure is unstable
   • C. The condition where a structure has no displacement
   • D. The condition where a structure has many degrees of freedom

5. 5. What is the 'degree of static indeterminacy'?

   • A. The number of unknown reactions or internal forces minus the number of available equilibrium equations
   • B. The number of supports
   • C. The number of joints
   • D. The number of members

6. 6. What is the 'degree of kinematic indeterminacy'?

   • A. The total number of unknown joint displacements (translations and rotations) minus the number of known support conditions
   • B. The number of members
   • C. The number of reactions
   • D. The number of loads

7. 7. What is the 'principle of superposition'?

   • A. The total response (deflection or stress) at any point in a linear elastic structure subjected to multiple loads is the sum of the responses caused by each load acting independently
   • B. The response of a structure is always proportional to the load
   • C. Only one load can be applied at a time
   • D. The structure must be non-linear

8. 8. When can the principle of superposition be applied?

   • A. Only for linear elastic structures
   • B. For non-linear structures
   • C. For plastic structures
   • D. For brittle materials

9. 9. What is 'Castigliano's First Theorem' used for?

   • A. To determine displacements in a structure
   • B. To determine forces in a structure
   • C. To determine reactions in a structure
   • D. To determine moments in a structure

10. 10. What is 'Castigliano's Second Theorem' used for?

    • A. To determine deflections and slopes in a structure from strain energy
    • B. To determine forces in a structure
    • C. To determine reactions in a structure
    • D. To determine moments in a structure

11. 11. What is the 'moment distribution method'?

    • A. An iterative method for analyzing indeterminate beams and frames by successively balancing moments at joints
    • B. A direct method for determinate structures
    • C. A method for calculating axial forces
    • D. A method for designing foundations

12. 12. What is 'fixed-end moment'?

    • A. The moment developed at the end of a beam segment when its ends are fully restrained against rotation
    • B. The moment at a free end
    • C. The moment due to an applied load
    • D. The moment at a pin support