Structural Analysis – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. 25. What is a 'frame' in structural analysis?

   • A. A structural system composed of members connected by rigid or semi-rigid joints
   • B. allowing moments to be transferred
   • C. A system of slender members with pin joints
   • D. A flat slab

2. 26. What is a 'shear force diagram' (SFD)?

   • A. A graphical representation of the variation of shear force along the length of a beam or structural member
   • B. A graphical representation of bending moment
   • C. A graphical representation of deflection
   • D. A graphical representation of axial force

3. 27. What is a 'bending moment diagram' (BMD)?

   • A. A graphical representation of the variation of bending moment along the length of a beam or structural member
   • B. A graphical representation of shear force
   • C. A graphical representation of deflection
   • D. A graphical representation of axial force

4. 28. At a point of zero shear force in a beam, what is the bending moment usually?

   • A. Maximum or minimum
   • B. Zero
   • C. Constant
   • D. Undefined

5. 29. What is an 'influence line'?

   • A. A diagram that shows the variation of a structural response (e.g.
   • B. reaction
   • C. shear
   • D. moment

6. 30. What is 'Muller-Breslau Principle' used for?

   • A. To draw influence lines for indeterminate structures
   • B. To calculate deflection
   • C. To calculate forces in trusses
   • D. To determine reactions in beams

7. 31. What is 'virtual work method'?

   • A. An energy method used to determine deflections and forces in structures based on the principle of virtual displacements or virtual forces
   • B. A graphical method
   • C. An iterative method
   • D. A method for determinate structures only

8. 32. What is the 'strain energy' in a structure?

   • A. The internal energy stored in a deformable body due to elastic deformation
   • B. The kinetic energy of the structure
   • C. The potential energy of the applied loads
   • D. The heat generated in the structure

9. 33. What is 'unit load method'?

   • A. A method based on the principle of virtual work
   • B. where a unit load is applied at the point where deflection is to be found
   • C. A method for calculating reactions only
   • D. A method for drawing shear diagrams

10. 34. What is 'conjugate beam method'?

    • A. A theoretical beam whose loading is the bending moment diagram of the real beam divided by EI
    • B. used to find slopes and deflections
    • C. A method for analyzing trusses
    • D. A method for indeterminate structures

11. 35. What is the 'three-moment equation'?

    • A. An equation used to analyze continuous beams and frames by relating moments at three consecutive supports
    • B. An equation for axial forces
    • C. An equation for shear forces
    • D. An equation for deflections

12. 36. What is 'approximate methods of analysis'?

    • A. Methods used for preliminary design or for quick estimations of forces and moments in indeterminate structures
    • B. Exact methods for determinate structures
    • C. Methods for very detailed analysis
    • D. Methods for small structures only