Structural Analysis – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. 37. What is the 'portal method'?

   • A. An approximate method for analyzing indeterminate building frames subjected to lateral loads
   • B. A method for analyzing trusses
   • C. A method for analyzing beams
   • D. A method for analyzing arches

2. 38. What is the 'cantilever method'?

   • A. An approximate method for analyzing indeterminate building frames subjected to lateral loads
   • B. assuming points of inflection at mid-heights of columns and mid-spans of beams
   • C. A method for analyzing trusses
   • D. A method for analyzing beams

3. 39. What is 'statically determinate structure'?

   • A. A structure whose unknown forces and moments can be determined solely by using the equations of static equilibrium
   • B. A structure with redundant supports
   • C. A structure prone to collapse
   • D. A structure that requires advanced software for analysis

4. 40. What is a 'pin support'?

   • A. A support that prevents translation but allows rotation
   • B. A support that prevents both translation and rotation
   • C. A support that prevents rotation but allows translation
   • D. A support that allows both translation and rotation

5. 41. What is a 'roller support'?

   • A. A support that prevents translation in one direction (perpendicular to the surface) but allows translation in another direction and rotation
   • B. A support that prevents both translation and rotation
   • C. A support that prevents translation only
   • D. A support that allows all movements

6. 42. What is a 'fixed support'?

   • A. A support that prevents both translation and rotation
   • B. A support that allows rotation
   • C. A support that allows translation
   • D. A support that only prevents vertical movement

7. 43. What is 'degree of freedom'?

   • A. The number of independent displacements or rotations required to define the deformed shape of a structure
   • B. The number of reactions
   • C. The number of members
   • D. The number of joints

8. 44. What is 'stiffness' of a member?

   • A. The force or moment required to produce a unit displacement or rotation
   • B. The flexibility of a member
   • C. The length of a member
   • D. The area of a member

9. 45. What is 'flexibility' of a member?

   • A. The displacement or rotation produced by a unit force or moment
   • B. The stiffness of a member
   • C. The length of a member
   • D. The area of a member

10. 46. What is 'redundant force'?

    • A. An extra force or reaction beyond what is necessary for static equilibrium
    • B. A force that is not required
    • C. A force that causes instability
    • D. A force that is always zero

11. 47. What is 'primary structure' in the force method?

    • A. The determinate structure obtained by removing the redundant supports or members from an indeterminate structure
    • B. The original indeterminate structure
    • C. A structure with no loads
    • D. A structure with only one support

12. 48. What is 'compatibility equations' in the force method?

    • A. Equations that ensure the displacements at the redundant supports are consistent with the original structure
    • B. Equations of equilibrium
    • C. Equations for material properties
    • D. Equations for design