BCE Structural Analysis 2

Question 1

What is the degree of static indeterminacy of a fixed-fixed beam with no internal hinges?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

A fixed-fixed beam has 6 reactions (3 at each fixed end) and 3 equilibrium equations, giving a degree of static indeterminacy of 3.

Question 2

The principle of superposition is valid only when:

Accepted Answer

Deflections are small and material is linearly elastic

Answer

Superposition requires that deflections be small (geometric linearity) and the material follow a linear stress-strain relationship.

Question 3

In the moment distribution method, the distribution factor for a member is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Ratio of its stiffness to the sum of stiffnesses of all members meeting at the joint

Answer

The distribution factor equals the stiffness of a member divided by the total stiffness of all members framing into the joint.

Question 4

Which theorem states that the partial derivative of strain energy with respect to a load equals the displacement at the point and in the direction of that load?

Accepted Answer

Castigliano's second theorem

Answer

Castigliano's second theorem relates the partial derivative of strain energy to the corresponding displacement, enabling deflection calculations.

Question 5

For a propped cantilever beam carrying a uniformly distributed load w over its full span L, the prop reaction is:

Accepted Answer

3wL/8

Answer

Compatibility analysis of the propped cantilever shows the prop reaction equals 3wL/8, with the fixed end taking the remaining 5wL/8.

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE - Bachelor of Civil Engineering Practice Test

BCE Structural Analysis 2