Civil Engineering PE Structural Analysis of Trusses Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a standard assumption made in the analysis of an ideal truss?

Accepted Answer

Members are connected by rigid, moment-resisting joints.

Answer

Members are connected by frictionless pins.

Answer

All loads and support reactions are applied only at the joints.

Answer

The weight of the individual members is negligible.

Question 2

For the truss shown, which member is a zero-force member? (Note: A is a pin support, E is a roller support). [Image of a standard Fink roof truss with a vertical load at joint B. Joints are labeled A-G from left to right, bottom to top. Bottom chord: A, F, G, E. Top Chord: A, B, C, D, E. Webbing: BF, BG, CG, CD, DG, DH. Load is at B. A is pin, E is roller.]

Accepted Answer

Member DH

Answer

Member AB

Answer

Member FG

Answer

Member CG

Question 3

An engineer needs to determine the force in member CD of the Pratt truss shown below. The truss is subjected to several vertical loads on its top chord. Which analysis method is generally the most direct and efficient for finding the force in only member CD? [Image of a multi-panel Pratt truss with vertical loads on the top chord.]

Accepted Answer

Method of Sections

Answer

Method of Joints

Answer

Virtual Work Method

Answer

Moment Distribution Method

Question 4

A planar truss is composed of 13 members (m) and is supported by a pin at one end and a roller at the other. The truss has 8 joints (j). Based on the relationship m + r = 2j, how would this truss be classified?

Accepted Answer

Statically determinate and stable

Answer

Statically indeterminate to the first degree

Answer

Unstable

Answer

Statically indeterminate to the second degree

Question 5

In the Warren truss shown, a single vertical downward load is applied at joint G. Which of the following statements is most likely true regarding the forces in the top and bottom chord members?

Accepted Answer

Top chord members (BC, CD) are in compression; bottom chord members (FG, GH) are in tension.

Answer

Top chord members (BC, CD) are in tension; bottom chord members (FG, GH) are in compression.

Answer

Both top and bottom chord members are in tension.

Answer

Both top and bottom chord members are in compression.

Question 6

An engineer is analyzing a simple truss using the Method of Joints. After solving for the external support reactions, they begin analyzing forces at a specific joint. What is the maximum number of unknown member forces that can be present at the joint to solve for them directly using the equations of static equilibrium (ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0)?

Accepted Answer

2

Answer

1

Answer

3

Answer

4