Civil Engineering PE Civil Engineering Theory of Structure 2

Question 1

A fixed-end beam of length L carries a uniformly distributed load w. What is the magnitude of the fixed-end moment at each support?

Accepted Answer

wL²/12

Answer

For a fixed-end beam with UDL, the fixed-end moments at each support equal wL²/12.

Question 2

The Muller-Breslau principle is used to construct:

Accepted Answer

Influence lines

Answer

The Muller-Breslau principle states that the influence line for a function equals the deflected shape of the structure when the restraint corresponding to that function is removed.

Question 3

In a two-force member, forces must be:

Accepted Answer

Equal, opposite, and collinear

Answer

A two-force member is in equilibrium only when the two forces are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and act along the same line of action.

Question 4

What is the degree of static indeterminacy of a propped cantilever beam?

Accepted Answer

1

Answer

A propped cantilever has 4 reactions (3 at fixed end + 1 at prop) and 3 equilibrium equations, giving degree of indeterminacy = 1.

Question 5

The stiffness matrix for a beam element relates:

Accepted Answer

Nodal forces and moments to nodal displacements and rotations

Answer

The beam stiffness matrix [K] maps the vector of nodal displacements and rotations to the corresponding nodal forces and moments via {F} = [K]{d}.

Civil Engineering PE Practice Test

Civil Engineering PE Practice Test

Civil Engineering PE Civil Engineering Theory of Structure 2