SCE Structural Engineering 3

Question 1

Which method is used to analyze indeterminate structures by assuming member end moments as unknowns and satisfying joint equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Moment distribution method

Answer

Conjugate beam method

Answer

Three-moment equation method

Answer

Virtual work method

Question 2

For a rectangular reinforced concrete section under pure bending, the depth of the equivalent rectangular stress block 'a' is related to the neutral axis depth 'c' by:

Accepted Answer

a = β₁ × c

Answer

a = c / β₁

Answer

a = c + β₁

Answer

a = c × (1 - β₁)

Question 3

In a two-hinged arch under a uniformly distributed load, the horizontal thrust H at the supports depends primarily on:

Accepted Answer

The span length, rise, and load magnitude

Answer

Only the material strength of the arch

Answer

Only the dead load of the arch itself

Answer

The vertical reactions only

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'lateral-torsional buckling' in steel beams?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-plane deflection combined with twisting of the compression flange

Answer

In-plane buckling of the web due to high shear stress

Answer

Local buckling of the tension flange

Answer

Buckling of the beam in the plane of bending

Question 5

The modular ratio (n) in reinforced concrete design is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Ratio of modulus of elasticity of steel to that of concrete (Es/Ec)

Answer

Ratio of yield strength of steel to compressive strength of concrete

Answer

Ratio of cross-sectional area of steel to gross area of concrete

Answer

Ratio of concrete strength to steel strength

Question 6

A continuous beam has more load-carrying capacity than a simply supported beam of the same span and cross-section primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Continuity redistributes moments, reducing the maximum positive moment

Answer

Continuous beams have less self-weight due to fewer supports

Answer

The supports in continuous beams carry less reaction force

Answer

Continuous beams allow larger deflections under service loads

Question 7

According to Saudi Building Code (SBC 301) seismic provisions, the seismic design category (SDC) of a structure is determined by:

Accepted Answer

The site seismic hazard level and the occupancy/risk category of the structure

Answer

Only the height and weight of the structure

Answer

Only the soil type at the construction site

Answer

The construction material (concrete, steel, masonry) alone