INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURAL DESIGN

UNIT – I

PRINCIPLE OF MECHANICS

PART A

1. The unit of force in S.I. units is

a. Kilogram
b. Newton
c. Watt
d. Joule
Answer : Option B

2. Forces are called concurrent when their lines of action meet in

a. One point
b. Two points
c. Plane
d. Perpendicular planes
e. Different planes
Answer: Option A
3. According to principle of transmissibility of forces, the effect of a force upon a
body is
a. Maximum when it acts at the center of gravity of a body
b. Different at different prints in tis line of action
c. The same at every point in its line of action
d. None of those
Answer : Option C
4. Two non – collinear parallel equal forces acting in opposite direction
a. Balance each other
b. Constitute a moment
c. Constitute a couple
d. d. Constitute a resultant couple
e. Answer : Option C

5. If a number of forces act simultaneously on a particle, it is possible

a. Not a replace them by a single force
b. To replace them by a single force
c. To replace them by a sing force through centre of gravity
d. To replace them by a couple
e. To replace them by a couple and a force
Answer : Option C
6. A force is completely defined when we specify
a. Magnitude
b. Direction
c. Point of application
d. All of the above
e. None of the above

Answer : Option D
7. The forces, which meet at one point, but their links of action do not lie in a plane,
are called
a. Coplanner non – concurrent force
b. Non- planner concurrent forces
c. Non – coplanar non concurrent forces
d. Intersecting forces
e. None of the above
Answer : Option C
8. Four forces P, 2P, 3P and 4P act along the sides taken in order of a square.The
resultant force is
a. 0
b. 2√2 P
c. √5P
d. 2P
Answer : Option B
9. The total number of reactions for a roller support
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
Answer : Option B
10. The total number of reactions for a pinned support
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
d. 4
Answer : Option C
11. The resultant of two equal forces ‘P’ making an angle ‘∂’ is given by
a. 2P sin ∂/2
b. 2P cos ∂/2
c. 2P tan ∂/2
d. None of the above
Answer: Option B
12. A force acting on a body may
a. Change its motion
b. Balance the other forces acting on it
c. Retard its motion
d. All of the above
Answer : Option A
13. The forces which meet at one point and their lines of action also lie on the same
plane are known as
a. Coplanar concurrent forces
b. Coplanar non – concurrent forces
c. Non – coplanar concurrent forces
d. Non – coplanar non – concurrent forces.
Answer : Option A
14. The three forces of 100N, 200N and 300N have their lines of action parallel to
each other but act in the opposite directions. These forces are known as
a. Coplanar concurrent forces
b. Coplanar non – concurrent forces
c. Like parallel forces
d. Unlike parallel forces
Answer : Option D
15. Two forces are acting at an angle of 120⁰. The bigger force is 40N and the
resultant is perpendicular to the smaller one. The smaller force is
a. 20N
b. 40N
c. 120N
d. None of these
Answer: Option A
16. Which of the following is not a vector quantity
a. Weight
b. Velocity
c. Acceleration
d. Force
Answer :Option A
17.
I. If a number of forces are acting at a point, their resultant will be inclined at an
angle`∂’ with the horizontal, such that
a. Tan ∂=∑H/∑V
b. Tan ∂=∑V/∑H
c. Tan ∂=∑V*∑H
d. Tan ∂=√∑V+∑H
Answer : Option A
18. The point, through which the whole weight of the body acts, irrespective of its
position, is known as
a. Moment of inertia
b. Centre of gravity
c. Centre of percussion
d. Centre of mass
Answer : Option B
19. The resultant of two forces P and Q acting at an angle ∂ is
a. √P2+Q2+2PQ sin ∂
b. √P2+Q2+2PQ cos ∂
c. √P2+Q2 - 2PQ cos ∂
d. √P2+Q2 - 2PQ tan ∂
Answer : Option B
20. A couple produces
a. Translatory motion
b. Rotation motion
c. Combined translatory and rotation motion
d. None of the above
Answer : Option B
PART - B

1 Differentiate one way and two – way structural systems.

2 Differentiate Rigid and non – rigid systems.
3 Differentiate framed structure and load bearing structures..
4 Define walls and plates.
5 What are the primary structural units and explain them?
6 What are the advantages of reinforced concrete members
7 Differentiate truss and arch.
8 Define moment of a force about a point.
9 What is a couple and its characteristics?
10 Distinguish between a moment and a couple.
11 Draw the reaction components of Roller, Hinged and Fixed supports.
12 What are the different types of loads?
13 What is called a free body diagram? Write down the steps to draw a FBD?
PART - C

1 Explain the different types of structures

A particle is subjected to
i) 250N towards North
ii) 300N towards North – west
iii) 200N inclined at 30⁰ towards North of East
iv) 350N inclined at 40⁰ towards south of west

2 Find the magnitude and direction of resultant force acting over the particle.

3 The three cables are secured to ring at B and the turn buckle at C as shown in
 the fig. is tightened until its support a tension of 1.6 KN. Calculate the
moment ‘M’, produced by the tension in cable AB about the base of the mast
at D.

4 Determine the forces F1 and F2 in the following figure

5 Determine the tension in cables AB and AC to hold 40 kg load, shown in

the fig.

6 Determine the required length of cord AC in the fig. so that the 8 – kg

lamp can be suspended in the position shown. The undeformed length of
spring AB is l1AB =0.4m, and the spring has a stiffness of KAB = 300 N/M
7 The rate has a weight of 550 lb. determine the force in each supporting
cable

8 The members of a truss are pin connected at joint 0. Determine the

magnitude of F1 and its angle ∂ for equilibirium. Set F2 ≥ 6 KN.

9 Determine the horizontal and vertical components of reaction on the beam

caused by the pin at B and the rocker at A as shown in fig. Neglect the
weight of the beam.
10 A simply supported overhanging beam 20m long carries a system of loads
and a couple as shown. Determine the reactions at supports A and B
 UNIT II

BEHAVIOR OF STRUCTURES

PART – A

1 Stress is
a. External force
b. Internal resistive force
c. Axial force
d. Radial force
Answer : Option B
2 Following are the basic types of stress except
a. Tensile stress
b. Compressive stress
c. Shear stress
d. Volumetric stresses
Answer : Option D
3 Tensile strain is
a. Increase in length / original length
b. Decrease in length / original length
c. Change in volume / original volume
d. All the above
Answer : Option A
4 Hooke’s law is applicable within
a. Elastic limit
b. Plastic limit
c. Fracture point
d. Ultimate strength
Answer : Option A
5 Modulus of rigidity is
a. Tensile stress/ Tensile strain
b. Shear stress/shear strain
c. Tensile stress/shear strain
d. Normal stress / shear strain
Answer : Option B
6 Bulk modulus of elasticity is
a. Tensile stress/ Tensile strain
b. Shear stress / shear strain
c. Tensile stress / shear strain
d. Normal stress on each face of cube / volumetric stress
Answer : Option D
7 Poisson’s ratio is
a. Lateral strain / longitudinal strain
b. Shear strain / lateral strain
c. Longitudinal strain / lateral strain
d. Lateral strain / volumetric strain
Answer : Option A
8 A load of 1 KN acts on a bar having cross – sectional area 0.8 cm2 and length
10 cm. The stress developed in the bar is
a. 12.5 N/mm2
b. 25 N/mm2
c. 50 N/mm2
d. 75 N/mm2
Answer : Option A
9 Unit of strain
a. cm / cm
b. m / m
c. N / cm2
d. No unit
Answer : Option D
10 The increase in the length of a bar of length ‘l’ and area ‘A’, modulus of
elasticity ‘E’ due to a tensile load P is given by
a. PL / A2E
b. PL / AE
c. PLA/E
d. AE/PL
Answer : Option C
11 A rigid body has Poisson’s ratio equal to
a. 0
b. 1
c. Less than 1
d. Greater than 1
Answer : Option A
12 A beam is a structural member which is subjected to
a. Axial tension or compression
b. Transverse loads and couples
c. Twisting moment
d. No load, but its axis should be horizontal and x – section rectangular or
circular
Answer : Option A
13 In the figure, the reaction at support A will be

a. 6 KN
b. 2 KN
c. 4 KN
d. None of these
Answer : Option C
14 The maximum BM will be at ____________ in the figure above
a. Support A
b. Support B
c. Centre of beam
d. Under the load
Answer : Option D
15 Which of the following is not a static load
a. Live load
b. Settlement load
c. Thermal load
d. Wind load
Answer : Option D
16 Which stress, strain curve is more sleep
a. For a disctile material
b. For a brittle material
c. For a pure metal
d. None
Answer : Option B
17 Breaking stress is
a. Greater than the ultimate stress
b. Less than the ultimate stress
c. Equal to the ultimate stress
d. None
Answer :Option A
18 The region in the stress – strain curve extending from origin to proportional
limit is called
a. Plastic range
b. Elastic range
c. Semi plastic range
d. Semi elastic range
Answer : Option B
19 The shear force at a point on a beam is the algebraic __________ of all the
forces on either side of the point
a. Sum
b. Difference
Answer : Option A
20 The shear force of a simply supported beam carrying a central point load
changes sign at its midpoint.
a. True
b. False
Answer : Option A
 PART B

1. Define shear force.

2. Differentiate between stress and strain
3. An elastic rod 25mm in diameter, 200mm long extends by 0.25mm under
a tensile load of 40 KN. Find the intensity of stress, strain and the elastic
modulus for the material of the rod.
4. A vehicle weighing 150 KN is slowly pulled up a smooth 30⁰ plane by a
25mm diameter cable. Find the tensile stresses in the cable.
5. Show the stress – strain graph of mild steel with all relevant points.
6. What do you mean by modulus of rigidity?
7. What is lateral strain and how’s poisson’s ratio is related to it?
8. A straight bar of steel rectangular in section is 3m long and is of uniform
thickness 15mm. the width of the rod varies uniformly from 100mm at
one end to 40 mm at the other. If the rod is subjected to an axial tensile
load dof 30 KN. Find the extension of the rod.
Es=2 * 105N/mm2
9. A steel rod is 2.25 long and must not stretch more than 1.5 mm when a
tensile load of 12 KN is applied to it. Find the smallest diameter for the
rod to be used
10. What do mean by bending moment?
11. Find the elongation caused by a tensile force of 33364N in a steel member
3658 mm long having a cross – sectional area of 506.5 mm2 E= 2*105
N/mm2?
12. Differentiate between static loads and dynamic loads.
13. What do you mean by analysis of a structure?
14. What do you mean by serviceability of structures?
15. How can we find out the reactive forces in a structure?
16. Define the term ultimate strength design.

PART C

1. Explain the different processes involved in modelling of structures?

2. Explain the different types of loads acting on a structure?
3. Draw the shear force and bending moment of the figure below.

4. Draw shear force and bending moment diagram for the cantilena beam shown
below
5. Draw shear force and bending moment diagram for the beam shown
below.

6. Draw shear force and bending moment diagram for the beam shown
below

7. Draw shear force and bending moment diagram for the beam shown
below

8.
9.

10. Determine the reactions for Beam D. Assume that the average dead plus
live load on the structure shown below is 60 lbs / ft2
 UNIT 3

TRUSSES

PART – A

1. Which axial force is determined while analysing a truss?

a. Compressive force
b. Tensile force
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above
Answer : Option C
2. Which of the following philosophies are related to design of reinforced
concrete structures?
a. Working stress method
b. Ultimate load method
c. Limit state method
d. Allowable stress design
Answer : Option C
3. Which of the following factors are checked under serviceability limit state?
a. Deflection
b. Cracking
c. Stability
d. All of the above
Answer : Option A
4. In limit state approach spacing of main reinforcement controls primarily
a. Collapse
b. Cracking
c. Deflection
d. Durability
Answer : Option C
5. Identify the truss

a. King post
b. Queen post
c. Howe truss
d. Fink truss
Answer : Option A
6. A fixed beam is
a. Determinate structure
b. Indeterminate structure
c. Un – stable
d. None of the above
Answer : Option A
7. Simplest form of a perfect frame is
a. Rectangle
b. Square
c. Triangle
d. Pentagon
Answer : Option C
8. Truss members are connected at their extremities only
a. True
b. False
Answer : Option A
9. The loads are applied on the ___________ of the trusses
a. Members
b. Joints
c. Extremities
d. None of the above
Answer : Option B
10. Trusses take load by
a. Bending
b. Buckling
c. Sliding
d. None of the above
Answer : Option A
11. The type of truss shown below is

a. Warren
b. Fink
c. Howe
d. Pratt
Answer : Option A
12. The type of truss shown below is

a. Pratt truss
b. Fink
c. Warren
d. None of the above
Answer: Option A
13. Which of the following type of shape is more stable
a. Rectangle
b. Triangle
c. Circular
d. Rhombus
Answer : Option B
14. The partial safety factor for dead load and live load in limit state design is
a. 1.5
b. 1
c. 0.75
d. 2
Answer : Option A
15. The acceptable limit for the safety and serviceability requirements before
failure occurs is called a
a. Ultimate state
b. Limit state
c. Working state
d. Fatigue state
Answer : Option B
16. The limit state of serviceability include
a. Deformations and deflections
b. Corrosion and durability
c. Blast loads
d. Both a & c
Answer : Option A
17. The design strength in limit state is obtained by sd,
a. sd = su / rm
b. sd = rm / su
c. sd=0.5rmsu
d. None of the above
Answer : Option A
18. The deflection limit for pusleri under live load for industrial building is
a. Span / 150
b. Span / 240
c. Span / 120
d. Span / 1000
Answer : Option A
19. The angles formed by the diagonals of a trusses with the horizontal typically
ranges from
a. 0 to 30⁰
b. 0 to 45⁰
c. 45⁰ to 90⁰
d. 30⁰ to 60⁰
Answer : Option B
20. Under the cohat type of load buckling of members happen?
a. Tension
b. Compression
c. Twisting
d. None of the above
Answer : Option B
 PART – B

1. Define limit state of design.

2. Differentiate between limit state of design and working stress method.
3. What do you mean by limit state of serviceability?
4. What are the factors coming under limit state of serviceability?
5. What do you mean by method of joints?
6. What are the steps involved in design of trusses using method of sections?
7. What are the steps involved in design of trusses using method of sections?
8. What are the factors to be considered in governing the ultimate strength in
limit state of design?
9. How can you calculate the design strength of a structure?
10. What are the objectives of design of trusses?
11. Explain furicularly shaped trusses.
12. Explain parallel chord trusses.
13. Draw the shape of the following trusses
1. Pratt truss
2. Howe truss
3. King post truss
14. What are the factors involved in the durability of structures?
15. Explain limit state of strength.

PART – C

Explain the types involved in the analysis of trusses by method of joints and
methods of sections.
Explain about limit state of design by considering the different factors
involved in it.
Explain the different steps involved in the design of structures.
Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss
shown

Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss
shown
 UNIT IV

BEAMS, COLUMNS & FOUNDATIONS

PART – A

1. Tensile and compressive stresses in a beam of symmetrical section are

a. σt= σc
b. σt>σc
c. σt<σc
d. none
Answer : Option A
2. Tensile and compressive stresses in a beam of un – symmetrical section are
a. σt= σc
b. σt= 0
c. σc= 0
d. None
Answer : Option D
3. Bending stresses in a beam are maximum at the
a. Centeroidal axis
b. Extreme fibres
c. Geometric axis
d. None
Answer : Option B
4. Shear stress in a beam is maximum at the
a. Centeroidal axis
b. Extreme fibres
c. Geometric axis
d. None
Answer : Option A
5. Bending stresses in a beam is zero at the
a. Centeroidal axis
b. Extreme fibres
c. Geometric axis
d. None
Answer : Option A
6. Bhear stress in a beam is zero at the
a. Centeroidal axis
b. Extreme fibres
c. Geometric axis
d. None
Answer : Option B
7. Beam is designed on the basis of
a. Shear force
b. Bending moment
c. Shear force as well as bending moment
d. None
Answer : Option C
8. A column that fails due to direct stress is called
a. Short column
b. Long column
c. Medium column
d. Slender column
Answer : Option A
9. The ratio of effective length and least lateral dimension for short column is
a. >12
b. <12
c. ≥12
d. None
Answer : Option B
10. Slenderness ratio is the ratio of effective length of column and
a. Lateral dimension of a column
b. Least radius of gyration of a column
c. Maximum radius of gyration of a column.
d. None
Answer : Option B
11. The direct stress included in a long column is ___________________ as
compared to bending stress
a. More
b. Less
c. Same
d. Negligible
Answer : Option B
12. The critical buckling stress of a column is fcr=
a. Π2E / (L / r)2
b. Π2E / 2(L / r)2
c. 2Π2E / (L / r)2
d. Π2E / (Lr)2
Answer : Option A
13. The critical buckling load of column when both ends are pinned
a. P=2 Π2EI / L2
b. P = Π2EI / L2
c. P=3 Π2EI / 4L2
d. None
Answer : Option B
14. Critical buckling load P of a column when both ends are fixed
a. 4Π2EI / L2
b. Π2EI / 4L2
c. 2Π2EI / L2
d. None
Answer : Option A
15. Critical buckling load P of a column when one end pinned and other end
fixed
a. 2 Π2EL2 / I
b. 4 Π2EI / L2
c. 2 Π2EI / L2
d. None
Answer : Option C
16. Critical buckling load P of a column when one end free and other end fixed
a. Π2EI / 2L2
b. 1 / 4 * Π2EI / L2
c. 4 Π2EI / L2
d. None
Answer : Option B
17. Bracings are provided in columns to
a. To taking the bending stresses
b. To reduce column length
c. To increase load – carrying capacity
d. Both b & c
e. None
Answer : Option D
18. Torsion is developed in a member due to application of
a. Force
b. Torque
c. Bending moment
d. None
Answer : Option A
19. The maximum deflection of a cantilever beam with concentrated load at free
end
a. PL3 / 3EI
b. PL4/ 3EI
c. PL3/8EI
d. PL4/8EI
Answer : Option A
20. The maximum deflection of a simply supported beam under uniformly
distributed load
a. 5WL4 / 384EI
b. WL4 / 8EI
c. WL4 / 3EI
d. None
Answer : Option A
 PART – B

1. What is the purpose for providing beams in a building?

2. What is slenderness ratio?
3. Differentiate between short and long column.
4. What do you mean by lateral buckling of beams?
5. Define bending stress in beam. Write the equation for bending stress.
6. What do you mean by bending moment?
7. Differentiate between shearing stresses and bearing stresses.
8. What is torsion? What causes torsion?
9. What do you mean by the principal stresses in a beam?
10. What is finite element analysis?
11. What is the role of ‘stiffness’ in the design of beams?
12. What do you mean by the phenomenon ‘buckling of columns’?
13. Define eccentric loading.
14. What is the use of bracing in columns?
15. Define the term ‘critical buckling stress’.

PART – C

1. A simply supported beam carries a concentrated load of ‘P’ at midspan.

Assume that the dimensions of the beam as follows.
B=127 mm, h=254 mm and L= 3.048 m.
Assume also that P=4000 lb. if the allowable stress in bending for the specific
type of timber used Fb=10.34 MPa, is the beam adequately sized with respect
to bending? Note that the maximum bending moment developed for the
loading condition described is M=PL/4 Use the fb =MC/I expression directly
for a rectangular beam instead of fb=M/(bh2/6). Note that c=h/2 for a
rectangular beam and I = bh3/12.
2. A cantilever beam that is rectangular in cross section and of length ‘L’ carries
a concentrated load of P at its free end. Determine the maximum bending
stress that is present in the member. Assume that the dimensions of the beam
are as follows b=101.6mm, h=152.4mm L=2.45m P=222.5.
3. A simply supported beam spans 25ft and carries a uniform loading of w=600
lbl ft. A maximum bending moment of M = wl2/8 is developed in mid span.
Three beams of equal cross – sectional area, but different shapes are
considered for use. Which beam has the lowest maximum bending stress.
4. A simply supported rectangular timer beam 12 ft long carries a concentrated
load of 4000 lb at midspan. What is the required depth of the member if the
width b is 2 in ? If b = 4 in. (Assume FB=1600 lb/in2) in metres?
5. A simply supported floor beam that is 20 ft (6.1m) long carries a uniformly
distributed live load of 200 lb/ft (2920 N/M). the beam has a rectangular
cross section with dimensions b=8 in(203.2mm) and d=16in.(406.4mm). The
modulus of elasticity of the timber E=1.6*106lb/in2 (11,032 N/mm2). Assume
that the beam is initially cambered upward so that it is level under dead loads.
What is the maximum live – load deflection at midspan, and is it excessive?
6. Explain the general theory of various stresses in a beam.
7. Explain the various procedures in the design of beams.
8. Determine the critical buckling load for a 50.8mm * 50.8 mm steel column
that is 180 in long and pin – ended. Assume that E=2*105 N/mm2.
9. Explain the various procedure in the analysis of columns.
10. Explain the general principle in the design of compression members.
 UNIT V

CABLES & ARCHES

PART – A

1. Force developed in cable is

a. Tension
b. Compression
c. Deflection
d. Shear
2. cable structures are
a. Flexible
b. Rigid
c. Stiff
d. None
3. Sag in cable structure is ________________
a. Downward curve
b. Tension produced
c. Upward curve
d. None
4. What type of forces are developed in a cable?
a. Downward force
b. Upward force
c. Compression force
d. Tension force
5. What types of forces are developed in an arch?
a. Downward force
b. Upward force
c. Compression force
d. Tension force
6. A cable of constant cross section carrying only its own dead weight naturally
deforms into a ________________ shape.
a. Catenary
b. Parabolic
c. Straight line
d. Rectangular
7. A cable carrying a load that is uniformly distributed along the horizontal
projection of the cable will deform into a
a. Catenary
b. Parabolic
c. Straight line
d. Rectangular shape
8. A cable structure is an example of
a. Rigid
b. Flexible
c. Semi – rigid
d. None
9. The natural frequency of a suspended cable is fn=
a. (nπ/L)√T/(w/g)
b. (nπL)(√T/(w/g)
c. πL(√wg/T)
d. πL(√T/wg)
10. Due to suction forces the cables begin to
a. Sink
b. Rise
c. Slide
d. Vibrate
11. The frequency of vibration is
a. 1 / period of vibration
b. 2 / period of vibration
c. Force / Area of cable
d. 2 * Period of vibration
12. The term furnicular is desired from latin word meaning
a. Rope
b. Parabola
c. Arch
d. None
13. Longest suspension bridge in the world
a. Verrazano – narrows bridge
b. Kobe bridge
c. Pavilion bridge
d. Akashi kaikyo bridge
14. The horizontal component of the force in a uniformly loaded level ended
cable is TA =
a. Wl3/ 8hmax
b. Wl4/8hmax
c. Wl2/8hmax
d. Wl/8hmax
15. A strut is a
a. Compression member
b. Horizontal member
c. Suspended member
d. None
16. Force developed in arch is
a. Tension
b. Compression
c. Shear
d. Deflection
17. A tie rod is a
a. Compression member
b. Tension member
c. Suspended member
d. Vertical member
18. The interior layer of arches is known as
a. Crown
b. Pier
c. Soffit
d. Intrados
19. The bottom most surface of an arch is known as
a. Crown
b. Pier
c. Soffit
d. Intrados

PART – B

1. Differentiate between arches & cables.

2. Define cable structures.
3. What is called funicular structures?
4. What do you mean by suspended bridge?
5. What is called frequency of vibration?
6. What is resonance?
7. What are the classification of suspension structures?
8. Name the supporting elements used in cables.
9. What is known as ‘sag’ in cable structures?
10. What is double – cable systems?
11. What is funicular arches?
12. Name the supporting elements used in Arches.
13. What is called three hinged arch?
14. What is called two hinged arch?
15. What is ‘Period of vibration’?

PART – C

1. Explain in detail the difference between cable structures and Arch structures.
2. Explain the different types of cable structures.
3. Illustrate and explain the different types of arch structures.
4. Explain in detail about suspension bridges and its failure.
5. Compare fixed two – hinged arch with fixed three hinged arch
6. Explain the process of design of arches.
7. Explain the process of design of cables.
8. Illustrate and explain in detail about cable stayed structures.
9. How wind is affected in cable structures?
10. Explain the analysis steps followed in cable structures.