This set of Structural Analysis Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Method of Joints”.
1. How many equilibrium equations do we need to solve generally on each joint of a truss?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
View Answer
Explanation: Summation of forces in x and y direction should be equated to 0. Since there is no bending moments in trusses, we don’t need to solve the third equation.
2. If a member of a truss is in compression, then what will be the direction of force that it will apply to the joints?
a) Outward
b) Inward
c) Depends on case
d) No force will be there
View Answer
Explanation: Member will apply outward force. Joint will in turn apply inward force resulting in compression of the member.
3. If a member of a truss is in tension, then what will be the direction of force that it will apply to the joints?
a) Outward
b) Inward
c) Depends on case
d) No force will be there
View Answer
Explanation: Member will apply inward force. Joint will in turn apply outward force resulting in compression of the member.
4. What should be ideally the first step to approach to a problem using method of joints?
a) Draw fbd of each joint
b) Draw fbd of overall truss
c) Identify zero force members
d) Determine external reaction forces
View Answer
Explanation: Identifying zero force members should always be the first step to approach any truss problem as it eliminate a lot of variables and is fairly easy.
5. What should be the angle (in degrees) in the given system (part of a bigger system) if both of the members have to be a zero force member?
a) 22.5
b) 45
c) 67.5
d) 90
View Answer
Explanation: 90o would mean that without any external force, each one would carry no force to satisfy equations of equilibrium.
6. In the below figure, force is applied at joint c and its magnitude is 10N with downward direction. Which of the following are 0 force members?
a) FG, HI, HJ
b) HI, HJ, AE
c) HI, HJ, HE
d) HI, HJ, FH
View Answer
Explanation: FH, HE and AE are non-zero force member as there are directly transmitting load from the external support. So, by option elimination we can say that the answer is (a).
7. In the below figure, force is applied at joint c and its magnitude is 10N with downward direction. What will be the magnitude of force (in N) transmitted by FI?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
View Answer
Explanation: GF is a zero force member as stated in earlier question. Now, in joint F, BF and FH are in a line. This means that the only remaining member FI which is not in line will transmit zero force.
8. In the below figure, force is applied at joint c and its magnitude is 10N with downward direction. What will the magnitude of force (in N) transmitted by IC?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
View Answer
Explanation: IH is a zero member force as is FI. So, IC too will be zero force members.
9. What is the total no. of zero force members in the below-given system?
a) 7
b) 8
c) 9
d) 10
View Answer
Explanation: Following are the zero force members based on the logic explained above: – GF, HI, HJ, ED, FI, IC, CH, JE and JC.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Structural Analysis.
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