Civil Engineering Test Assignment

Topic: Fundamentals of Environmental Science- The Soil Resource

There are two parts of the test assignment; first: MCQs and second: Essay

Part 1: MCQs

Please provide the correct option with appropriate explanation:

1. A rectangular bar of width b and height h is being used as a cantilever. The loading is in a plane
parallel to the side b. The section modulus is

A. B.

C. D. none of these.

Answer is option C

Clarification:

a) Section modulus = I/y(max)

At this point the load is parallel to b (width) consequently,
I = (b3h)/12.
As y = b/2
Therefore z = (b2h)/6
b) Section Modulus = I/Y (is max)
Moment of inertia (I) = (db3)/12 = (hb3)/12
For this equation b is the width, depth d=h.
While y = b/2
 Z = ((hb3)/12)/ (b/2)
Z = (hb2)/6

2. The ratio of strengths of solid to hollow shafts, both having outside diameter D and hollow having
inside diameter D/2, in torsion, is

A. ¼ B. ½
C. 1/16 D. 15/16
E. 3/8

Option D is the answer

Clarification
I. The solid shaft strength in torsion is given by
Solid shaft (T) = (π/16) x (max stress) x (D3)
Hollow shaft (T) = (π/16) x (max stress) x (D4-d4)/D
When solving we can get 15/16
II. The maximum stress = Tymax/Ip; where Ip = polar moment of inertia.
ymax = D/2
Max stress (solid) = 16T/πD3
D
32T ( )
Max stress (hollow) = 2
π (D 4−d 4)
Substituting d = D/2
The ratio obtained is 15/16.

3. For a simply supported beam with a central load, the bending moment is

A. least at the centre

B. least at the supports
C. maximum at the supports
D. maximum at the centre.
Option D is the answer
Reason: In basically supported beam both ends have zero bending moment and it has maximum
bending moment at Centre.

4. The force in member U2L2 of the truss shown in below figure, is 

A. 10 T tension
B. 10 T compression
C. Zero
D. 15 T compression.
Option B is the answer.
Reason: Force acting in the direction of the joint in a tress will exercise compressive force.
Surrounded by the section, forces acting vertically are 10 T at U2, Force of U2L2 at U2, 10 T at
last end and 10 T from reinforcement. Assuming force of U2L2 downward.

Now take summation V = 0.

10 + F + 10 -10= 0 ⇒ F =10T towards the joint, therefore, it is compressive force. it is

10T compression.