NOVEMBER 2020

1. Differentiate short column and long column.

Short column Long column

If the ratio of efficient length to its least If the ratio of the efficient length of the
lateral dimension is lower than or equal columns to its least lateral dimension
to 12, it is called short columns. is larger than 12, it’s called a long
columns.
The effective length of the least radius The effective length of the least radius
of the gyration ratio is less than or equal of the gyration ratio is greater than 40.
to 40.
Bucking tendency is very low. Long and cylinder columns buckle
easily.
The tendency to crush is very high. It has a very low crushing tendency.
The load-carrying capacity is higher A long column has a lower load-
than the longer columns of the same carrying capacity than shorter columns
cross-sectional area. of the same cross-sectional area.
The failure of small columns is due to All long columns fail due to their
their buckling. buckling.
It has a higher radius of gyration. It has a lower radius of coupling.
Due to its lower height, its load Its load carrying capacity is low due to
carrying capacity is higher. its high altitude.
They are subject to compressive They are subject to buckling stresses.
stresses.
Its slenderness ratio is less than 45. Its slenderness ratio is over 45.
Smaller columns have a larger lateral Long columns have a smaller lateral
dimension than its height. dimension than its height.
Shorter columns are stronger than a A longer columns is weaker than a
long columns and it is much better. shorter columns, generally is not
preferred.

2. Define angle of repose.

If the natural soil is left unsupported for a long time, it will weather down until it attains
a permanent slope with the horizontal and this angle is known as angle of repose and
generally represented by ‘ϕ’.

3. Write down the advantages of a fixed beam.

a. For the same loading, the maximum deflection of a fixed beam is less than that of a
simply supported beam.

b. For the same loading, the fixed beam is subjected to lesser maximum bending
moment.

c. The slope at both ends of a fixed beam is zero.

d. The beam is more stable and stronger.

4. Define the term Mohr’s theorem I.

The angle in radius between the tangents to the elastic curve at two points on a straight
member under bending is equal to the area of bending moment diagram between these
points divided by the flexural rigidity.

5. Define carry over factors in moment distribution method.

It is the ratio of moment transferred to the far end and the moment applied to the other
end of the beam.

APRIL 2020
6. When a column is said to be long column.

If the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension is greater
than 12 then it is called a long column.

7. State the relation between slenderness ratio and least radius of gyration.

Slenderness ratio is the ratio of the length of a column and the least radius of gyration of
its cross-section.

γ=

8. Specify the dimensions of the core of circular base of diameter ‘d’.

9. Define stiffness of a structural beam.

In structural engineering, beam stiffness is a beam's ability to resist deflection, or

bending, when a bending moment is applied.

10. Specify the condition and effect of carry over moment.

Carry over moment is defined as the moment induced at the fixed end of a beam by the
action of a moment applied at the other end which is hinged.
  Beam with one end fixed and the other freely supported

MA = θA

 Beam with both ends simply supported

MA = θA

OCTOBER 2019
11. Define slenderness ratio of a column.

Slenderness ratio is the ratio of the length of a column and the least radius of gyration of
its cross-section.

γ=

12. Show the limit of eccentricity of a rectangular column section width B and thickness
D.

13. Show the elastic curve of a fixed beam due to external loading.

14. Reproduce the equations for slope and deflection for a simply supported beam with
central point load.

Slope; θA = Maximum deflection; yat center =

15. Define distribution factor for a member in moment distribution method.

It is the ratio of stiffness of one member of a structure to the total stiffness of all the
members of the structure.

Distribution factor =

APRIL 2019
16. Define buckling load.

Buckling is a sudden lateral failure of an axially loaded member in compression, under a

load value less than the compressive load-carrying capacity of that member. The axial
compressive load corresponding to this mode of failure is referred to as critical buckling
load.

17. Name the two methods of determining the force in a perfect frame.

(a) Method of resolution at joints (b) Method of sections

18. Distinguish clearly direct stress and bending stress.

Direct tensile and compressive stress is set up due to load applied parallel to the length of
the object and direct shear stress is set up in the section which is parallel to the line of
action of the shear load. But bending stress is set up due to load at right angles to the
length of the object subjected to bending.

In case of direct stress nature and intensity of stress is the same at any layer in the section
of the object subjected to direct stress but in case of bending stress nature of stress is
opposite on opposite sides of the neutral axis and intensity of stress is different at
different layers of the section of the object subjected to bending. In case of direct stress
intensity of stress is the same in a section taken through any point of the object. But in
case of bending stress intensity of stress is different at the same layer of the section taken
through different points of the object.

19. State Mohr’s theorem II.

The deflection at any point relative to another point on a beam subjected to bending is
equal to the first moment of area of the bending moment diagram between these points
divided by the flexural rigidity EI.

20. Define stiffness factor and carry over factor.

When a structural member of uniform section is subjected to a moment at one end only,
then the moment required to produce unit rotation of that end without translation is called
stiffness factor.
 Carry over factor is defined as the ratio of moment induced at the fixed end of a beam to
the moment applied at the other end which is hinged.

OCTOBER 2018
21. Define slenderness ratio of a column.

Slenderness ratio is the ratio of the length of a column and the least radius of gyration of
its cross-section.

γ=

22. Show the core area of rectangular and circular sections.

23. Define a fixed beam.

It is supported at both ends and fixed to resist rotation. It is also called a built-in beam.
The fixed ends produce moments other than the reactions.

24. Define elastic curve of a loaded beam.

The elastic curve of a beam is the axis of a deflected beam.

25. Define carry over factor in moment distribution method.

Carry over factor is defined as the ratio of moment induced at the fixed end of a beam to
the moment applied at the other end which is hinged.

APRIL 2018
26. Define the terms strut, column.
 A structural member, subjected to an axial compressive force, is called a strut. As per
definition, a strut may be horizontal, inclined or even vertical. But a vertical strut, used in
buildings or frames, is called a column.

27. What is meant by a perfect frame?

A perfect frame is that, which is made up of members just sufficient to keep it in

equilibrium when loaded without any change in its shape. The simplest perfect frame is a
triangle, which contains three members and three joints as shown in Fig.

The no of members in a perfect frame may also be expressed by the relation. n = (2j - 3)

28. What is meant by eccentricity?

The distance between the line of action of load from the centre of gravity of the member
is known as eccentricity.

29. State Mohr’s theorem I.

The angle in radius between the tangents to the elastic curve at two points on a straight
member under bending is equal to the area of bending moment diagram between these
points divided by the flexural rigidity.

30. State the Clapeyron’s theorem of three moments.

OCTOBER 2017
31. Define effective length of column.

Structurally effective length of column is defined as height between the points of contra-
flexure of the buckled column i.e. between two floors basically.

32. Define slenderness ratio.

Slenderness ratio is the ratio of the length of a column and the least radius of gyration of
its cross-section.

γ=
33. Define core of a section.

The zone in which no tension develops in the base, where the line of action of load lies is
called core or kernel of the section.

34. List the factors affecting deflection of beam.

(a) Load (b) span (c) cross sectional dimensions (d) young’s modulus of elasticity
(e) support conditions.

35. Define stiffness of a structural member.

In structural engineering, beam stiffness is a beam's ability to resist deflection, or

bending, when a bending moment is applied.

APRIL 2017
36. Define the terms column and strut.

A structural member, subjected to an axial compressive force, is called a strut. As per

definition, a strut may be horizontal, inclined or even vertical. But a vertical strut, used in
buildings or frames, is called a column.

37. Define the core of section applicable to eccentric columns.

The zone in which no tension develops in the base, where the line of action of load lies is
called core or kernel of the section.

38. Define angle of repose of soil.

If the natural soil is left unsupported for a long time, it will weather down until it attains
a permanent slope with the horizontal and this angle is known as angle of repose and
generally represented by ‘ϕ’.

39. List the criteria for design of beams.

Strength criteria: in this the beam is designed to resist the bending and shear stresses
developed in the beam. This is ensured by choosing the cross section such that the
maximum bending and shear stresses developed are within permissible limits.

Stiffness criteria: In this the beam should be stiff enough to resist deflections. A beam is
said to possess adequate stiffness when the deflection produced is within certain
permissible limits expressed in relation to the span of the beam.

40. Define a rigid joint in structure.

These are the joints which are capable of transferring axial forces as well as moment. For
example: Joints provided in the roof slabs.