(SEM V) THEORY EXAMINATION 2020-21 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

SECTION A (Any 2 Questions Explained Briefly)
 

What do you understand by strain energy?
Strain energy is the energy stored in a structure due to deformation caused by applied loads. When a member is loaded within elastic limit, the work done by external forces is stored as strain energy, which is later used in deflection and displacement calculations.
 

Define conjugate beam method.
The conjugate beam method is a technique used to determine slopes and deflections of beams. In this method, an imaginary beam called the conjugate beam is formed, and bending moment in the conjugate beam corresponds to slope and deflection in the actual beam.
 

SECTION B (Any 2 Questions Explained)
 

Write the procedure to find forces in a truss by tension coefficient method.
In the tension coefficient method, tension coefficients are assumed for truss members. Using joint equilibrium conditions, equations are written in terms of these coefficients. Solving the equations gives member forces, where positive values indicate tension and negative values indicate compression. This method is especially useful for space and plane trusses.
 

How will you determine which members of a truss do not carry forces?
Zero-force members are identified using joint equilibrium conditions. If at a joint only two non-collinear members meet without any external load or support reaction, both members carry zero force. If three members meet and two are collinear with no external load, the third member is a zero-force member.
 

SECTION C (Any 2 Questions Explained)
 

Explain Maxwell’s unit load method for deflection of truss.
Maxwell’s unit load method is used to calculate deflection at a specific point in a truss. A unit load is applied at the point and in the direction of required deflection. Member forces due to actual load and unit load are calculated, and deflection is obtained by summing the products of these forces divided by axial rigidity.
 

Explain arch action and define three-hinged arch.
Arch action refers to the transfer of loads mainly through compressive forces along the curve of the arch. A three-hinged arch has hinges at both supports and one at the crown. The presence of the third hinge makes the arch statically determinate and reduces bending moments.
 

Most Questions in This PDF Are Related To
 

Most questions in the Structural Analysis (KCE-502) paper are related to determinate and indeterminate structures, truss analysis methods (method of joints, tension coefficient), strain energy methods, Castigliano’s theorem, conjugate beam method, influence lines, arches, cables, moving loads, Maxwell’s unit load method, and Muller-Breslau principle. The paper mainly focuses on analysis of forces, deflections, and structural behavior under loads.