250+ TOP MCQs on Sections Method Numericals and Answers

Structural Analysis Multiple Choice Questions on “Sections Method Numericals”.

1. Method of the section for determinate truss analysis is time effective.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Method of the section does not require the calculation of forces in the member prior to it. To compute force in any member, we cut the section and establish equilibrium conditions and hence it is time effective method.

2. To find the forces in the vertical member, preferable equilibrium equations are __________
a) ∑H = 0 & ∑M =0
b) ∑H = 0 & ∑V = 0
c) ∑H = 0, ∑V = 0 & ∑M = 0
d) ∑V = 0 & ∑M = 0
Answer: d
Clarification: Vertical unknowns at a particular selection should be preferably solved for ∑V = 0 first and later for ∑M = 0. Vertical Member does not have possesses any horizontal component of the forces hence ∑H = 0 is irrelevant to the context.

3. What is the force in member CG?

a) 0
b) W
c) W/2
d) W/√2
Answer: d
Clarification: ∑V = 0 & ∑M = 0
W/2 = FCG SIN 45°
FCG = W/√2.

4. What is the force in member CD?

a) 0
b) W (Compressive)
c) W (Tensile)
d) W/2 (Compressive)
Answer: b
Clarification: ∑MG = 0
FCD X L + (W/2) X 2L = 0

FCD = W (Compressive).

5. What is the force in member FG?

a) 0
b) W/2 (Tension)
c) W/2 (Compression)
d) W (Compressive)
Answer: b
Clarification: ∑MC = 0
FFG X L + (W/2) X L = 0
FFG = W/2.

6. What is the force in member EH?

a) 0
b) W ( Compressive)
c) W ( Tension )
d) W/2 (Compressive)
Answer: a
Clarification: ∑MB = 0
FHE X L = 0
FHE = 0.

7. Find the Force in member DG.

a) W (Tensile)
b) W (Compressive)
c) 0
d) W/2 (Compressive)
Answer: b
Clarification: ∑V = 0
W + FDG = 0
FDG = W (Compressive).

8. Method of the section can always be used to calculate the force in any members.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Method of the section has its own limitation. It cannot be used to compute the force of the member attached to a joint where already forces in more than one member is unknown.

9. Methods of Section can be used to evaluate which of the following truss?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Answer: a
Clarification: Truss A is externally and internally determinate and thus it can be evaluated by Method of Section. But Truss B and C are internally indeterminate, Truss D is externally indeterminate and Hence truss B, C, and D cannot be evaluated by Method of Section.