STRENGTH OF MTERIAL:CIVIL

[1] BASIC: LOAD ANS ITS EFFECT

Q. 1)

In a pre-stressed concrete beam section shown in the figure, the net loss is 10% and the
final pre stressing force applied at X is 750 KN. The initial fibre stresses (in N/mm2) at
the top and bottom of the beam were:

(A) 4.166 and 20.833

(C) 4.166 and 20.833
Answer: (D)

(B) 4.166 and 20.833

(D) 4.166 and 20.833
GATE 2015 SET 2

Q-2)

Q-3)

Q-4)

Q-5)

For the cantilever bracket, PORS, loaded as shown in the adjoining figure (PQ=RS=L, and
QR=2L), which of the following statement is FALSE?

a) The portion RS has a constant twisting moment with a value of 2WL.

b) The portion QR has a varying twisting moment with a maximum value of WL.
c) The portion PQ has a varying bending moment with a maximum value of WL.
d) The portion PQ has no twisting moment
[GATE-2011(CE)]
The symmetry of stress tensor at a point in the body under equilibrium is obtained from
a) Conservation of mass
b) Force equilibrium equations
c) Moment equilibrium equations
d) Conservation of energy
[GATE-2005(CE)]
The components of strain tensor at a point in the plane strain case can be obtained by measuring
longitudinal strain in following directions
a) Along any two arbitrary directions
b) Along any three arbitrary directions
c) Along two mutually orthogonal directions
d) Along any arbitrary direction
[GATE-2005(CE)]
The maximum tensile stress at the section X-X shown in the figure below is

(a) 8 p
bd

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

(b) 6 p
bd

Page 1

Q -6)

(c) 4 p

(d) 2 p

bd

bd

[GATE-2005(CE)]

A curved member with a straight vertical leg is carrying a vertical load at Z, shown in the figure.
The stress resultants in the XY segment are. Bending moment, shear force and axial force

a) bending moment and axial force only

b) bending moment and shear force only
c) axial force only
d) bending moment only
[GATE-2003(CE)]
Q-7)

For the loading given in the figure below, two statements (I and II) are made.

I. Member AB carries shear force and

II. bending moment
II. Member BC carries axial load and shear force
Which of the following is true ?
a) Statement I is true but II is false
b) Statement I is false but II is true
c) Both statements I and II are true
d) Both statements I and II are false
[GATE-2002(CE)]
Q-8)
A cantilever beam curved in plan and subjected to lateral loads will develop at any section
a) Bending moment and shearing force
b) Bearing moment and twisting moment
c) Twisting moment and shearing force
d) Bending moment, twisting moment and shearing force
[GATE-1994(CE)]
Q-9) The kernel area (core) of a solid circular section column of diameter, D, is a concentric circle of
diameter, d, equal to
(a) D/8
(b) D/6
(c) D/4
(d) D/2
[GATE-1992(CE)]
Q-10) A beams having a double cantilever attached at mid span is shown in the figure. The nature of
forces in beam ab is

a) Bending and shear

c) Pure torsion

b) Bending, shear and torsion

d) torsion and shear
[GATE-1991(CE)]

[2] ELASTIC CONSTANT AND STRAIN ENRGY

Q.1)

In a system two connected rigid bars AC and BC are of identical length, L with pin
supports at A and B. The bars are interconnected at C by a frictionless hinge. The

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 2

rotation of the hinge is restrained by a rotational spring of stiffness, k. The system

initially assumes a straight line configuration, ACB. Assuming both the bars as
weightless, the rotation at supports, A and B, due to a transverse load, P applied at C is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Answer: (A)
GATE 2015 SET 2
Q.2) Match the information related to test on aggregates given in Group-I with that in Group-II.
Group-I
Group-II
P. Resistance to impact
1. Hardness
Q. Resistance to wear
2. Strength
R. Resistance to weathering action
3. Toughness
S. Resistance to crushing
4. Soundness
(A) P-1, Q-3, R-4, S-2
(B) P-3, Q-1, R-4, S-2
(C) P-4, Q-1, R-3, S-2
(D) P-3, Q-4, R-2, S-1
Answer: (B)
GATE 2015 SET 2
Q-3) The oissons ratio is defined as
a)
Q-4)

Q-5)

Q-6)

Q-8)

Q-9)

c)

[GATE-2012(CE)]
The number of independent elastic constants for a linear elastic isotropic and homogeneous
material is
a) 4
b) 3
c) 2
d) 1
[GATE-2010(CE)]
A mild steel specimen is under uniaxial tensile stress. Youngs modulus and yield stress for mild
steel are 2 105 MPa and 250 MPa respectively. The maximum amount of strain energy per unit
volume that can be stored in this specimen without permanent set is
(a) 156 Nmm/mm3
(b) 15.6 Nmm/mm3
3
(c) 1.56 Nmm/mm
(d) 0.156 Nmm/mm3
[GATE-2008(CE)]
For an isotropic material, the relationship between the youngs modulus (E , shear modulus (G)
and poisons ratio ( is given by
E
E
a) G
b) G
2(1 )
(1 )
c) G

Q-7)

b)

E
(1 2 )

d) G

E
2(1 2 )

[GATE-2007(CE)]
U1 and U2 are the strain energies stored in a prismatic bar due to axial tensile forces P 1 and P2,
respectively. The strain energy U stored in the same bar due to combined action of P1 and P2 will
be
(a) U = U1 + U2
(b) U = U1U2
(c) U < U1 + U2
(d) U > U1 + U2
[GATE-2004(CE)]
For linear elastic systems, the type of displacement function for the strain energy is
(a) linear
(b) quadratic
(c) cubic
(d) quartic
[GATE-2003(CE)]
The shear modulus (G), modulus of elasticity (E and the oissons ratio (v of a material are
related as,
a) G E 2(1 v)
b) E G 2(1 v)
c) G E 2(1 v)

d) G E 2(v 1)
[GATE-2002(CE)]

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 3

Q-10)

The stress-strain diagram for two materials A and B is shown below:

The following statements are made based on this diagram

(I) Material A is more brittle than material B
(II) The ultimate strength of material B is more than that of A
With reference to the above statements, which of the following applies?
a) Both the statements are false
b) Both the statements are true
c) I is true but II is false
d) I is false but II is true
[GATE-2000(CE)]
Q-11)The maximum value of oissons ratio for an elastic material is
a) 0.25
b) 0.5
c) 0.75
d) 1.0
[GATE-1991(CE)]

[3] AXIAL STRESS AND THERMAL STRESS

Q.1)

A tapered circular rod of diameter varying from 20 mm to 10 mm is connected to

another uniform circular rod of diameter 10 mm as shown in the following figure. Both
bars are made of same material with the modulus of elasticity, E = 2105 MPa. When
subjected to a load P = 30p kN, the deflection at point A is ____ mm.

Q-2)

A metal bar of length 100 mm is inserted between two rigid supports and its Temperature is

GATE 2015 SET 1

increased by 10C. If the coefficient of thermal expansion is 12 10

per and the Youngs

modulus is 2 10 MPa , the stress in the bar is

a) zero
b) 12 MPa
c) 24 MPa
d) 2400 MPa
5

Q-3)

[GATE-2007(CE)]
A rigid bar is suspended by three rods made of the same material as shown in the figure. The area
and length of the central rod are 3A and L, respectively while that of the two outer rods are 2A
and 2L, respectively. If a downward force of 50kN is applied to the rigid bar, the forces in the
central and each of the outer rods will be

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 4

a) 16.67 kN each
c) 30 kN and 10 kN
Q-4)

b) 30 kN and 15 kN
d) 21.4 kN and 14.3 kN

[GATE-2007(CE)]
A bar of varying square cross-section is loaded symmetrically as shown in the figure. Loads
shown are placed on one of the axes of symmetry of cross-section. Ignoring Self weight, the
maximum tensile stress in N mm2 anywhere is

a) 16.0
c) 25.0

b) 20.0
d) 30.0

[GATE-2003(CE)]
Q-5)A cantilever beam of tubular section consists of 2 materials copper as outer cylinder And steel as
inner cylinder. It is subjected to a temperature rise of 20C and copper > steel . The stresses
developed in the tubes will be
a) Compression is steel and tension in copper
b) Tension in steel and compression in copper
c) No stress in both
d) Tension in both the materials
[GATE-1991(CE)]
Q-6)The total elongation of the structural element fixed, at one end, free at the other end, and of
varying cross-section as shown in the figure when subjected to a force p at free end is given by

a) PL AE
c) 2.5 PL AE

b) 3 PL AE
d) 2 PL AE
[GATE-1991(CE)]

Q-7)The axial movement of top surface of stepped column as shown in figure is

a)

2.5 PL AE

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

b)

3 PL AE
Page 5

c) 1.5 PL

AE

d)

2 PL AE
[GATE-1989(CE)]

[4] BENDING STRESS

Q.1)

the first moment of area about the axis of bending for a beam cross-section is
(A) Moment of inertia
(B) section modulus
(C) Shape factor
(D) polar moment of inertia
Answer: (B)
GATE 2014 SET 2
Q.2)

The values of axial stress (_) in kN/m2, bending moment (M) in KNm, and shear force (V)
in KN acting at point P for the arrangement shown in the figure are respectively

(A) 1000, 75 and 25

(C) 1500, 225 and 75
Answer: (B)

(B) 1250, 150 and 50

(D) 1750, 300 and 100

GATE 2014 SET 2

Q-3) The plane section remains plane assumption in bending theory implies:
a) Strain profile is linear
b) Stress profile is linear
c) Both strain and stress profiles are linear
d) Shear deformations are neglected
Q-4)

Q-5)

[GATE-2013(CE)]
A vertical rod PQ of length L is fixed at its top end P has a flange fixed to the bottom end Q. A
weight W is dropped vertically from a height h (< L) on to the flange. The axial stress in the rod
can be reduced by
(a) Increasing the length of the rod
(b) Decreasing the length of the rod
(c) Decreasing the area of cross-section of the rod
(d) Increasing the modulus of elastically of the material
[GATE-2008(CE)]
A beam with the cross-section given below is subjected to a positive bending moment (causing
compression at the top) of 16kN-m acting around the horizontal axis. The tensile force acting on
the hatched area of the cross-section is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 6

a) zero
c) 8.9 kN

b) 5.9 kN
d) 17.8 kN

[GATE-2006(CE)]
Q-6) The maximum bending stress induced in a steel wire of modulus of elasticity 200 kN / mm2 and
diameter 1 m is approximately equal to
a) 50 N / mm2
b)100 N / mm2
c) 200 N / mm2

d)400 N / mm2
[GATE-1992(CE)]

[5] DIRECT AND TORSIONAL SHEAR STRESS

Q.1)

Polar moment of inertia (Ip), in cm4, of a rectangular section having width, b = 2 cm and
depth, d = 6 cm is ________________
Answer: 40.00 to 40.00

GATE 2014 SET 2

Q-2) A symmetric I-section (with width of each flange = 50 mm, thickness of each flange =10 mm, depth
of web = 100 mm, and thickness of web = 10 mm) of steel is subjected to a shear force of 100 kN.
Find the magnitude of the shear stress (in N / mm2 ) in the web at its junction with the top flange
_________
[GATE-2013(CE)]
Q-3) If a small concrete cube is submerged deep in still water in such a way that the pressure exerted on
all faces of the cube is , then the maximum shear stress developed inside the cube is

Q-4)

b)

c) p

d) 2p

[GATE-2012(CE)]
A solid circular shaft of diameter d and length L is fixed at one end and free at the other end. A
torque T is applied at the free end. The shear modulus of the material is G. the angle of twist at
the fee end is
a) 16TL
d 4G
c) 64TL
d 4G

Q-5)

Q-6)

Q-7)

Q-8)

p
2

a) 0

b) 32TL
d 4G
d) 128TL
d 4G

[GATE-2010(CE)]
The point within the cross sectional plane of a beam through which the resultant of the external
on the beam has to pass through to ensure pure bending without twisting of the cross-section of
the beam is called
a) moment centre
b) centroid
c) Shear centre
d) lastic centre
[GATE-2009(CE)]
A hollow circular shaft has an outer diameter of 100 mm. and a wall thickness of 25 mm. The
allowable shear stress in the shaft is 125 MPa . The maximum torque the shaft can transmit is
a) 46 kN-m
b) 24.5 kN-m
c) 23 kN-m
d) 11.5 kN-m
[GATE-2009(CE)]
The maximum shear stresses in a solid shaft of circular cross-section having a diameter of
subjected to a torque T is . If the torque is increased by four times and
the diameter of the shaft is increased by two times, the maximum shear stress in the shaft will be
a

b)
c /
d /
[GATE-2008(CE)]
An axially loaded bar is subjected to a normal stress of 173 MPa. The shear stress in the bar is
a) 75 MPa
b) 86.5 MPa

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 7

c) 100 MPa
Q-9)

Q-10)

Q-11)

[GATE-2007(CE)]
The shear stress at the neutral axis in a beam of triangular section with a base of 40 mm and
height 20 mm, subjected to a shear force of 3 kN is
a) 3 MPa
b) 6 MPa
c) 10 MPa
d) 20 MPa
[GATE-2007(CE)]
The maximum and minimum shear stresses is a hollow circular shaft of outer diameter 20mm
and thickness 2mm, subjected to a torque of 92.7N-m will be
a) 59 MPa and 47.2 MPa
b) 100 MPa and 80 MPa
c) 118 MPa and 160 MPa
d) 200 MPa and 160 MPa
[GATE-2007(CE)]
I-section of a beam is formed by gluing wooden planks as shown in the figure below. If this beam
transmits a constant vertical shear force of 3000N, the glue at any of the four joints will be
subjected to a shear force (in kN per meter length) of

a) 3.0
c) 8.0
Q-12)

Q-13)

b) 4.0
d) 10.7

[GATE-2006(CE)]
A long shaft of diameter d is subjected to twisting moment T at its ends. The maximum normal
stress acting at its cross-section is equal to
a) zero
b) 16T
d3
c) 32T
d) 64T
3
d3
d
[GATE-2006(CE)]
A thin-walled long cylindrical Tank of inside radius r is subjected simultaneously to internal gas
pressure p and axial compressive force F at its ends. In order to produce pure shear state of
stress in the wall of the cylinder, F should be equal to
a) P r

b) 2P r

c)
Q-15)

c) 3P r
d) 4P r
[GATE-2006(CE)]
If a beam of rectangular cross-section is subjected to a vertical shear force V, the shear force
carried by the upper one-third of the cross-section is
a) zero
b) 7 v
2

Q-14)

d) 122.3 MPa

8v
27

d)

27
v
3

[GATE-2005(CE)]

A circular shaft shown in the figure is subjected to torsion T t two points A and B. the tensional
rigidity of portions CA and BD is GJ1 and that portion AB is GJ 2 . The rotations of shaft at points
A and B are 1 and 2 . The potation 1 is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 8

a)

b) TL
GJ1

TL
GJ1 GJ 2

c) TL

d)

GJ 2

Q-16)

Q-17)

TL
GJ1 GJ 2

[GATE-2005(CE)]
A circular solid shaft of spam L = 5m is fixed at one end and free at the other end. A twisting
moment T = 100 kN-m is applied at the fee end. The torsional rigidity GJ per unit angular twist is
50000kN-m2/rad. Following statements are made for this shaft:
1. The maximum rotation is 0.01 rad
2. The torsional strain energy is 1kN-m.
With reference to the above statements, which of the following applies?
a) Both statements are true
b) Statement 1 is true but 2 is false
c) Statement 2 is true but 1 is false
d) Both statements are false
[GATE-2004(CE)]
A stepped steel shaft shown below is subjected to 10 N-m torque. If the modulus of rigidity is 80
Gpa, the strain energy in the shaft in N-mm is

(a) 4.12
(c) 1.73

(b) 3.46
(d) 0.86

[GATE-2003(CE)]
In a section, shear center is a point through which, if the resultant load passes, the section will
not be subjected to any
a) Bending
b) Tension
c) Compression
d) Torsion
[GATE-1999(CE)]
Q-19) For a given shear force across a symmetrical I section the intensity of shear is maximum at the
a) Extreme fibers
b) centroid of the section
c) At the junction of the flange and the web, but on the web
d) At the junction of the flange and the web, but on the flange
[GATE-1994(CE)]
Q-20) In a linear elastic structural element
a) Stiffness is directly proportional to flexibility
b) Stiffness is inversely proportional to flexibility
c) Stiffness is equal to flexibility
d) Stiffness and flexibility are not related
[GATE-1991(CE)]
Q-18)

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 9

Q-21) For a given shear force across a symmetrical I section the intensity of shear stress is maximum at
the
a) Extreme fibres
b) Centroid of the section
c) At the junction of the flange and the web, but on the web
d) At the junction of the flange and the web, but on the flange
[GATE-1991(CE)]

[6] PRINCIPAL STRESS AND MOHR CIRCLE

Q.1)

For the plane stress situation shown in the figure, the maximum shear stress and the
plane on which it acts are

(A) 50 MPa, on a plane 45 clockwise w.r.t. x-axis

(B) 50 MPa, on a plane 45 anti-clockwise w.r.t. x-axis
(C) 50 MPa, at all orientations
(D) Zero, at all orientations
Answer: (D)
Q.2)

GATE 2015 SET 2

Two triangular wedges are glued together as shown in the following figure. The stress
acting normal to the interface, n is __________ MPa.

Answer: 0
Q.3)

GATE 2015 SET 1

For the state of stresses (in MPa) shown in the figure below, the maximum shear stress
(in MPa) is _______________

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 10

Answer: 5.0 to 5.0

GATE 2014 SET 2

Q-4) The state of 2D-stress at a point is given by the following matrix of stresses:
xx xy 100 30 MPa

xy yy 30 20
What is the magnitude of maximum shear stress in
a) 50
c) 100
Q-5)

Q-6)

Q-7)

MPa ?
b) 75
d) 110

[GATE-2013(CE)]
The major and minor principal stresses at a point are 3MPa and 3MPa respectively. The
maximum shear stress at the point is.
a) zero
b) 3 MPa
c) 6 MPa
d) 9 MPa
[GATE-2010(CE)]
Consider the following statements:
1. On a principal plane, only normal stress acts.
2. On a principal plane, both normal and shear stresses act.
3. On a principal plane, only shear stress acts.
4. Isotropic state of stress is independent of frame of reference.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 4
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 4
d) 2 and 3
[GATE-2009(CE)]
Mohrs circle for the state of stress defined by 30 0 MPa is a circle with
0

30

a) center at (0,0) and radius 30 MPa

b) center at (0,0) and radius 60 MPa
c) center at (30,0) and radius 30 MPa
d) center at (30,0) and zero radius
[GATE-2006(CE)]
Q-8)

In a two dimensional analysis, the state of stress at a point is shown below.

If = 1 0 M a and xy = 70 MPa, x and y are respectively. AB = 4

a) 26.7 MPa and 172.5 MPa

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

BC = 3 AC = 5

b) 54 MPa and 128 MPa

Page 11

c) 67.5 MPa and 213.3 MPa

Q-9)

Q-10)

Q-11)

d) 16 MPa and 138 MPa

[GATE-2004(CE)]
If principal stresses in a two dimensional case are (-) 10 MPa and 20 MPa respectively, then
maximum shear stress at the point is
a) 10 MPa
b) 15 MPa
c) 20 MPa
d) 30 MPa
[GATE-2004(CE)]
A small element at the critical section of component is in a bi-axial state of stress
With the two principal stresses being 360 MPa and 140 MPa. The maximum shear stress is
a) 220 MPa
b) 180 MPa
c) 314 MPa
d) 330 MPa
[GATE-1997(CE)]
The state of two dimensional stresses acting on a concrete lamina consists of a direct tensile
stress, x = 1.5 N / mm2 , and shear stress, = 1. 0 N / mm2 , which cause cracking of
concrete. Then the tensile strength of the concrete in N / mm2 is
a) 1.50
b) 2.08
c) 2.17
d) 2.29

[GATE-1995(CE)]
Q-12) Which of the following Mohrs circles shown below qualitative and correctly represents the state
of plane stress at a point in a beam above the neutral axis, where it is subjected to combine shear
and bending compressive stresses

a)

b)

c)

d)

[GATE-1993(CE)]
Q-13) The magnitude of the only shear stresses acting at a point plane stress situation is 7.5 N / mm .
The magnitude of the principle stresses will be:
2

a) 15.0 N / mm and 7.5N / mm

2

b) 7.5N / mm2 and 15.0 N / mm2

c) 7.5 N / mm2 and 7.5 N / mm2
d) 10.0 N / mm2 and 7.5N / mm2
[GATE-1990(CE)]

[7] COLUMN AND PRESSURE VESSEL

Q-1) Two steel columns P (length L and yield strength fy = 250MPa) and Q (length 2L and yield strength
fy = 500Mpa) have the same cross-sectionals and end-conditions. The ratio of buckling load of
column P to that of column Q is:
(a) 0.5
(b) 1.0
(c) 2.0
(d) 4.0
[GATE-2013(CE)]

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 12

Q-2)

The ratio of the theoretical critical buckling load for a column with fixed ends do that of another
column with the same dimensions and material, but with pinned ends, is equal to
(a) 0.5
(c) 2.0

Q-3)

(b) 1.0
(d) 4.0

[GATE-2012(CE)]
The sketch shows a column with a pin at base and rollers at the top. It is subjected to an axial
force P and a moment M at mid-height. The reactions (S) at R is/are

(a) a vertical force equal to P

(b) a vertical force equal to P/2
(c) a vertical force equal to P and a horizontal force equal to M/h
(d) a vertical force equal to P/2 and a horizontal force equal to M/h
Q-4)

[GATE-2012(CE)]
The effective length of a column of length L fixed against rotation and translation at one end is
(a) 0.5 L
(c) 1.414 L

Q-5)

[GATE-2010(CE)]
A thin walled cylindrical pressure vessel having a radius of 0.5 m and wall thickness of 25 mm is
subjected to an internal pressure of 700 kPa. The hoop stress developed is
a) 14MPa
c)

Q-6)

0.14MPa

b) 1.4MPa
d)

0.014MPa

[GATE-2008(CE)]
A rigid bar GH of length L is supported by a hinge and a spring of stiffness K as shown in the
figure below. The bulking load, Pcr, for the bar will be

(a) 0.5 KL
(c) 1.0 KL
Q-7)

(b) 0.7 L
(d) 2 L

(b) 0.8 KL
(d) 1.2 KL

[GATE-2008(CE)]
Cross-sectional of a column consisting of two steel strips, each of thickness t and width b is
known in the figure below, The critical loads of the column with perfect bond and without bond
between the strips are P and P0 respectively. The ratio P/P0 is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 13

(a) 2
(c) 6
Q-8)

(b) 4
(d) 8

[GATE-2008(CE)]
The buckling load P = Pcr for the column AB in figure, as KT approaches infinity, becomes
2 EI

2
L

Where is equal to
(a) 0.25
(c) 2.05
Q-9)

Q-10)

(b) 1.00
(d) 4.00

[GATE-2006(CE)]
A steel column, pinned at both ends, has a buckling load of 200 kN. If the column is restrained
against lateral movement at its mid-night, its buckling load will be
(a) 200 kN
(b) 283 kN
(c) 400 kN
(d) 800 kN
[GATE-2007(CE)]
A long structural column (length = L) with both ends hinged is acted upon by an axial
compressive load, P. The differential equation governing the bending of column is given by:

d2y
Py Where y is the structural lateral deflection and EI is the flexural rigidity.
dx 2
The first critical load on column responsible for its bucking is given by
2
(a) EI
(b) 2 2 EI
EI

L2

(c)

L2

(d)

2 EI
L2
2

4 2 EI
L2

[GATE-2003(CE)]
Q-11)

Q-12)

Pick the incorrect statement from the following four statements

a) On the plane which carries maximum normal stress, the shear stress is zero.
b) Principal planes are mutually orthogonal
c) On the plane which carries maximum shear stress, the normal stress is zero
d) The principal stress axes and principal strain axes coincide for an isotropic material
[GATE-2000(CE)]
Four column of the same material and having identical geometric properties are supported in
different ways as shown below

II

III

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

IV

Page 14

It is required to order these four beams in the increasing order of their respective first bucking
loads. The correct order is given by
(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) III, IV, II, I
(c) II, I, IV, III
(d) I, II, IV, III
[GATE-2000(CE)]
Q-13) When a column is fixed at both ends corresponding Eulers criterion load is
(a)

n 2 EI
L2
2

(c) 3n EI
2

2
(b) 2n EI

L2

2
(d) 4n EI

L2

[GATE-1994(CE)]
Q-14) The axial load carrying capacity of a long column of given material, Cross-sectional area, A, and
length, L, is governed by to
(a) Strength of its material only
(b) Its flexural rigidity only
(c) Its slenderness ratio only
(d) Both flexural rigidity and slenderness ratio
[GATE-1992(CE)]
Q-15) A thin cylindrical Value of mean diameter C and of length closed at both the ends
is subjected to a water pressure . the value of hoop stress and longitudinal stress in the shell
shall be respectively.
a) PD . PD
b) PD . PD
2t
4t
8t
8t
PD PD
c) PD . PD
d)
[GATE-1991(CE)]
.
t
2t
4t
8t
Q-16) A cylindrical tank of radius r and wall thickness t has flat end closures. The tank is subject to an
internal pressure P. The longitudinal and the circumferential stresses respective are
given by:
a) pr/t: 0
c) Pr/4t: pr/3t

b) Pr/2t: pr/t
d) Pr/6t: pr/t

[GATE-1990(CE)]
Q-17) A rigid rod AB of length L is hinged at A and is maintained in its vertical position by two springs
with springs with spring constants K attached at end B. The system is under stable equilibrium
under the action of load P when P < Pcr The system will be in unstable equilibrium when P attains
a value greater than:

(a) KL
(c) 2kL

(b) k/L
(d) 4kL
[GATE-1990(CE)]

[8] SFD AND BMD

Q.1)

A simply supported beam AB of span, L = 24 m is subjected to two wheel loads acting

at a distance, d = 5 m apart as shown in the figure below. Each wheel transmits a load,
P = 3 kN and may occupy any position along the beam. If the beam is an I-section having

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 15

loads

section modulus, S =16.2 cm3, the maximum bending stress (in GPa) due to the wheel
is ___________

Answer: 1759.2
GATE 2015 SET 2
Q.2)

Consider the singly reinforced beam shown in the figure below:

At cross-section XX, which of the following statement is TRUE at the limit state?
(A) The variation of stress is linear and that of strain is non-linear
(B) The variation of strain is linear and that of stress is no-linear
(C) The variation of both stress and strain is linear
(D) The variation of both stress and strain is non-linear
Answer: (B)
GATE 2015 SET 1
Q-3) The following statements are relayed to bending of beams:
I. The slope of the bending moment diagram is equal to the shear force.
II. The slope of the shear force diagram is equal to the load intensity
III. The slope of the curvature is equal to the flexural relation.
IV. The second derivative of the deflection is equal to the curvature
The only FALSE statement is
a) I
b) II
c) III
d) IV
Q-4)

[GATE-2012(CE)]
Consider a simply supported beam with a uniformly distributed load having a neutral axis (NA)
as shown. For points P (on the neutral axis) and Q (at the bottom of the beam) the state of stress
is best represented by which of the following pairs?

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 16

Q-5)

a)

b)

c)

d)
[GATE-2011(CE)]
Two people weighing W each are sitting on a plank of length L floating on water at L/4 from
either end, neglecting the weight of the plank, the bending moment at the centre of the plank is
a) WL
8

b) WL
16

c) WL

d) zero

32

Q-6)

[GATE-2010(CE)]
For the simply supported beam of length L, subjected to a uniformly distributed moment M kN-m
per unit length as shown in the figure, the bending moment (in kN-m) at the mid-span of the
beam is

a) zero
c) ML
Q-7)

b) M
d) M/L

[GATE-2010(CE)]
Match List-I (Shear Force Diagrams) beams with List-II (Diagrams of beams with supports and
loading) and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
List-I

a.

1.

b.

2.

c.

3.

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 17

d.

4.

Codes:
A
3
3
2
2

a)
b)
c)
d)
Q-8)

B
1
4
1
4

C
2
2
4
3

D
4
1
3
1

[GATE-2009(CE)]
The stepped cantilever is subjected to moments, M as shown in the figure below. The vertical
deflection at the free end (neglecting the self-weight) is

2
(a) ML

2
(b) ML

8 EI

4 EI

2
(c) ML
2 EI

(d) zero

[GATE-2008(CE)]
Statement for Linked Answer Questions 44 and 45
A two span continuous beam having equal spans each of length L is subjected to a uniformly
distributed load w per unit length. The beam has constant flexural rigidity.
Q-9)
The reaction at the middle support is
(a) wL
(b) 5wL
2

(c)

5 wL
4

(d)

5 wL
8

[GATE-2007(CE)]
Q-10)

The bending moment at the middle support is

2
(a) wL
4
2
(c) wL
12

Q-11)

(b)

wL2
8

2
(d) wL

16

[GATE-2007(CE)]
A simply supported beam AB has the bending moment diagram as shown in the following figure:

The beam is possibly under the action of the following loads

a) Couples of M at C and 2M at D
b) Couples of 2M at C and M at D
c) Concentrated loads of M/L at C and 2M/L at D

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 18

d) Concentrated load of M/L at C and couple of 2M at D

Q-12)

[GATE-2006(CE)]
Consider the beam AB shown in the figure below. Part AC of the beam is rigid while Part CB has
the flexural rigidity EI. Identify the correct combination of deflection at end B and bending
moment at end A. respectively.

3
(a) PL , 2 PL

3EI

3
(c) 8 PL , 2 PL
3EI

Q-13)

3
(b) PL , PL

3EI

3
(d) 8 PL , PL
3EI

[GATE-2006(CE)]
Vertical reaction developed at B in the frame below due to the applied load of 100kN (with
150,000 m2 cross-sectional area and 3.125 109 mm4. moment of inertia for both members) is

(a) 5.9 KN
(c) 66.3 KN

(b) 30.2 KN
(d) 94.1 KN
[GATE-2006(CE)]

Q-14)

The bending moment diagram for a beam is given below

The shear force at sections aa and bb respectively are of the magnitude

a) 100 kN, 150 kN
b) zero, 100kN
c) zero, 50 kN
d) 100 kN, 100 kN
[GATE-2005(CE)]
Statement for Linked Answer Questions 67 and 68
A three-span continuous beam has an internal hinge at B. Section B is at the mid-span of AC.
Section E is at the mid-span of CG. The 20kN load is applied at section b whereas 10 kN loads are
applied at sections D and F as shown in the figure. Span GH is subjected to uniformly distributed
load of magnitude 5 kN/m. For the loading shown, shear force immediate to the right of section E
is 9.84 kN upwards and the sagging moment at section E is 10.31 kN-m.

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 19

Q-15)

Q-16)

Q-17)

In the figure, CD = DE = EF = FG = 1m
The magnitude of the shear force immediate to the left and immediate to the right of section B
are, respectively
a) 0 and 20 kN
b) 10 kN and 10 kn
c) 20 kN and 0
d) 9.84 and 10.19 kN
[GATE-2004(CE)]
The vertical reaction at support H is
a) 15 kN upward
b) 9.84 kN upward
c) 15 kN downward
d) 9.84 kN downward
[GATE-2004(CE)]
List-I shows different loads acting on a beam and List-II shows different bending moment
distributions. Match the load with the corresponding bending moment diagram
List-I
a)

b)

c)
List-II

d)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

a)
b)
c)
d)
Q-18)

Codes:
A
4
5
2
2

B
2
4
5
4

C
1
1
3
1

D
3
3
1
3

[GATE-2003(CE)]
A H Shaped frame of uniform flexural rigidity EI is loaded as shown in the figure. The relative
outward displacement between points K and O is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 20

2
(a) RLh

EI

(c)

RLh 2
3EI

2
(b) RL h

EI

(d) RL2 h
3EI

[GATE-2003(CE)]
Q-19)

Identify from the following the correct value of the bending moment M A (in kNm units) at the
fixed end A in the statically determine beam shown below (with internal hinges at B and D),
when a uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m is placed on all spans. (Hint: Sketching the
influence line for M A or applying the principle of Virtual Displacements makes the solution
easy)
a) -80
c) 0

Q-20)

[GATE-2001(CE)]
The bending moment (in kNm units) at the mid-span location X in the beam with overhangs
shown below is equal

(a) 0
(c) -15
Q-21)

Q-23)

(b) -10
(d) -20

[GATE-2001(CE)]
A frame ABCD is supported by a roller at A and is on a hinge at C as shown below:

The reaction at the roller end A is given by

a) P
c) P

Q-22)

b) -40
d) +40

b) 2P
d) Zero

[GATE-2000(CE)]
For the frame shown in the figure 2.4, the maximum bending moment in the column is

(a) Zero
(b) 400 kN m
(c) 100 kN m
(d) 200 kN m
[GATE-1997(CE)]
A propped cantilever beam of span L, is loaded with uniformly distributed load of intensity
w/unit length, all through the span, Bending moment at the fixed end is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 21

2
(b) WL

2
(a) WL

2
(d) WL
[GATE-1995(CE)]
24
12
Q-24) The fixed end moment of a uniform beam of span l and fixed at the ends, subjected to a central
point load P is
(a) P1
(b) P1
2
(c) WL

8
P
(d)
16

2
P
(c)
8

[GATE-1994(CE)]
Q-25) A beam fixed at the ends and subjected to lateral loads only is statically indeterminate and the
degree of indeterminacy is
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
[GATE-1994(CE)]

[9] SLOP & DEFLECTION

Q.1)

A horizontal beam ABC is loaded as shown in the figure below. The distance of the point
of contra flexure from end A (in m) is _________.

Answer: 0.25
Q.2)

GATE 2015 SET 2

A steel strip of length, L = 200 mm is fixed at end A and rests at B on a vertical spring of
stiffness, k = 2 N/mm. The steel strip is 5 mm wide and 10 mm thick. A vertical load, P =
50 N is applied at B, as shown in the figure. Considering E = 200 GPa, the force (in N)
developed in the spring is _________.

Answer: 3
GATE 2015 SET 2
Q.3)

For the beam shown below, the value of the support moment M is ____ kN-m.

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 22

Answer: 5
Q.4)

GATE 2015 SET 1

Two beams are connected by linear spring as shown in the following figure. For a load P
as shown in the figure, the percentage of the applied load P carried by the spring is __.

Answer: 33.33
Q. 5)

GATE 2015 SET 1

If the following equation establishes equilibrium in slightly bent position, the mid-span
deflection of a member shown in the figure is
=0

If is amplitude constant for y, then

(
=
1
(
=
Answer: (C)

(B)
(D)

GATE 2014 SET 1

Q. 6) For the cantilever beam of span 3 m (shown below), a concentrated load of 20 kN
applied
at the free end causes a vertical displacement of 2 mm at a section located at a
distance of 1 m from the fixed end. If a concentrated vertically downward load of 10 KN
is applied at the section located at a distance of 1 m from the fixed end (with no other
load on the beam), the maximum vertical displacement in the same beam (in mm) is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 23

Answer: 1 to 1
Q.7)

GATE 2014 SET 1

The axial load (in kN) in the member PQ for the arrangement/assembly shown in the
figure given below is _______________

Answer: 50.0 to 50.0

GATE 2014 SET 2

Q-8)

A simply supported beam is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of intensity w per unit
length. On the half of the span from one end, the length of the span and the flexural stiffness are
denoted as/and EI, respectively. The deflection at mid-span of the beam is
(a)

5 WL4
6144 EI

(b)

5 WL4
768 EI

(c)

5 WL4
384 EI

(d)

5 WL4
192 EI

[GATE-2012(CE)]
Statements for Linked Answer Questions 13 and 14:
A rigid beam is hinged at one end and supported on linear elastic spring (both having a stiffness
of k at points 1 and an inclined load acts at as shown

Q-9)

Which of the following options represents the deflections

1 and 2

at points 1 and ?

a) 2 2 P and 4 2 P
1
2

5 k
5 k

b) 2 P and 4 P
1
2


5 k
5 k

c) 2 P and 4 P
1
2

5
5 k
2k

d) 2
1
5

2P
k

4
and 2
5

2P
k

[GATE-2011(CE)]

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 24

Q-10)

If the load P equals 100 kN, which of the following options represents forces R1 and R2 in the
springs at points 1 and
a) R1 20kNandR2 40kN

b) R1 50kNandR2 50kN

c) R1 30kNandR2 60kN

d) R1 40kNandR2 80kN

[GATE-2011(CE)]
Statement for Linked Answer Questions 22 and 23
In the cantilever beam PQR shown in figure below, the segment PQ has flexural EI and the
segment QR has infinite flexural rigidity.

Q-11)

The deflection and slope of the beam at Q are respectively

3
2
(a) 5WL and 3WL

3
2
(b) WL and WL

(c)

3
2
(d) WL and 3WL

6 EI

2 EI

WL3
WL2
and
2 EI
EI

6 EI

2 EI

3EI

2 EI

[GATE-2010(CE)]
Q-12)

The deflection of the beam at R is

(a)
(c)

8WL3
EI
3

7WL
3EI

2
(b) 5WL

6 EI

2
(d) 8WL
6 EI

[GATE-2010(CE)]
Statement for Linked Answer Questions 33 and 34
Beam GHI is supported by these pontoons as shown in the figure below. The horizontal cross
sectional area of each pontoon is 8m2, the flexural rigidity of the beam is 10000 kN-m2 and the
unit weight of water is 10kN-m3.

Q-13)

Q-14)

When the middle pontoon is removed, the deflection at H will be

(a) 0.2 m
(b) 0.4 m
(c) 0.6 m
(d) 0.8 m
[GATE-2008(CE)]
When the middle pontoon is brought back to its position as shown in the figure above, the
reaction at H will be
(a) 8.6kN
(b) 15.7kN
(c) 19.2kN
(d) 24.2kN
[GATE-2008(CE)]
Statement for Linked Answer Questions 57 and 58
Consider a propped cantilever ABC under two loads of magnitude P each as shown in figure
below. Flexural rigidity of the beam is EI.

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 25

Q-15) The reaction at C is

(a) 9 Pa (upwards)

(b) 9 Pa (downwards)
16 L

16 L

(c) 9 Pa (upwards)
8L

(d)

9 Pa
8L

(downwards)
[GATE-2006(CE)]

Q-16)

The rotation at B is
(a) 5 PLa (clockwise)

(b)

16 EI

(c) 59 PLa (clockwise)

Q-18)

16 EI

[GATE-2006(CE)]
A homogeneous, simply supported prismatic beam of width B, depth D and span L is subjected to
a concentrated load of magnitude P. The load can be placed anywhere along the span of the beam
the maximum flexural developed in beam is
a) 2 PL
b) 3 PL
3 BD 2
4 BD 2
c) 4 PL
d) 3 PL
2 BD 2
3 BD 2
[GATE-2004(CE)]
For the linear elastic beam shown in the figure, the flexural rigidity, EI is 781250kN-m2. When w
= 10kN/m, the vertical reaction RA at A is 50kN. The value of RA for w = 100 kN/m is

(a) 500kN
(c) 250 kN
Q-19)

(anticlockwise)

(d) 59 PLa (anticlockwise)

16 EI

Q-17)

5 PLa
16 EI

(b) 425 kN
(d) 75 kN

[GATE-2004(CE)]
A simply supported beam of uniform rectangular cross-section of width b and depth h is
subjected to linear temperature gradient, 0 at the top and T at the bottom, as shown in the
figure. The coefficient of linear expansion of the beam material is . The resulting vertical
deflection at the mid-span of the beam is

2
a) Th upward

8L

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

2
b) TL upward

8h

Page 26

c) Th downward
2

8L

Q-20)

d) Th 2 downward
8h

[GATE-2003(CE)]
In the propped cantilever beam carrying a uniformly distributed load of w N/m, shown in the
following figure, the reaction at the support B is

wL

(b) 3 wL

(c) 1 wL
2

(d) 3 wL

(a)

5
8

[GATE-2002(CE)]
Q-21)

A two span beam with an internal hinge is shown below.

Conjugate beam corresponding to this beam is

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)
[GATE-2000(CE)]

Q-22)

Four the structure shown below, the vertical deflection at point A is given by

3
(a) PL

3
(b) 2 PL

81EI

(c) Zero

Q-23)

81EI
PL3
72 EI

[GATE-2000(CE)]
A cantilever beam is shown in the figure. The moment to be applied at free end for zero vertical
deflection at that point is

(a) 9 kN.m clockwise

(c) 12 kN.m clockwise
Q.24)

(d)

(b) 9 kN.m anti-clockwise

(d) 12 kN.m anti-clockwise

[GATE-1998(CE)]
A cantilever beam of span is loaded with a concentrated load at the free end. Deflection of
the beam at the free end is

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 27

3
(a) PL

(b)

5 PL3
384 EI

(d)

PL3
6 EI

48 EI
3
(c) PL
3EI

[GATE-1997(CE)]
Q-25) A cantilever beam of span l subjected to a uniformly distributed load w per unit length resting on
a rigid prop at the tip of cantilever. The magnitude of the reaction of at the prop is:
(a) 1 W1
(b) 2 W1
8
8
(c) 3 W1
(d) 4 W1
8

[GATE-1994(CE)]
Q-26) A simply supported beam of span length L and flexural stiffness EI has another spring support at
the centre span of stiffness K as shown in fig. The central deflection of the beam due to a central
concentrated load of P would be

(a) PL3 / 48EI P / K

(b) P / (48EI / L3 k

(c) PL3 / 48EI P / K

(d) P / (48EI / L k

[GATE-1993(CE)]
Q-27) In a real beam, at an end, the boundary condition of zero slope and zero vertical displacement
exists. In the corresponding conjugate beam, the boundary conditions at this end will be:
(a) Shear forces = 0 and bending moment = 0
(b) Slope = 0 and vertical displacement = 0
(c) Slope = 0 and bending moment = 0
(d) Shear force = 0 and vertical displacement = 0
[GATE-1992(CE)]
Q-28) A cantilever beam of span, in subjected to a downward load of 800 kN uniformly distributed
over its length and a concentrated upward load P at its free end. For vertical displacement to be
zero at the free end, the value of P is:
(a) 300 kN
(b) 500 kN
(c) 800 kN
(d) 1,000 kN
[GATE-1992(CE)]
Q-29) Two elastic rod AB and DC are hinged at B. The joint C is over a roller and the joint B is supported
on a spring having its stiffness as k.

A load P acts at mid-night of the rod B.C. The downward deflection of joint B is:
(a) P/K
(b) 2P/K
(c) P/2K
(d) 0
[GATE-1990(CE)]

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL: CIVIL

Page 28