Steel Design exam v2

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Introduction to
Beams”.

1. What is beam?
a) structural member subjected to transverse loads
b) structural member subjected to axial loads only
c) structural member subjected to seismic loads only
d) structural member subjected to transverse loads only
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Beam is a structural member subjected to transverse loads that is loads perpendicular to its longitudinal
axis. The mode of deflection of beam is primarily by bending.

2. Structural members subjected to bending and large axial compressive loads are known as
a) strut
b) purlin
c) beam-column
d) lintel
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Structural members subjected to bending accompanied by large axial compressive loads at the same
time are known as beam-column. A beam-column differs from column only by presence of eccentricity of load
application, end moment, transverse load.

3. What is girt?
a) vertical beam spanning between wall column of industrial buildings
b) horizontal beam spanning between wall column of industrial buildings
c) vertical beam spanning between wall column of residential buildings
d) horizontal beam spanning between wall column of residential buildings
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Girt is horizontal member fastened to and spanning between peripheral column of industrial buildings. It
is used to support wall cladding such as corrugated metal sheet.

4. Members used to carry wall loads over wall openings are called
a) purlin
b) rafter
c) girder
d) lintels
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Lintels are beam members used to carry wall loads over wall openings for doors, windows, etc.

5. Load transfer by a beam is primarily by

a) bending only
b) shear only
c) bending and shear
d) neither bending nor shear
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The load transfer by beam is primarily by bending and shear. The mode of deflection of beam is
primarily by bending.

6. What are spandrels?

a) exterior beams at floor level of buildings
b) interior beams at floor level of buildings
c) exterior columns
d) interior columns
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Spandrels are exterior beams at floor level of buildings, which carry part of floor load and exterior wall.

7. Members used in bridges parallel to traffic are called

a) spandrel
b) stringers
c) purlin
d) joist
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Stringers are members used in bridges parallel to traffic to carry the deck slab. They will be connected
by transverse floor beams.

8. Match the pair

I II
(A) joist (i) tension member in roof truss
(B) girder (ii) member supporting purlin
(C) tie (iii) member supporting roof in a building
(D) rafter (iv) major floor beam in building

a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv

b) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i
c) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i
d) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Joist is a member supporting roof in a building. Girder is a major floor beam in building. Tie is tension
member in roof truss and rafter is a member supporting purlin.

9. Which of the following statement is correct?

a) beams are termed as fixed beams when end condition do not carry end moments
b) beams are termed as simply supported beams when ends are rigidly connected to other members
c) beams are termed as fixed beams when ends are rigidly connected to other members
d) beams are termed as continuous beams when they do not extend across more than two support
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Beams may be termed as simply supported beams when end condition do not carry any end moments
from any continuity developed by connection. A beam is called continuous beam when it extends continuously across
more than two supports. A fixed beam has its ends rigidly connected to other members, so that moments can be
carried across the connection.

10. Complex stresses may occur when

a) loads are inclined to principal axes
b) loads are along principal axes
c) symmetrical section are used
d) small values of shear and bending moment occur at section
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Complex stresses may arise when loads are inclined to principal axes, when unsymmetrical sections are
used or when large values of shear and bending moment occur at section.

11. Simple bending takes place if

a) loading passes above shear centre for single symmetric open section
b) loading passes below shear centre for single symmetric open section
c) loading plane coincides with one of the principal planes of doubly symmetric section
d) loading plane do not coincide with one of the principal planes of doubly symmetric section
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Simple bending takes place if loading plane coincides with one of the principal planes of doubly
symmetric section such as I-section or in case of singly symmetric open section such as channel section, the loading
passes through shear centre and is parallel to the principal plane. Unsymmetrical bending occurs if loading does not
pass through shear centre.

12. Which of the following buckling does not occur in beam?

a) lateral buckling of whole beam
b) local buckling of web
c) local buckling of flanges
d) longitudinal buckling of web
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Buckling may take place in many ways : (i) lateral buckling of whole beam between supports, (ii) local
buckling of flanges, (iii) longitudinal buckling of web and buckling in depth direction under concentrated loads.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Beam Types and
Sections”.

1. A beam section is provided on the basis of

(i) section modulus, (ii) deflection, (iii) shear
a) i, ii
b) ii, iii
c) i, iii
d) i, ii and iii
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: A beam section is provided on the basis of (i) section modulus, (ii) deflection, (iii) shear. The beam
should be economical with furnishing required modulus of section.

2. Which of the following is not correct?

a) Angles and T section are strong in bending
b) Channels can be used only for light loads
c) I sections are most efficient and economical shapes
d) I section with cover plates are provided when large section modulus is required
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Angles and T section are weak in bending. Channels can be used only for light loads. I sections (rolled
and built-up) are most efficient and economical shapes. I section with cover plates are provided when large section
modulus is required. Generally, ISLB or ISMB are provided in such cases.

3. Local buckling can be prevented by

a) limiting width-thickness ratio
b) increasing width-thickness ratio
c) changing material
d) changing load on member
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Local buckling of compression members of beam causes loss of integrity of beam cross section. It is a
function of width-thickness ratio and can be prevented by limiting width-thickness ratio.

4. Which of the following is true?

a) in case of rolled section, less thickness of plate is adopted to prevent local buckling
b) for built-up section and cold formed section, longitudinal stiffeners are not provided to reduce width to smaller sizes
c) local buckling cannot be prevented by limiting width-thickness ratio
d) in case of rolled section, high thickness of plate is adopted to prevent local buckling
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: In case of rolled section, higher thickness of plate is adopted to prevent local buckling. Local buckling
cannot be prevented by limiting width-thickness ratio. For built-up section and cold formed section, longitudinal
stiffeners are provided to reduce width to smaller sizes.
5. Which of the following is not true?
a) only plastic section can be used in intermediate frames
b) slender sections are preferred in hot rolled structural steelwork
c) compact sections can be used in simply supported beams
d) semi-compact sections can be used for elastic designs
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Only plastic section can be used in intermediate frames which form collapse mechanism. Compact
sections can be used in simply supported beams which fail after reaching Mp at one section. Semi-compact sections
can be used for elastic designs where section fails after reaching My at extreme fibres. Slender sections are not
preferred in hot rolled structural steelwork, but they are extensively used in cold formed members.

6. As per IS specification, the beam sections should be

a) not symmetrical about any principal axes
b) at least symmetrical about one of the principal axes
c) symmetrical about all principal axes
d) unsymmetrical about all principal axes
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The beam sections should be at least symmetrical about one of the principal axes as per IS
specification. Angle and T-sections are inherently weak in bending while channels can only be used for light loads.
Rolled I0section is generally preferred as beam.

7. Which of the following is the design criteria for beams?

(i) Strength in bending (ii) stiffness (iii)economy
a) ii only
b) i and iii
c) ii and iii
d) i, ii and iii
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Beams should be proportioned for strength in bending keeping in view the lateral and local stability of
compression flange. beam should have adequate strength to resist applied bending moments and accompanying
shear forces. Beams should be proportioned for stiffness, keeping in mind the deflections and deformations under
service condition. Beams should be proportioned for economy. Member should be safe against buckling.

8. Which of the following is not true?

a) for optimum bending resistance, beam material should be near neutral axis
b) for optimum bending resistance, beam material should be far away from neutral axis
c) for optimum bending resistance, web area of beam has to be adequate for resisting shear
d) maximum bending and maximum shear usually occur at different cross section
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: For optimum bending resistance, beam material should be far away from neutral axis and web area of
beam has to be adequate for resisting shear. Maximum bending and maximum shear usually occur at different cross
section. in continuous beams, they may occur at same cross section near interior supports, but interaction effects are
normally neglected.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Lateral Stability of
Beams”.

1. Which of the following assumptions is not an ideal beam behaviour?

a) local and lateral instabilities of beam are prevented
b) any form of local buckling is prevented
c) compression flange of beam is restrained from moving laterally
d) compression flange of beam is not restrained from moving laterally
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Two important assumptions are made to achieve ideal beam behaviour: (i) compression flange of beam
is restrained from moving laterally, (ii) any form of local buckling is prevented. A beam loaded predominantly in
flexure would attain its full moment capacity if local and lateral instabilities of beam are prevented.

2. In beam design, sections are proportioned as such that _____ to achieve economy.
a) moment of inertia about principal axis parallel to the web is equal to moment of inertia about principal axis normal
to the web
b) moment of inertia about principal axis parallel to the web is considerable larger than moment of inertia about
principal axis normal to the web
c) moment of inertia about principal axis normal to the web is considerable larger than moment of inertia about
principal axis parallel to the web
d) moment of inertia about principal axis normal to the web is considerable lesser than moment of inertia about
principal axis parallel to the web
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: In beam design, sections are proportioned as such that moment of inertia about principal axis normal to
the web is considerable larger than moment of inertia about principal axis parallel to the web to achieve economy.
Such sections are relatively weak in bending resistance.

3. To ensure that compression flange of beam is restrained from moving laterally, the cross section must be
a) plastic
b) semi-compact
c) slender
d) thin
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: To ensure that compression flange of beam is restrained from moving laterally, the cross section must
be plastic or compact. if significant ductility is required, section must invariably be plastic.

4. What are laterally restrained beams?

a) adequate restraints are provided to beam
b) adequate restraints are not provided to beam
c) economically not viable
d) unstable beams
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In laterally restrained beams, adequate restraints are provided to beam in plane of compression flange.

5. Characteristic feature if lateral buckling is ___________

a) entire cross section do not rotate as rigid disc without any cross sectional distortion
b) entire cross section rotates as rigid disc without any cross sectional distortion
c) entire cross section rotates as rigid disc with cross sectional distortion
d) entire cross section do not rotate as rigid disc
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The characteristic feature if lateral buckling is entire cross section rotates as rigid disc without any cross
sectional distortion. This behaviour is similar to axially compresses long column which after initial shortening in axial
direction, deflects laterally when it buckles.

6. Lateral buckling in beam is _________

a) does not occur in beam
b) one dimensional
c) two dimensional
d) three dimensional
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Lateral buckling in beam is three dimensional in nature. It involves coupled lateral deflection and twists
that is when beam deflects laterally, the applied moment exerts a torque about the deflected longitudinal axis, which
causes the beam to twist.

7. What is elastic critical moment?

a) bending moment at which beam do not fail by lateral buckling
b) bending moment at which beam fails by lateral buckling
c) shear force at which beam do not fail by lateral buckling
d) shear force at which beam fails by lateral buckling
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Bending moment at which beam fails by lateral buckling when subjected to a uniform end moment is
called elastic critical moment.

8. Which of the following condition causes lateral instabilities?

a) section possesses different stiffness in two principal planes
b) section possesses same stiffness in two principal planes
c) applied loading does not induce bending in stiffer plane
d) applied loading induce twisting in stiffer plane
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Lateral instabilities occurs only if following conditions are satisfied : (i) section possesses different
stiffness in two principal planes, (ii) applied loading induces bending in stiffer plane (about major axis).

9. Which of the following is not a method for providing effective lateral restraints?
(i) by embedding compression flange inside slab concrete
(ii) by providing shear connectors in compression flange
(iii) by bracing compression flanges of adjacent beams
a) i only
b) i, iii
c) ii, iii
d) i, ii, iii
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Effective lateral restraints can be provided by embedding compression flange inside slab concrete, by
providing shear connectors in compression flange and embedding in concrete slab, by providing torsional bracings in
the compression flanges of adjacent beams preventing twists directly.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Lateral Torsional
Buckling”.

1. What is lateral torsional buckling?

a) buckling of beam loaded in plane of its weak axis and buckling about its stronger axis accompanied by twisting
b) buckling of beam loaded in plane of its strong axis and buckling about its weaker axis accompanied by twisting
c) buckling of beam loaded in plane of its strong axis and buckling about its weaker axis and not accompanied by
twisting
d) buckling of beam loaded in plane of its weak axis and buckling about its stronger axis and not accompanied by
twisting
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The buckling of beam loaded in plane of its strong axis and buckling about its weaker axis accompanied
by twisting (torsion) is called as torsional buckling. The load at which such beam buckles can be much less than that
causing full moment capacity to develop.

2. Critical bending moment capacity of a beam undergoing lateral torsional buckling is a function of
a) does not depend on anything
b) pure torsional resistance only
c) warping torsional resistance only
d) pure torsional resistance and warping torsional resistance
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Critical bending moment capacity of a beam undergoing lateral torsional buckling is a function of pure
torsional resistance and warping torsional resistance.

3. Elastic critical moment is given by

a) (π/L){√[(EI GI ) + (πE/L) I I ]}
y t
2
w y

b) (π/L){√[(EI GI ) – (πE/L) I I ]}
y t
2
w y

c) (π/L){√[(EI GI ) + (πE/L) I I ]}
y t w y

d) (π/L){ [(EI GI ) – (πE/L) I I ]}

y t
2
w y

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Elastic critical moment is given by M  = (π/L){√[(EI GI ) + (πE/L)2I I ]}, where EI  = flexural rigidity(minor
cr y t w y y

axis), GI  = torsional rigidity, I  = St.Venant torsion constant, I  = St.Venant warping constant, L = unbraced length of
t t w

beam subjected to constant moment in plane of web.

4. Lateral torsional buckling is not possible to occur if

a) moment of inertia about bending axis is twice than moment of inertia out of plane
b) moment of inertia about bending axis is greater than moment of inertia out of plane
c) moment of inertia about bending axis is equal to or less than moment of inertia out of plane
d) moment of inertia about bending axis is equal to or greater than moment of inertia out of plane
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: I  is not possible for lateral torsional buckling to occur if moment of inertia of section about bending axis
t

is equal to or less than moment of inertia out of plane.

5. Limit state of lateral torsion buckling is not applicable to

a) square shapes
b) doubly symmetric I shaped beams
c) I section loaded in plane of their webs
d) I section singly symmetric with compression flanges
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Lateral torsional buckling is applicable to doubly symmetric I shaped beams, I section loaded in plane of
their webs, I section singly symmetric with compression flanges. I  is not possible for lateral torsional buckling to occur
t

if moment of inertia of section about bending axis is equal to or less than moment of inertia out of plane. So, limit
state of lateral torsion buckling is not applicable for shapes bent about their minor axis for shapes with Iz ≤ I  or for
y

circular or square shapes.

6. Which of the following assumptions were not made while deriving expression for elastic critical moment?
a) beam is initially undisturbed and without imperfections
b) behaviour of beam is elastic
c) load acts in plane of web only
d) ends of beam are fixed support
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The following assumptions were made while deriving expression for elastic critical moment: (i) beam is
initially undisturbed and without imperfections, (ii) behaviour of beam is elastic,(iii) beam is loaded with equal and
opposite end moments in plane of web, (iv) load acts in plane of web only, (v) ends of beam are simply supported
vertically and laterally, (vi) beam does not have residual stresses.

7. For different loading conditions, the equation of elastic critical moment is given by
a) M  = c  (EI GI ) γ
cr 1 y t

b) M  = c  [(EI GI ) ] γ
cr 1 y t
2

c) M  = c  [√(EI GI )] γ
cr 1 y t

d) M  = c  (EI  /GI ) γ
cr 1 y t

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: For different loading conditions, the equation of elastic critical moment is given by M  = c  [√(EI GI )] γ,
cr 1 y t

where c  = equivalent uniform moment factor or moment coefficient, EI  = flexural rigidity(minor axis), GI  = torsional
1 y t

rigidity, γ = (π/L){√[1 + (πE/L) I I ]}, I  = St.Venant torsion constant, I  = St.Venant warping constant, L = unbraced
2
w y t w

length of beam subjected to constant moment in plane of web.

8. Which of the following is not true about moment coefficient?

a) for torsionally simple supports the moment coefficient is greater than or equal to unity
b) for torsionally simple supports the moment coefficient is less than unity
c) moment coefficient accounts for the effect of differential moment gradient on lateral torsional buckling
d) it depends on type of loading
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The moment coefficient accounts for the effect of differential moment gradient on lateral torsional
buckling and depends on type of loading. For torsionally simple supports the moment coefficient is greater than or
equal to unity.
9. √EI GI  depends on
y t

a) shape of beam only

b) material of beam only
c) shape and material of beam
d) does not depend on anything
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: √EI GI  depends on shape and material of beam, where = flexural rigidity(minor axis), GI  = torsional
y t t

rigidity.

10. Which of the following is true?

a) sections with greater lateral bending and torsional stiffness have great resistance to bending
b) sections with lesser lateral bending and torsional stiffness have great resistance to bending
c) sections with greater lateral bending and torsional stiffness have less resistance to bending
d) lateral instability of beam cannot be reduced by selecting appropriate shapes
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Lateral instability of beam can be reduced by selecting appropriate shapes. Sections with greater lateral
bending and torsional stiffness have great resistance to bending.

11. In the equation M  = c  [√(EI GI )] γ, γ depends on

cr 1 y t

a) load on beam
b) shape of beam
c) material of beam
d) length of beam
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: In the equation M  = c  [√(EI GI )] γ, c  varies with loading and support conditions, [√(EI GI )] varies with
cr 1 y t 1 y t

material properties and shape of beam and γ varies with length of beam.

12. Which of the following is true?

a) long shallow girders have high warping stiffness
b) short and deep girders have very low warping resistance
c) long shallow girders have low warping stiffness
d) short and shallow girders have very low warping resistance
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Short and deep girders have very high warping stiffness while long shallow girders have low warping
stiffness or resistance.

13. Elastic critical moment for long shallow girders is given by

a) (π/L){√(EI GI )}
y t

b) (πL){√(EI GI )}
y t

c) (π/L){√(EI  /GI )}
y t

d) (πL){√(EI  /GI )}
y t

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Long shallow girders have low warping stiffness or resistance. So, elastic critical moment for long
shallow girders is given by (π/L){√(EI GI )}, where EI  = flexural rigidity(minor axis), GI  = torsional rigidity, L =
y t y t

unbraced length of beam subjected to constant moment in plane of web.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Factors affecting
Lateral Stability”.

1. Which of the following does not affect lateral stability?

a) cross sectional shape
b) support conditions
c) type of loading
d) height of building
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The factors affecting lateral stability are cross sectional shape, support conditions, effective length, level
of application of transverse loads.

2. Which of the following statement is correct?

a) I-section has high torsional stiffness
b) Closed section has high torsional stiffness
c) Closed section has less stiffness
d) Hollow circular tube has more efficiency as flexural member
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: I-section with the larger in-plane bending stiffness does not have matching stability. in contrast, closed
sections such as tubes, boxes and solid shafts have high torsional stiffness, often high as 100 times that of an open
section.

3. Which of the following statement is not correct?

a) Hollow circular tube has more efficiency as flexural member
b) Hollow circular tube has lesser efficiency as flexural member
c) It is the most efficient shape for torsional resistance
d) It us rarely used as a beam element
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Hollow circular tube is the most efficient shape for torsional resistance, but is rarely employed as beam
element because of difficulties encountered in connecting it to other members and lesser efficiency as a flexural
member.

4. Open cross sections have major part of material distributed

a) is not distributed
b) on the centroid
c) towards centroid
d) away from centroid
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: In open cross sections ( I and channel sections), major part of material is distributed at the flanges, i.e.
away from their centroids, to improve their resistance to in-plane bending stresses.

5. The effective length factor is _____ for beams flanges fully restrained
a) 1
b) 0.5
c) 0.75
d) 1.5
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The effective length factor K is 0.5 theoretically for flanges fully restrained. But for design purpose, it
may be taken as 0.7.

6. The effective length of compression flange of simply supported beam not restrained against torsion at ends is
a) 1.2 L
b) 1.0 L
c) 0.8 L
d) 0.5 L
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The effective length of compression flange of simply supported beam not restrained against torsion at
ends is 1.2 L, where L is span length.

7. Effective length of compression flanges at the ends unrestrained against lateral buckling is
a) 1.5 L
b) 0.85 L
c) 0.5 L
d) L
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Effective length of compression flanges at the ends unrestrained against lateral buckling (i.e. free to
rotate in plan) is L, where L is length of span.

8. Effective length of compression flanges at the ends partially restrained against lateral buckling is
a) 1.75 L
b) 1.0 L
c) 0.85 L
d) 0.5 L
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Effective length of compression flanges at the ends partially restrained against lateral buckling (i.e. free
to rotate in plane in the bearings) is 0.85 L, where L is length of span.

9. Restraint against torsion can be provided by

(i) web cleats, (ii) bearing stiffeners acting together with bearing of beam, (iii)lateral end frames to ends of
compression flanges
a) i only
b) i and ii
c) ii and iii
d) i, ii and iii
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Restraint against torsion can be provided by (i) web or flange cleats, (ii) bearing stiffeners acting
together with the bearing of beam, (iii) lateral end frames or external supports to ends of compression flanges, (iv)the
beam built into the supporting walls.

10. The most severe loading condition for cantilever is

a) point load acting at centre
b) point load acting at tip
c) point load acting between centre and fixed end
d) point load acting at L/4 distance
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: For cantilevers, the most severe loading condition is point load acting at the tip because the tip is
unsupported.

11. Provision of intermediate lateral supports ______ lateral stability of beam

a) increases
b) decreases
c) does not change
d) cannot say
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Provision of intermediate lateral supports increases the lateral stability of beam. For bracings to be
effective, the braces should be prevented from moving in axial direction.

12. The requirement of effective bracing is

a) it should not have sufficient strength not to withstand forces transferred to it by beam
b) it should not have sufficient strength to withstand forces transferred to it by beam
c) it should have sufficient stiffness so that buckling of beam occurs in between braces
d) it should not have sufficient stiffness so that buckling of beam occurs in between braces
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The requirements of effective bracing are (i) it should have sufficient strength to withstand forces
transferred to it by beam, (ii) it should have sufficient stiffness so that buckling of beam occurs in between braces.

13. Which of the following is correct?

a) torsional bracing attached near bottom flange should bend in single curvature
b) torsional bracing attached near bottom flange should not bend in single curvature
c) its flexural stiffness should be 4EI /S
b

d) its flexural stiffness should be 6EI /S

b

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Torsional bracing attached near bottom flange should bend in single curvature and its flexural stiffness
should be 2EI/S, where I  is moment of inertia of brace, S is spacing between girders.
b

14. The lateral stability of tranversely loaded beam is dependent on

a) arrangement of load only
b) level of application of load only
c) both arrangement and level of application of load
d) is not dependent on any of these
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The lateral stability of tranversely loaded beam is dependent on the arrangement of load as well as level
of application of loads with respect to centroid of cross section.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Behaviour of Real
Beam”.

1. As the beam undergoes bending under applied loads, axial strain distribution at a point in beam
a) axial strain is not produced
b) remains constant
c) varies along depth of beam
d) varies along length of beam
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: As the beam undergoes bending under applied loads, axial strain distribution at a point in beam varies
along the depth of beam.

2. The beam buckles elastically if

a) M  < M
cr y

b) M  > M
cr y

c) M  = M
cr y

d) M  = 2M
cr y

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: If M  critical moment of a section is less than yield moment M  , then beam buckles elastically.
cr y

3. If M  > M  of a beam section, then

cr y

a) beam does not buckle

b) beam buckles fully elastically
c) beam buckles completely plastically
d) some amount of plasticity is experienced
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: When critical moment of a section M  is greater than M  , some amount of plasticity is experienced at the
cr y

outer edges before buckling is initiated.

4. Beams with intermediate slenderness fail by

a) elastic buckling
b) inelastic lateral buckling
c) attains M  without buckling
p

d) do not fail
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Beams with intermediate slenderness (0.4 < √M /M  < 1.2) fail by inelastic lateral buckling at loads below
p cr

M  and above M  .
p cr

5. What are residual stresses?

a) stresses developed during construction
b) stresses developed due to seismic load
c) stresses developed due to vibration
d) stresses developed during manufacturing
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: During the process of manufacture, steel sections are subjected to large thermal expansions resulting in
yield level strains in sections. As subsequent cooling is not uniform throughout the section, self-equilibrating patterns
of stresses are formed. These stresses are called residual stresses.

6. Which of the following is correct?

a) yielding of section starts at lower moments
b) yielding of section starts at higher moments
c) yielding of section does not start at lower moments
d) yielding of section does not occur
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Due to presence of residual stresses, yielding of section starts at lower moments. Then with increase in
moment, yielding spreads through the cross section.

7. Match the pair

(i) high slender beams (A) attain M_p without buckling

(ii) stocky beams (B) fail by inelastic buckling
(iii) intermediate slender beams (C) fail by elastic buckling

a) i-A, ii-B, iii-C

b) i-C, ii-B, iii-A
c) i-C, ii-A, iii-B
d) i-A, ii-C, iii-B
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Beams with high slenderness fail by elastic lateral buckling at M . Beams of intermediate slenderness
cr

fail by inelastic lateral buckling at loads below M  and above M . Stocky beams attains M  without buckling with
p cr p

negligible lateral deformations.

8. Which of the following is correct?

a) torsional bracing attached to top flange should bend in single curvature
b) torsional bracing attached to top flange should not bend in reverse curvature
c) its flexural stiffness should be 6EI /S
b

d) its flexural stiffness should be 4EI /S

b

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Torsional bracing attached to top flange should bend in reverse curvature and its flexural stiffness
should be 6EI /S, where S is spacing between girders.
b

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Design Strength of
Laterally Supported Beams – I”.

1. Which of the following aspects need not be considered for beam design?
a) deflection
b) material of beam
c) buckling
d) lateral supports
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The important aspects which need to be considered for beam design are moments, shears, deflection,
crippling, buckling, and lateral support.

2. The design bending strength of laterally supported beams is governed by

a) torsion
b) bending
c) lateral torsional buckling
d) yield stress
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The design bending strength of laterally supported beams is governed by yield stress and that of
laterally unsupported beams is governed by lateral torsional buckling.

3. The web is susceptible to shear buckling when d/t w

a) <67ε
b) < 2×67ε
c) >67ε
d) < 70ε
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: For beams with plastic, compact, semi-compact flanges and slender web (d/t  > 67ε), the web is
w

susceptible to shear buckling before yielding.

4. When there is no shear buckling,

a) V  = V
p n

b) V  > V
p n

c) V  < V
p n

d) V  = 2V
p n

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: When there is no shear buckling (d/t  ≤ 67ε), the nominal shear resistance V  equals plastic shear
w n

strength V . p

5. Plastic shear resistance is given by

a) f /√3
y

b) shear area x f  x √3 y

c) shear area x f /√3 y

d) shear area / (f /√3) y

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Plastic shear resistance is given by V  = shear area x f /√3.
p y

6. The design shear strength is given by

a) V n

b) V /γn m0

c) V  x γ
n m0

d) γ m0

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The design shear strength is given by V  = V /γ  , where V = plastic shear resistance, γ  = partial factor
d n m0 n m0

of safety.

7. The web area will be fully effective when shear force V

a) ≥ 0.6V d

b) < 0.6V d

c) ≤ 0.6V d

d) >2×0.6V d

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When shear force V ≤ 0.6V , the web area will be fully effective and entire cross section of beam will be
d

effective in resisting the moment.

8. Which of the following is true about sections with high shear case V>0.6V  ? d

a) web area is ineffective

b) web area is fully effective
c) flanges will not resist moment
d) moment is not reduced
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: When shear exceed the limit V&gt0.6V , web area will be ineffective and only flanges will resist the
d

moment. Because of this for high shear case, moment capacity of beam is reduced.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Problems focuses on “Design Strength of Laterally Supported Beams – II”.

1. The design bending strength of beams when V ≤ 0.6Vd is given by

a) β  /Z f  γ
b p y m0

b) β Z f  / γ
b p y m0

c) β Z  /f  γ
b p y m0

d) β Z f  γ
b p y m0

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The design bending strength of beams when V ≤ 0.6Vd is given by M  = β Z f  / γ  , where β  is a
d b p y m0 b

constant, Z  = plastic section modulus of cross section, f  is yiled stress of material, γ  = 1.1,partial safety factor.
p y m0

2. The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength for plastic section is given by
b

a) 1.5
b) 2.0
c) 0.5
d) 1.0
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength is 1 for plastic and compact sections. The
b

value of β  in the equation of design bending strength for semi-compact section depends on section modulus.
b

3. The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength for semi-compact section is given by
b

a) Z /Z
e p

b) Z Z
e p

c) Z / Z
p e

d) Z +Z
e p

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength for semi-compact section is given by β  =
b b

Z /Z  , where Z , Z  are elastic and plastic moduli of the cross section.

e p e p

4. The check for design bending strength for simply supported beams is given by
a) M  = 2.4Z f /γ
d p y m0

b) M  < 1.2Z f /γ
d p y m0

c) M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ
d p y m0

d) M  ≥ 1.2Z f /γ
d p y m0

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The check for design bending strength for simply supported beams is given by M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ  to ensure
d p y m0

that onset of plasticity under unfactored loads is prevented.

5. The check for design bending strength for cantilever beams is given by
a) M  = 2.4Z f /γ
d p y m0

b) M  ≤ 1.5Z f /γ
d p y m0

c) M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ
d p y m0

d) M  ≥ 1.5Z f /γ
d p y m0

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The check for design bending strength for cantilever beams is given by M  ≤ 1.5Z f /γ  to ensure that
d p y m0

onset of plasticity under unfactored loads – dead loads, imposed loads and wind load- is prevented.

6. The design bending strength for slender sections is given by

a) M  = Z f ‘
d e y

b) M  = f ‘
d y

c) M  = Z  /f ‘
d e y
d) M  = Z  +f ‘
d e y

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The design bending strength for slender sections is given by M  = Z f ‘ , where Z  is elastic section d e y e

modulus of cross section and f ‘ is reduced design strength for slender sections.
y

7. IS 800 permits bolt holes in the flanges to be ignored when

a) 0.9f A /γ  ≤ 2f Agf/γ
u nf m1 y m0

b) 0.9f A /γ  ≤ f Agf/γ
u nf m1 y m0

c) 0.9f A /γ  ≥ f Agf/γ
u nf m1 y m0

d) 0.9f A /γ  ≤ 0.5f Agf/γ

u nf m1 y m0

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: IS 800 permits bolt holes in the flanges to be ignored when the tensile fracture strength of flange is at
least equal to tensile yield strength i.e. when 0.9f A /γ  ≥ f Agf/γ  or (A /Agf) ≥ (f /f )x(γ  /γ )x(1/0.9), where A /Agf =
u nf m1 y m0 nf y u m1 m0 nf

ratio of net area to gross area of tension flange, f /f  = ratio of yield stress to ultimate stress of material, γ  /γ  = ratio
y u m1 m0

of partial safety factors against ultimate stress to yield stress.

8. The moment capacity of semi-compact section for V > 0.6V  is given by d

a) M  = Zef γ
d y m0

b) M  = Zef
d y

c) M  = f /γ
d y m0

d) M  = Zef /γ
d y m0

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Few I-and channel sections are semi-compact because of width-thickness ratio. The moment capacity of
semi-compact section for V > 0.6V  is given by M  = Zef /γ , where Ze = elastic section modulus of whole section, f  =
d d y m0 y

yield stress of material, γ  = partial safety factor. m0

This set of Basic Design of Steel Structures Questions and Answers focuses on “Design Strength of Laterally
Supported Beams – III”.

1. What is shear lag effect?

a) the phenomenon of non uniform bending stress not due to influence of shear strain induced on bending stresses in
flanges
b) the phenomenon of uniform bending stress not due to influence of shear strain induced on bending stresses in
flanges
c) the phenomenon of uniform bending stress due to influence of shear strain induced on bending stresses in flanges
d) the phenomenon of non uniform bending stress due to influence of shear strain induced on bending stresses in
flanges
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The shear strain induced influences bending stresses in flanges and causes sections to warp. This
consequently modifies the bending stresses determined by simple bending theory and results in higher stresses near
junction of web to flange elements with stress dropping as distance from beam web increases. The resultant stress
distribution across flange is therefore non uniform and this phenomenon is known as shear lag.

2. As per IS 800:2007, shear lag effects in flanges may be disregarded for outstand elements if
a) b  ≥ L  / 20
o 0

b) b  ≤ L  / 20
o 0

c) b  > L  / 20
o 0

d) b  = L  / 10
o 0

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: As per IS 800:2007, shear lag effects in flanges may be disregarded for outstand elements if b  ≤ L  / 20, o 0

where b  = width of flange outstand, L  = length between points of zero moment in the span.
o 0

3. As per IS 800:2007, shear lag effects in flanges may be disregarded for internal elements if
a) b  ≤ L  / 10
i 0

b) b  ≤ L  / 20
i 0

c) b  > L  / 10
i 0
d) b  = L  / 20
i 0

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: As per IS 800:2007, shear lag effects in flanges may be disregarded for internal elements if b  ≤ L  / 10,i 0

where b  = width of internal element, L  = length between points of zero moment in the span.
i 0

4. Shear lag effect depends on

a) material of beam
b) width of beam only
c) width-to-span ratio
d) cost
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Shear lag effect depends upon width-to-span ratio, beam end restraints, and type of load.

5. Which of the following is true?

a) point load causes less shear lag than uniform load
b) point load causes more shear lag than uniform load
c) point load causes half times the shear lag than uniform load
d) point load causes equal shear lag as uniform load
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The resultant stress distribution across flanges is non-uniform and is called shear lag. Point load causes
more shear lag than uniform load.

6. The moment capacity of plastic section for V > 0.6V  is given by
d

a) M  = M  – β(M  – M )
dv d d fd

b) M  = M  + β(M  – M )
dv d d fd

c) M  = M  – β(M  + M )
dv d d fd

d) M  = M  + β(M  + M )
dv d d fd

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The moment capacity of plastic or compact section for V > 0.6V  is given by M  = M  – β(M  – M ), where
d dv d d fd

M  = plastic design moment of whole section disregarding high shear force effect but considering web buckling effect,
d

M  = plastic design strength of area of cross section excluding shear area, considering partial safety factor γ , β is
fd m0

constant.

7. The value of β in equation of moment capacity of plastic section for V > 0.6V  is given by
d

a) ([V /V] -1) d

2

b) (2[V /V] +1) d

2

c) (2[V /V] -1) d

2

d) (2[V /V] -1) d

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The value of β in equation of moment capacity of plastic section for V > 0.6V  is given by β = (2[V /V] -1) ,
d d
2

where V  = design shear strength as governed by web yielding or web buckling, V = factored applied shear force.
d

8. The check for moment capacity of plastic section for V > 0.6V  is given by
d

a) M  ≥ 1.2Zef /γ
dv y m0

b) M  ≤ 1.2Zef /γ
dv y m0

c) M  > 1.2Zef /γ
dv y m0

d) M  = 2.2Zef /γ
dv y m0

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The check for moment capacity of plastic section for V > 0.6V  is given by M  ≤ 1.2Zef /γ , where Z  =
d dv y m0 e

elastic section modulus of whole section, f  = yield stress of material, γ  = partial safety factor.
y m0

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Design Strength of
Laterally Unsupported Beams – I”.

1. The design bending strength of laterally unsupported beams is governed by

a) torsion
b) bending
c) lateral torsional buckling
d) yield stress
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Beams with major axis bending and compression flange not restrained against lateral bending (or
inadequate lateral support) fail by lateral torsional buckling before attaining their bending strength.

2. The effect of lateral-torsional buckling need not be considered when

a) λ  ≤ 0.4
LT

b) λ  ≥0.4
LT

c) λ  > 0.8
LT

d) λ  = 0.8
LT

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The effect of lateral-torsional buckling need not be considered when λ  ≤ 0.4, where λ  is the non LT LT

dimensional slenderness ratio for lateral torsional buckling.

3. The bending strength of laterally unsupported beams is given by

a) M  = β Z  /f
d b p bd

b) M  = β  /Z f
d b p bd

c) M  = β Z
d b p

d) M  = β Z f
d b p bd

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The bending strength of laterally unsupported beams is given by M  = β Z f , where β  is a constant, Z  is
d b p bd b p

plastic section modulus, f  is design bending compressive stress. bd

4. The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength of laterally unsupported beams for plastic sections is
b

a) 0.5
b) 2.5
c) 1.0
d) 1.5
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength of laterally unsupported beams for plastic and
b

compact sections is 1.0. This constant depends on elastic and plastic section modulus for semi-compact sections.

5. The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength of laterally unsupported beams for semi-compact
b

sections is
a) Z /Z
e p

b) Z Z
e p

c) Z /Z
p e

d) Zp

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The value of β  in the equation of design bending strength of laterally unsupported beams for semi-
b

compact sections is Z /Z , where Z  is elastic section modulus, Z  is plastic section modulus.
e p e p

6. The value of design bending compressive stress f  is bd

a) X  f
LT y

b) X  f  /f
LT y y

c) X  f  f
LT y y

d) X  /f
LT y

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The value of design bending compressive stress f  is X  f  /f , where X  is bending stress reduction factor
bd LT y y LT

to account for lateral torsional buckling, f  is yield stress, f  is partial safety factor for material (=1.10).
y y

7. The bending stress reduction factor to account for lateral buckling is given by
a) X  = 1/{φ  + (φ  – λ )}
LT LT
2
LT
2
LT

b) X  = 1/{φ  – (φ  + λ )}
LT LT
2
LT
2
LT

c) X  = 1/{φ  – (φ  + λ )0.5}
LT LT
2
LT
2
LT
d) X  = 1/{φ  + (φ  – λ )0.5}
LT LT
2
LT
2
LT

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The bending stress reduction factor to account for lateral buckling is given by X  = 1/{φ  + (φ  – λ )0.5}, LT LT
2
LT
2
LT

where φ  depends upon imperfection factor and non dimensional slenderness ratio, λ  is non dimensional
LT LT

slenderness ratio.

8. The value of φ  in bending stress reduction factor is given by

LT

a) φ  = [ 1 – α  (λ  + 0.2) + λ ].
LT LT LT
2
LT

b) φ  = [ 1 + α  (λ  – 0.2) + λ ].
LT LT LT
2
LT

c) φ  = 0.5 [ 1 – α  (λ  + 0.2) + λ ].

LT LT LT
2
LT

d) φ  = 0.5 [ 1 + α  (λ  – 0.2) + λ ].

LT LT LT
2
LT

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The value of φ  in bending stress reduction factor is given by φ  = 0.5 [ 1 + α  (λ  – 0.2) + λ ], where
LT LT LT LT
2
LT

α  is imperfection factor, λ  is non dimensional slenderness ratio.

LT LT

This set of Advanced Design of Steel Structures Questions and Answers focuses on “Design Strength of Laterally
Unsupported Beams – II”.

1. Imperfection factor for rolled section is

a) 0.1
b) 0.21
c) 2.1
d) 4.9
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Imperfection factor for rolled section is 0.21. The imperfection factor takes into account all the relevant
defects in real structure when considering buckling, geometric imperfections, eccentricity of applied loads and
residual stresses. It depends on the buckling curve.

2. Imperfection factor for welded section is

a) 4.9
b) 0.21
c) 2.1
d) 0.49
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Imperfection factor for welded section is 0.49. The imperfection factor depends on the buckling curve
and takes into account all the relevant defects in real structure when considering buckling, geometric imperfections,
eccentricity of applied loads and residual stresses.

3. Non-dimensional slenderness ratio is given by

a) λ  = √(β Z f /M )
LT b p y cr

b) λ  = √(β Z f M )
LT b p y cr

c) λ  = √(β Z /M )
LT b p cr

d) λ  = √(β Z f )
LT b p y

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Non-dimensional slenderness ratio is given by λ  = √(β Z f /M ), where β  = 1 for plastic and compact
LT b p y cr b

sections, β  = Ze/Z  for semi-compact sections, Ze = elastic section modulus, Z  = plastic section modulus, M  is
b p p cr

elastic critical moment.

4. The check for non- dimensional slenderness ratio is given by

a) λ  = 2.4 √(Zef /M )
LT y cr

b) λ  > 2 .4 √(Zef /M )
LT y cr

c) λ  ≤ 1.2 √(Zef /M )
LT y cr

d) λ  ≥ 1.2 √(Zef /M )
LT y cr

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The non- dimensional slenderness ratio is given by λ  = √(β Z f /M ). The check for it is given by λ  ≤ 1.2 LT b p y cr LT

√(Zef /M ), where Ze = elastic section modulus, M  is elastic critical moment.

y cr cr

5. Which of the following relation is correct?

a) λ  = √(f /f )
LT y cr,b

b) λ  = f /f
LT y cr,b

c) λ  = (f /f )
LT y cr,b
2

d) λ  = √(f  f )
LT y cr,b

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: λ  = √(β Z f /M ) = √(f /f ), where β  = 1 for plastic and compact sections, β  = Ze/Z  for semi-compact
LT b p y cr y cr,b b b p

sections, Ze = elastic section modulus, Z  = plastic section modulus, M  is elastic critical moment, f  is extreme p cr cr,b

compressive elastic buckling stress.

6. The elastic critical moment is given by

a) M  = β  f
cr b cr,b

b) M  = β Z  / f
cr b p cr,b

c) M  = β Z
cr b p

d) M  = β Z  f
cr b p cr,b

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The elastic critical moment is given by M  = √{[π EI / L M ][ GIt + (π EIw/L )]} = β Z  f  , I  = moment of cr
2
y
2
LT
2 2
LT b p cr,b y

inertia about minor axis, Iw = warping constant, It = St. Venant’s constant, G = Shear modulus.

7. Warping constant in elastic critical moment is given by

a) (1+β )β  I  h f f y
2
f

b) (1-β )β  I  h f f y
2
f

c) β  I  h
f y
2
f

d) (1-β )/β  I  h f f y
2
f

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Warping constant in elastic critical moment is given by Iw = (1-β )β  I  h  , where β  is ratio of moment of f f y
2
f f

inertia of compression flange to sum of moments of inertia of compression and tension flanges, I  = moment of inertia y

about minor axis, h  = centre-to-centre distance between flanges. f

8. St. Venant’s constant is given by

a) ∑b t /3 i i
2

b) ∑b t i i
2

c) ∑b t /3 i i
3

d) ∑b t i i

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: St. Venant’s constant is given by It = ∑b ti3/3. For open section (e.g. I -section) : It = 2bft3f/3 + bft3w/3. i

9. The value of f  is given by cr,b

a) f  = [1.1π E/(L /r ) ]{1+1/20[(L /r )/(h /t )] }

cr,b
2
LT y
2
LT y f f
2

b) f  = [1.1π E/(L /r )]{1-1/20[(L /r )/(h /t )]}

cr,b
2
LT y LT y f f

c) f  = [1.1π E/(L /r ) ]{1+1/20[(L /r )/(h /t )] }

cr,b
2
LT y
2
LT y f f
2 0.5

d) f  = [1.1π E/(L /r ) ]{1-1/20[(L /r )/(h /t )] }

cr,b
2
LT y
2
LT y f f
2 0.5

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The value of f  is given by f  = [1.1π E/(L /r ) ]{1+1/20[(L /r )/(h /t )] } , where r  = radius of gyration about
cr,b cr,b
2
LT y
2
LT y f f
2 0.5
y

weaker axis, L  = effective length for lateral-torsional buckling, t  = thickness of flange, h  = centre-to-centre distance
LT f f

between flanges.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Shear Strength of
Beams”.
1. A beam can be subjected to which of the following shear?
a) longitudinal shear only
b) transverse shear only
c) longitudinal or transverse shear
d) beam is not subjected to shear
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: A beam is subjected to two types of shear: transverse (vertical) shear and longitudinal shear.

2. Shear forces will govern the design of beam if

a) beam is short
b) beam is long
c) beam carry light loads
d) shear forces will never act in beam
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Shear forces will govern the design of beam if beams are short and are heavily loaded (heavy
concentrated load) or deeply coped.

3. Longitudinal shear occurs due to

a) light load on beam
b) bending of beam
c) twisting of beam
d) does not occur
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Longitudinal or horizontal shear occurs due to bending of beam. The fibers above shorten in length and
those below neutral axis elongate under sagging bending moments. Therefore, the fibers tend to slip over each other
and the effect is maximum at the neutral axis. The tendency to slip is resisted by shear strength of the material.

4. The shear stress distribution of I-section varies

a) cubically with depth
b) as straight line with depth
c) as horizontally with depth
d) parabolically with depth
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The shear stress distribution of I-section varies parabolically with depth with maximum occurring at the
neutral axis.

5. The longitudinal shear is given by

a) τ = VAyI t z

b) τ = VAy/I t z

c) τ = VAy/I z

d) τ = Vy/I t
z

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The longitudinal shear is given by τ = VAy/I t, where V is vertical shear force at section under
z

consideration, I  is moment of inertia of entire section about zz-axis, neutral axis, Ay is static moment of area of cross
z

section, t is thickness of portion of cross section at which longitudinal shear is obtained.

6. In which of the following cases shear does not govern design of beam?
a) when web thickness is large in plate girders
b) when depth of beam section is small and loaded uniformly
c) when large concentrated loads are placed near support
d) when two members are rigidly connected together with their webs lying in same plane
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Shear determines design of beam when depth of beam section is small and loaded uniformly, when
large concentrated loads are placed near beam supports, when two members are rigidly connected together with
their webs lying in same plane, when web thickness is small in plate girders.
7. Which of the following is true regarding I-section?
a) average shear is very larger than maximum shear
b) maximum shear is very larger than average shear
c) flanges resist very small portion of shear
d) webs resist very small portion of shear
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: For an I-section, flanges resist very small portion of shear and a significant portion is resisted by web.
The maximum and average shear for I-section are almost same.

8. A erage stress is given by

v

a) τ  = V/d
av

b) τ  = Vdt
av w

c) τ  = V/t
av w

d) τ  = V/dt
av w

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: for practical purposes, average shear stress is used and is given by τ  = V/A  = /dt , where d = depth of
av v w

web, t  = thickness of web, A  is shear area.

w v

9. Nominal shear strength based on Von-Mises yield criterion is given by

a) V  = A f
n v yv

b) V  = A f /√3
n v yv

c) V  = f /√3
n yv

d) V  = A f /3
n v yv

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Nominal shear strength based on Von-Mises yield criterion is given by V  = A f /√3, where f  is yield
n v yv yv

strength of web, V  is nominal shear resistance.

n

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Web Buckling &
Crippling”.

1. Which of the following is correct?

a) web in rolled section behaves like a column when not placed under concentrated loads
b) web in rolled section behaves like a column when placed under concentrated loads
c) web in rolled section does not behave like a column when placed under concentrated loads
d) web in rolled section cannot be compared with column
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The web in rolled section behaves like a column when placed under concentrated loads. The web is
quite thin and is therefore, subjected to buckling.

2. The effective depth when top flanges are restrained against lateral deflection and rotation is
a) d/3
b) d
c) 2d
d) d/2
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Bottom flange is assumed to be restrained against lateral deflection and rotation. for top flanges, the end
restraints and effective depth of the web are to be considered. The effective depth when top flanges are restrained
against lateral deflection and rotation is d/2, where d is depth of web.

3. The effective depth when top flanges are restrained against lateral deflection but not against rotation is
a) 2d/3
b) d
c) 2d
d) d/2
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The effective depth when top flanges are restrained against lateral deflection but not against rotation is
2d/3, where d is depth of web. Bottom flange is assumed to be restrained against lateral deflection and rotation. for
top flanges, the end restraints and effective depth of the web are to be considered.

4. The effective depth when top flanges are restrained against rotation but not against lateral deflection is
a) 2d/3
b) 2d
c) d
d) d/2
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Bottom flange is assumed to be restrained against lateral deflection and rotation. for top flanges, the end
restraints and effective depth of the web are to be considered. The effective depth when top flanges are restrained
against rotation but not against lateral deflection is d, where d is depth of web.

5. The effective depth when top flanges are not restrained against rotation and lateral deflection is
a) 2d/3
b) 2d
c) d
d) d/2
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The effective depth when top flanges are not restrained against rotation and lateral deflection is 2d,
where d is depth of web. Bottom flange is assumed to be restrained against lateral deflection and rotation. for top
flanges, the end restraints and effective depth of the web are to be considered.

6. The maximum diagonal compression in plate girder simply supported occurs

a) does not occur
b) above neutral axis
c) below neutral axis
d) at neutral axis
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The maximum diagonal compression in plate girder simply supported occurs at neutral axis . It will be
inclined at 45˚ to the neutral axis.

7. Web buckling strength at support of simply supported plate girder is given by

a) F  =B f
wb tw cd

b) F  =t f
wb w cd

c) F  =B
wb tw

d) F  =Bf
wb cd

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Web buckling strength at support of simply supported plate girder is given by F  =B f  , where B is
wb tw cd

length of stiff portion of bearing plus additional length given by dispersion at 45˚to the level of neutral axis, t  is
w

thickness of web, f  is allowable compressive stress corresponding to assumed web strut according to buckling curve
cd

c.

8. Slenderness ratio when ends are assumed to be fixed for a plate girder is
a) 2.45 d
b) 8.5 d/t
c) 2.45 d/t
d) 8.5 t
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When ends are assumed to be fixed, effective length = d√2/2 = d/√2, minimum radius of gyration = t/√12.
Therefore slenderness ratio = (d/√2)/( t/√12) = 2.45d/t, where d = depth of web, t = thickness of web.

9. What is web crippling ?

a) web is of large thickness
b) flange near portion of stress concentration tends to fold over web
c) web near portion of stress concentration tends to fold over flange
d) flange is of large thickness
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Webs of rolled section are subjected to large amount of stresses just below concentrated loads and
above reactions from support. Stress concentration occurs at junction of web and flange. As a result, large bearing
stresses are developed below concentrated load. Consequently, the web near portion of stress concentration tends to
fold over flange. This type of local buckling phenomenon is called crippling or crimpling of web.

10. Which of the following is true?

a) web crippling is buckling of web caused by compressive force delivered through flange
b) web crippling is buckling of flange caused by compressive force delivered through web
c) web crippling is buckling of web caused by tensile force delivered through flange
d) web crippling is buckling of flange caused by tensile force delivered through web
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Web crippling is buckling of web caused by compressive force delivered through flange. To keep
bearing stresses within permissible limits, the concentrated load should be transferred from flanges to web on
sufficiently large bearing areas.

11. The most critical location for failure due to web crippling is
a) flange cross section
b) middle of web
c) start of fillet
d) root of fillet
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The most critical location for failure due to web crippling is root of fillet since resisting area has the
smallest value here.

12. The angle of dispersion of load for web crippling is assumed to be

a) 2:1
b) 1:2.5
c) 4:5
d) 2:3
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The angle of dispersion of load for web crippling is assumed to be 1:2.5 .With reference to this, bearing
length is calculated.

13. The crippling strength of web at supports is given by

a) F  = (b+n )f
crip 1 yw

b) F  = (b+n ) t
crip 1

c) F  = (b+n )/f t
crip 1 yw

d) F  = (b+n )f t
crip 1 yw

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The crippling strength of web at supports is given by F  = (b+n )f t, where b+n  is length obtained by
crip 1 yw 1

dispersion through flange, t is thickness of web, f  is design yield strength of web.
yw

14. The crippling strength of web at interior point where concentrated load is acting is given by
a) F  = (b+2n )f
crip 1 yw

b) F  = (b+2n ) t
crip 1

c) F  = (b+2n )f t
crip 1 yw

d) F  = (b+n )/f t
crip 1 yw

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The crippling strength of web at interior point where concentrated load is acting is given by F  = crip

(b+2n )f t, where b+2n  is length obtained by dispersion through flange, t is thickness of web, f  is design yield
1 yw 1 yw

strength of web.

15. Which off the following will be a remedy to web crippling?

a) spreading load over small portion of flange
b) provide stiffeners which bear against flanges at load points
c) provide web of small thickness
d) web crippling cannot be prevented
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Web crippling can be prevented by spreading load over large portion of flange. The other remedy is
provide stiffeners which bear against flanges at load points and are connected to web to transfer force to it gradually.
The other remedy is to make the web thicker.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Deflection & Holes
in Beams”.

1. Which of the following may not occur due to excessive deflection?

a) ponding problem in roofs
b) misalignment of supporting machinery
c) cracking of plaster ceilings
d) twisting of beam
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Excessive deflection may cause cracking of plaster ceilings, misalignment of supporting machinery and
cause excessive vibration, ponding problem in roofs, etc. Hence deflection in beam needs to be limited.

2. What is ponding?
a) excessive deflection of flat roof resulting in accumulation of rainwater
b) excessive deflection of flat roof not resulting in accumulation of rainwater
c) small deflection of flat roof resulting in accumulation of rainwater
d) small deflection of flat roof not resulting in accumulation of rainwater
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Excessive deflection of flat roof resulting in accumulation of water during rainstorms is called ponding
and it causes damage to the roof material.

3. Deflection can be reduced by

a) proving less restraints
b) increasing span
c) increasing depth of beam
d) decreasing depth of beam
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Deflection can be reduced by increasing depth of beam, reducing the span, providing greater end
restraints or by other means such as providing camber.

4. Beam deflection is not a function of

a) loading
b) span
c) length of column
d) geometry of cross section
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Beam deflection is a function of loading, span, modulus of elasticity and geometry of cross section.
Small deflections of beams do not cause structural problems in general except for discomfort to the users. But
excessive deflections may lead to crack in plaster or ceilings and may damage material attached to or supported by
beams.

5. What is the maximum vertical deflection in industrial building for purlins and girts subjected to live load/wind load
for elastic cladding?
a) span/150
b) span/180
c) span/250
d) span/100
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The maximum deflection in industrial building for purlins and girts subjected to live load/wind load for
elastic cladding is span/150 and for brittle cladding is span/180.

6. What is the maximum vertical deflection in other buildings (other than industrial buildings)for floor subjected to live
load and elements not susceptible to cracking?
a) span/150
b) span/180
c) span/300
d) span/100
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The maximum deflection in other buildings (other than industrial buildings) for floor subjected to live load
and elements not susceptible to cracking is span/300.

7. What is the maximum vertical deflection in other buildings (other than industrial buildings) for floor subjected to live
load and elements susceptible to cracking?
a) span/150
b) span/360
c) span/300
d) span/100
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The maximum deflection in other buildings (other than industrial buildings) for floor subjected to live load
and elements susceptible to cracking is span/360.

8. What is the maximum lateral deflection in other buildings (other than industrial buildings) subjected to wind load
and for brittle cladding?
a) height/300
b) height/250
c) height/100
d) height/500
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The maximum lateral deflection in other buildings (other than industrial buildings) subjected to wind load
and for brittle cladding is height /500 and for elastic cladding is height/300.

9. What is the maximum vertical deflection for a cantilever member in other buildings (other than industrial buildings)
subjected to live load and elements not susceptible to cracking?
a) span/150
b) span/180
c) span/300
d) span/100
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The maximum vertical deflection for a cantilever member in other buildings (other than industrial
buildings) subjected to live load and elements not susceptible to cracking is span/150 and for elements susceptible to
cracking is span/180.

10. What is the maximum lateral deflection of column/frame in industrial buildings subjected to crane load plus wind
load and for brittle cladding?
a) height/300
b) height/250
c) height/400
d) height/500
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The maximum lateral deflection of column/frame in industrial buildings subjected to crane load plus wind
load and for brittle cladding (pendant operated) is height/400 and for elastic cladding (cab operated) is height/200.

11. The strength of steel beam depends on

a) strength of tension flange
b) strength of compression flange
c) strength of web
d) does not depend on strength of section
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The strength of steel beam depends on the strength of compression flange. An open hole in the
compression flange affects the strength of steel beam more than a hole in tension flange.

12. A hole in flange of beam causes

a) increase in stress
b) decrease in stress
c) makes the stress to half
d) does not affect the stress
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: A hole in flange of beam causes an increase in stress. If the hole in compression flange contains rivet or
bolt, the strength reduction is lessened as fastener can transmit compression.

13. Holes in beam webs should be placed at ____ and in flanges it should be placed at ________
a) high shear, high bending moment
b) high bending moment, high shear
c) low bending moment, low shear
d) low shear, low bending moment
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Holes in beam webs have less effect on flexural strength than holes in the flanges. Holes in beam webs
should be placed only at sections of low shear. In the flanges, the holes should be cut at points of low bending
moment. If this is not possible, the effect of the holes should be accounted for design.

14. The strength of the beams with openings may be governed by plastic deformations due to
a) moment only
b) shear only
c) both moment and shear
d) does not depend on moment or shear
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The strength of the beams with openings may be governed by plastic deformations due to both moment
and shear at the openings. The strength realised will depend upon the interaction between moment and shear. The
reduction in moment capacity at the openings is small while the reduction in shear capacity may be significant.

15. Which of the following are correct regarding design of beams with openings?
a) web opening should be away from support by twice the beam depth
b) hole should be eccentrically placed in web
c) hole should not be placed within middle one third of the span
d) clear spacing between openings should be less than beam depth
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: General guidelines for design of beams with openings are as follows : (i)The hole should be centrally
placed in web and eccentricity should be avoided, (ii) The best location for the opening is within the middle one third
of the span, (iii) Web opening should be away from support and it should be away by twice the depth of beam, (iv)
Clear spacing between openings should be more than depth of beam.

16. Which of the following are not correct regarding design of beams with openings?
a) diameter of circular opening should be restricted to 0.5D
b) for rectangular stiffened openings depth should be less than 0.7D and length less 2D
c) for rectangular unstiffened openings, depth should be less than 0.5D and length less than 1.5D
d) point load should be applied within a distance d from adjacent opening
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: General guidelines for design of beams with openings are as follows : (i) The diameter of circular
opening should be restricted to 0.5D, where D is depth of beam, (ii) For rectangular unstiffened openings, depth
should be less than 0.5D and length less than 1.5D, where D is depth of beam (iii) For rectangular stiffened openings,
depth should be less than 0.7D and length less 2D, where D is depth of beam (iv) Point loads should not be applied
within a distance d from the adjacent opening.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Castellated Beams
& Lintels”.

1. What is castellated beam?

a) beam with no openings in web
b) beam with number of regular openings in web and flange
c) beam with number of regular openings in web
d) beam with number of regular openings in flange
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: A beam with number of regular openings in its web is called castellated beam. A castellated beam is
formed by flame cutting a single rolled wide flange beam in a definite predetermined pattern and then rejoining the
segments by welding to form a regular pattern of holes in the web.

2. The new rolled section of castellated beam will have depth

a) 50% more than original section
b) 50% less than original section
c) 25% less than original section
d) depth does not change
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The new rolled section of castellated beam will have depth at least 50% more and its section modulus
increases by 2.25 times the original section. This allows the beam to span further than parent rolled section.

3. Castellated beams have ______ shear capacity than original beams

a) shear capacity does not change
b) twice
c) increased
d) reduced
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Castellated beams have reduced shear capacity. It has reduced shear capacity due to stress
concentrations near the openings.

4. Which of the following measures can be taken to improve shear capacity of castellated beams?
a) openings can be made away from neutral axis
b) openings can be made close to neutral axis
c) making cuts in straight manner
d) by not using stiffenings
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Shear capacity of castellated beams can be improved by making openings close to neutral axis and
making cuts in a wavy manner. Stiffening can be provided at load concentrations and reaction points to improve its
shear carrying capacity.

5. Which of the following is not an advantage of castellated beam?

a) light in weight
b) can be assembled fast
c) cheaper
d) high fire resistance than original rolled section
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Castellated beams are light in weight, cheaper, they have relatively high resistance and can be
assembled fast at the construction site. They are less fire resistant than normal rolled sections. Castellated beams
can very easily be cambered and cranked.
6. In which of the following cases are castellated beam desirable?
a) when more span to be covered than rolled section
b) when beam subjected to substantial concentrated loads
c) when beam to be used as continuous beam
d) when higher fire resistance than rolled section required
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The section of castellated beam will have more depth and section modulus than original rolled section.
This allows the beam to span further than parent rolled section. Castellated beams may not be desirable when beam
is subjected to substantial concentrated loads, or when castellated beam is used as a continuous beam across
several supports. Castellated beams are less attractive when very high requirements for fire resistance are required
because the fire resistant coating has to be around 20% thicker than for rolled sections in order to obtain the same
fire resistance as rolled section.

7. Match the pairs

(A) Vierendeel mechanism (i) caused by heavy loading and short span
(B) Lateral torsional buckling of web (ii) caused due to excessive horizontal shear
(C) Rupture of welded joint in web (iii) due to excessive deformation across openings in web
(D) Web Buckling (iv)caused by large shear

a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv

b) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i
c) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i
d) A-i, B-iv, C-iii, D-ii
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: There are number of possible modes of failure for castellated beams. Some of them are as follows: (i)
Vierendeel mechanism – occurs due to excessive deformation across one of the openings in web and formation of
hinges in corners of castellation, (ii) Lateral torsional buckling of web – caused by large shear at welded joint, (iii)
Rupture of welded joint in web – caused due to excessive horizontal shear at welded joint in the web, (iv) Web
Buckling – caused by heavy loading and short span of beam, this may be avoided at support by filling firt castellation
by welding plate in the hole.

8. What are lintels?

a) beams provided in foundation
b) beams on roof of building
c) columns above openings in wall
d) beams above openings in wall
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Beams provided above the openings in walls to support masonry that comes in between the opening
and slab above are called as lintels. It is desirable that lintel is built flush from both the sides of the walls.

9. _____ section is suitable for small openings and _____ section is suitable for large openings
a) flat, I-section
b) I-section, flat
c) angles, flat
d) angles, angles
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Flats and plate sections are used for small openings. For openings of moderate dimension, back-to-back
angles and inverted T-sections are best options. For large openings, channels, I-sections or built-up sections are
preferred. If there is any doubt about lateral support from the wall, I-section with plates can be used.

10. Design of lintel is carried out for

a) weight of slab
b) no load is considered from masonry load above the opening
c) small portion of masonry load above the opening
d) large portion of masonry load above the opening
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Design loads for lintels are not well defined because it is not certain as how much load from masonry will
come over lintel. It is assumed that after setting of mortar, load from masonry is distributed by arch action. Design of
lintel is carried out for small portion of masonry load above the opening.

11. When the slab over lintel is above apex of equilateral triangle formed on lintel, load of masonry is considered as
a) rectangular load
b) triangular load
c) trapezoidal load
d) no load is considered
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: When the slab over lintel is above apex of equilateral triangle formed on lintel, the load of masonry in the
triangle thus formed is assumed to act over it. When the design load is from triangular portion of masonry , the
maximum moment will be Wl/6, where W = triangular load from masonry and l = effective span of lintel.

12. When the slab over lintel is below apex of equilateral triangle formed on lintel, load of masonry is considered as
a) rectangular load
b) triangular load
c) trapezoidal load
d) no load is considered
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: When the slab over lintel is below apex of equilateral triangle formed on lintel, the load of masonry in the
rectangle is considered. The load of masonry in the rectangle is assumed to act over by taking length equal to span
of lintel and height equal to clear height of slab above the lintel.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Purlins”.

1. What are purlins?

a) beams provided in foundation
b) beams provided above openings
c) beams provided over trusses to support roofing
d) beams provided on plinth level
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Purlins are beams provided over trusses to support sloping roof system between adjacent trusses.
Channels, angle sections, and old formed Z-sections are widely used as purlins.

2. Theoretically, purlins are generally placed at

a) only at panel points
b) only at edges
c) only at mid span
d) only at corners of roof
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Theoretically, it is desirable to place purlins only at panel points. They are placed at panel points to
avoid bending in the top chords of roof trusses. For large trusses, it is more economical to space purlins at closer
intervals.

3. Purlin section is subjected to

a) not subjected to bending or twisting
b) twisting only
c) symmetrical bending
d) unsymmetrical bending
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The wind force is assumed to act normal to roof truss and gravity load pass through centre of gravity of
purlin section. Hence, the purlin section is subjected to twisting in addition to bending. Such bending is called
unsymmetrical bending.

4. If purlins are assumed to be simply supported, the moments will be

a) wl /10
2

b) wl/8
c) wl/10
d) wl /8
2

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Purlins can be designed simple, continuous or cantilever beams. If purlins are assumed to be simply
supported, the moments will be wl /8. If they are assumed to be continuous, the moments will be slightly less and
2

taken as wl2/10. IS 800 recommends the purlins to be designed as continuous beams.

5. While erecting channel section purlins, it is desirable that they are erected over rafter with their flange
a) facing down slope
b) facing up slope
c) does not depend whether up slope or down slope
d) flanges are placed randomly
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: While erecting angle, channel or I- section purlins, it is desirable that they are erected over rafter with
their flange facing up slope. In this position, the twisting moment does not cause any instability. The twisting moment
will cause instability if the purlins are kept in such a way that the flanges face the downward slope.

6. Sag rods are provided at

a) one-third points between roof trusses
b) end of span
c) two-third points between roof trusses
d) are never provided
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Purlin sections have tendency to sag in the direction of sloping roof . So, sag rods are provided midway
or at one-third points between roof trusses to take up the sag.

7. Which of the following is not true about sag rods?

a) sag rods are provided at midway or at one-third points between roof trusses
b) these rods reduce the moment M yy

c) these rods increase the moment M yy

d) these rods result in smaller purlin sections

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Sag rods are provided midway or at one-third points between roof trusses to take up the sag in the
direction of sloping roof by purlins. These rods provide lateral support with resprct to y-axis bending. Consequently,
moment M  is reduced and thereby result in smaller purlin section. they are useful in keeping the purlins in proper
yy

alignment during erection until roofing is installed and connected to purlins.

8. When one sag rod is used, the moment about web axis
a) reduces by 50%
b) increases by 50%
c) increases by 75%
d) reduces by 75%
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: If sag rods are not used, the maximum moment about web axis would be wl2/8. When one sag rod is
used, the moments are reduced by 75% and when two sag rods are used at one-third points, the moments are
reduced by 91%.

9. The maximum bending moment for design of channel/I-section purlin is calculated by

a) Wl/10, where W= concentrated load
b) Wl/8, where W= concentrated load
c) W/10, where W= concentrated load
d) W/8, where W= concentrated load
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The gravity load, P1 and load due to wind component, H1 are computed. The loads are multiplied by
load factors. Thus, P = γfP1, H = γfH1 . The maximum bending moment are calculated as M  = Pl/10 and M  = Hl/10,
z y
where P= factored load along z-axis, H = factored load along y-axis, l= span of purlin (c/c distance between adjacent
trusses).

10. The required section modulus of the channel/I-section purlin can be determined by
a) Z  = M γ /f  + (b/d)(M γ /f )
pz y m0 y z m0 y

b) Z  = M γ /f  + (b/d)(M γ /f )
pz z m0 y y m0 y

c) Z  = M γ /f  + 2.5(b/d)(M γ /f )
pz z m0 y y m0 y

d) Z  = M γ /f  + 2.5(b/d)(M γ /f )
pz y m0 y z m0 y

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The required section modulus of the purlin section can be determined by Z  = M γ /f  + 2.5(b/d)(M γ /f  ), pz z m0 y y m0 y

where γ  is partial safety factor for material = 1.1, d is depth of trial section, b is the breadth of the trial section,
m0

M  and M  are factored bending moments about Z and Y axes, respectively, and f  is yield stress of steel. Since the
z y y

above equation involves b and d of a section, trial section must be used and from the above equation , it is checked
whether chosen section is adequate or not.

11. The design capacity of channel/I-section purlin is given by

a) M = Z /f p y

b) M = Z γ f p m0 y

c) M = Z γ /f p m0 y

d) M = γ /f m0 y

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The design capacity of channel/I-section purlin is given by M  = Z γ /f  and M  = Z yγ /f  , M  and M  are
dz pz m0 y dy p m0 y dz dy

design moment capacity about Z and Y axes, respectively, Z  and Z y are plastic section modulus about Z and Y
pz p

axes, respectively and f  is yield stress of steel. For safety, design moment capacity should be always greater than or
y

equal to factored bending moments.

12. The check for design capacity of channel/I-section purlin is given by

a) M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ , M  ≤ 2.4Z f /γ
dz ey y m0 dy ez y m0

b) M  ≤ Z f /γ , M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ
dz ez y m0 dy ey y m0

c) M  ≤ γfZ f /γ , M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ
dz ey y m0 dy ez y m0

d) M  ≤ 1.2Z f /γ , M  ≤ γfZ f /γ
dz ez y m0 dy ey y m0

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The check for design capacity of channel/I-section purlin is given by M  ≤ 1.2Z zf /γ  , M  ≤ γyZ f /γ  , dz e y m0 dy ey y m0

where M  and M  are design moment capacity about Z and Y axes, respectively, Z z and Z y are elastic section
dz dy e e

modulus about Z and Y axes, respectively and f  is yield stress of steel. Since in y-direction, the shape factor Z /Z  will
y p e

be greater than 1.2, γf is used instead of 1.2. If 1.2 is used the onset of yielding under unfactored loads cannot be
prevented.

13. Which of the following relation is correct for design of channel/I-section purlin?
a) (M /M ) + (M /M ) ≥ 1
z dz y dy

b) (M /M ) + (M /M ) ≤ 1
z dz y dy

c) (M /M ) + (M /M ) ≤ 1
dz z y dy

d) (M /M ) + (M /M ) ≥ 1
dz z dy y

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The local capacity of the section is checked by interaction equation. It is given by (M /M ) + (M /M ) ≤ 1 , z dz y dy

where M  and M  are design moment capacity about Z and Y axes, respectively, and M  and M  are factored bending
dz dy z y

moments about Z and Y axes, respectively.

14. For which of the following slope of roof truss, angle section purlin can be used?
a) 25˚
b) 50˚
c) 75˚
d) 60˚
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Angle sections are unsymmetrical about both the axes. Angle sections can be used as purlin section.
provided slope of the roof truss is less than 30˚.
15. The modulus of section required for angle section purlin is given by
a) Z = M/(0.66xf )
y

b) Z = M/(1.33×0.66xf )y

c) Z = M/(1.33×0.66xf )y

d) Z = M/(1.33xf )
y

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The modulus of section required for angle section purlin is given by Z = M/(1.33×0.66xf ), M = maximum
y

bending moment = wl /10, w = unfactored uniformly distributed load, l = span of purlin, f  is yield stress. The gravity
2
y

and wind loads are determined to calculate bending moment and both loads are assumed to be normal to roof truss.

This set of Tricky Design of Steel Structures Questions and Answers focuses on “Plate Girders & General
Considerations”.

1. A plate girder is used when

a) span is large and loads are heavy
b) span is small and loads are heavy
c) span is small and loads are light
d) span is large and loads are light
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: A plate girder is deep flexural member used to carry loads that cannot be economically carried by rolled
beams. When load is heavier and span is also large, there are three options : i) two or more I0sections, connected
appropriately (ii) plate girder (iii)truss girder. Of the above alternatives, first is uneconomical. So, plate girder or truss
girder can be used. Plate girder is used since cost of fabrication of truss girder is high.

2. Why plate girder is preferred over truss girder?

a) plate girder requires costly maintenance
b) higher vertical clearance required for plate girder than truss girder
c) cost of fabrication of plate girder is high
d) cost of fabrication of truss girder is high
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: When load is heavier and span is also large, either plate girder or truss girder can be used. But, plate
girder is preferred because of the disadvantages of truss girder. The disadvantages of truss girder are higher cost of
fabrication and erection, problem of vibration and impact, requirements of higher vertical clearance and costly
maintenance.

3. Bending resistance of plate girders can be increased by

a) decreasing distance between flanges
b) increasing distance between flanges
c) reducing distance between flanges to half
d) bending resistance cannot be increased
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Plate girders are built-up flexural members. Their bending resistance can be increased by increasing the
distance between flanges. This also increases the shear resistance as web area increases.

4. Which of the following is economical if depth is limited and loads are too large?
a) rolled section beam
b) truss girder
c) welded box plate girder
d) bolted box plate girder
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When the loads and span are large, plate girder sections either with riveted/bolted connections or
welded connections may be provided. The number of flange plates can be increased depending upon the moment to
be resisted. If depth is limited and loads are too large, welded box plate girder is provided. A box girder with
riveted/bolted connections can b e provided but it is too costly as compared to welded one. Box girders have great
resistance to lateral buckling.
5. An ideal bolted plate girder section consists of
a) flange angles and cover plates for both compression flange and tension flange
b) flange angles and cover plates for compression flange and only flange angle for tension flange
c) only flange angle for compression flange and flange angles and cover plates for tension flange
d) flange angles for both compression flange and tension flange
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: An ideal bolted plate girder section consists of flange angles and cover plates for compression flange
and only flange angle for tension flange. The various elements of riveted/bolted/welded plate girder are : web plate,
flange angles with or without cover plates for riveted/bolted plate girder and only flange angles for welded plate
girder, stiffeners – bearing, transverse and longitudinal, splices for web and flange.

6. The modes of failure of plate girder are

a) by yielding of compression flange only
b) by buckling of tension flange only
c) by yielding of tension flange and buckling of compression flange
d) by yielding of compression flange and buckling of tension flange
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The limit states considered for plate girder are yielding of tension flange and buckling of compression
flange. The compression flange buckling can take place in various ways, such as vertical buckling into the web or
flange local buckling. Flange buckling can also be caused due to lateral-torsional buckling.

7. At high shear locations in the girder web, principal plane will be ______ to longitudinal axis of member
a) inclined
b) parallel
c) perpendicular
d) coincides
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: At high shear locations in the girder web, usually near supports and neutral axis, the principal planes will
be inclined to longitudinal axis of the member. The principal stresses will be diagonal tension and diagonal
compression along the principal planes.

8. Which of the following causes web buckling in plate girder?

a) diagonal tension
b) diagonal compression
c) diagonal tension and diagonal compression
d) neither diagonal tension nor diagonal compression
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The principal planes will be inclined to longitudinal axis of the member at high shear locations in the
girder web. Along the principal planes, the principal stresses will be diagonal tension and diagonal compression.
Diagonal tension does not cause any problem but diagonal compression causes the web to buckle in the direction
perpendicular to its action.

9. Which of the following statement is correct for reducing web buckling due to diagonal compression?
a) not providing web stiffeners to increase shear strength
b) providing web stiffeners to reduce shear strength
c) increasing depth-to-thickness ratio
d) reducing depth-to-thickness ratio
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Diagonal compression causes web to buckle in the direction perpendicular to its action. This problem
can be solved by any of the following ways : (i) reduce depth-to-thickness ratio of web such that problem is
eliminated, (ii) provide web stiffeners to form panels that would enhance shear strength of web, (iii) provide web
stiffeners to form panels that would develop tension field action to resist diagonal compression.

10. Which of the following is correct during tension field action?

a) web can resist diagonal compression
b) horizontal component of diagonal compression is supported by flanges
c) vertical component of diagonal compression is supported by flanges
d) vertical component of diagonal compression is supported by stiffeners
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: As web begins to buckle , the web loses its ability to resist diagonal compression. The diagonal
compression is transferred to transverse stiffeners and flanges. The vertical component of diagonal compression is
supported by stiffeners and horizontal component is resisted by flanges. The web resists only diagonal tension and
this behaviour of web is called tension field action.

11. Which of the statement is not true about intermediate stiffeners?

a) they reduce shear capacity of web
b) they improve shear capacity of web
c) they can be used to develop tension field action
d) their main purpose is to provide stiffness to the web
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Intermediate stiffeners can be used to develop tension field action and improve shear capacity of web.
The main purpose of these stiffeners is to provide stiffness to the web rather than to resist the applied loads.
Additional stiffeners called bearing stiffeners are provided at points of concentrated loads to protect the web from the
direct compressive loads.

This set of Design of Steel Structures Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Proportioning of
Web & Flanges”.

1. The depth-to-thickness ratio of web connected to flanges along one longitudinal edge only when transverse
stiffeners are not provided is _____ to meet serviceability criteria.
a) >180ε
b) ≥90ε
c) ≤90ε
d) >90ε
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When transverse stiffeners are not provided, the depth-to-thickness ratio of web connected to flanges
along one longitudinal edge only is ≤ 90ε and when web connected to flanges along both longitudinal edges is ≤ 200ε
to meet the serviceability criteria.

2. The depth-to-thickness ratio of web when only transverse stiffeners are provided and 3d ≥ c ≥d, where c is clear
distance between stiffeners and d is depth of web is_____ to meet serviceability criteria
a) ≤ 200εw

b) ≥ 200 εw

c) > 200 εw

d) ≤ 400 εw

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: For serviceability criteria, when only transverse stiffeners are provided, the depth-to-thickness ratio of
web should be ≤ 200 εw, when 3d ≥ c ≥d and for c > 3d, the web is considered as unstiffened, where c is clear
distance between stiffeners and d is depth of web, εw = √(250/f ), f  is yield stress of web.
yw yw

3. The depth-to-thickness ratio of web when only transverse stiffeners are provided and c < 0.74d, where c is clear
distance between stiffeners and d is depth of web is_____ to meet serviceability criteria
a) ≤ 200 εw

b) ≥ 270 εw

c) > 200 εw

d) ≤ 270 εw

View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: For serviceability criteria, when only transverse stiffeners are provided, the depth-to-thickness ratio of
web should be ≤ 270 εw when c < 0.74d and c/t  ≤ 200 εw, when 0.74d ≤ c ≤d, where c is clear distance between
w

stiffeners and d is depth of web, ε  = √(250/f w), f w is yield stress of web.

w y y
4. What is the range of c to meet serviceability criteria when transverse and longitudinal stiffeners are provided at one
level only, at 0.2d from compression flange and c/tw ≤ 250 ε  ? w

a) c < 0.74d
b) 0.74d ≤ c ≤ d
c) c ≥ d
d) c > 2d
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: For serviceability criteria, when transverse and longitudinal stiffeners are provided at one level only, at
0.2d from compression flange d/tw ≤ 250 εw for 2.4d ≥c ≥ d, c/t  ≤ 250 εw for 0.74d ≤ c ≤ d and d/t  ≤ 340 ε  for c <
w w w

0.74d, where c is clear distance between stiffeners and d is depth of web, εw = √(250/f w), f w is yield stress of web.
y y

5. When second longitudinal stiffener is provided, d/tw to meet serviceability criteria is

a) ≤ 400 ε w

b) ≥ 400 ε w

c) > 800 ε w

d) ≤ 800 ε w

View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: When second longitudinal stiffener is provided at neutral axis, d/t  ≤ 400 εw to meet serviceability
w

criteria, where d is depth of web, ε  = √(250/f ), f  is yield stress of web.

w yw yw

6. When a plate girder bends, vertical compression in web is due to

a) downward vertical component of compression flange bending stress only
b) downward vertical component of tension flange bending stress only
c) downward vertical component of compression flange and upward vertical component of tension flange bending
stress
d) upward vertical component of compression flange and downward vertical component of tension flange bending
stress
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When a plate girder bends, its curvature creates vertical compression in web is due to downward vertical
component of compression flange and upward vertical component of tension flange bending stress. The web must
have sufficient vertical buckling strength to withstand this squeezing effect.

7. The d/t  should be ___ to avoid buckling of compression flange into web when transverse stiffeners are not
w

provided
a) ≥ 500 ε f
2

b) ≤ 345 ε f
2

c) ≥ 345 ε f
2

d) ≤ 500 ε f
2

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: To avoid buckling of compression flange into web when transverse stiffeners are not provided, d/tw ≤
345 ε , where d is depth of web, εf = √(250/f ), f  is yield stress of compression flange.
f
2
yf yf

8. When only transverse stiffeners are provided and d/t  < 345 εf to meet compression flange buckling criteria, the
w

range of c should be
a) c ≥ 4.5d
b) c > 3d
c) c > 1.5d
d) c < 1.5d
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: To avoid buckling of compression flange into web, d/t  ≤ 345 ε  for c ≥ 1.5d, d/t  < 345 εf for c < 1.5d
w f
2
w

when only transverse stiffeners are provided, where c is clear distance between stiffeners, d is depth of web, εf =
√(250/f f), f f is yield stress of compression flange.
y y

9. The optimum depth of web of plate girder is given by

a) (k/f )y
0.33

b) (M k/f )
z y

c) (M k/f )
z y
0.33
d) (M k/f )
z y
2

View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The depth of plate girder for which area of steel used is minimum and will have minimum weight is called
optimum depth. It is given by (M k/f )0.33, M  is moment resisted entirely by flanges, k = d/t , d is depth of web, t  is
z y z w w

thickness of web, f  = design strength of flanges.

y

10. The minimum area of flange angles with cover plate for riveted/ bolted plate girder should be
a) 1/6  of calculated flange area
th

b) 1/3  of calculated flange area

rd

c) 1/8  of calculated flange area

th

d) 1/4  of calculated flange area

th

View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Flanges of riveted/ bolted plate girder consists of pair of angles with or without cover plates. The flange
angles should form as large part of the area of the flange as practicable and preferably not less than 1/3rd of the
calculated flange area to keep the centre of gravity of flange within back of angles and not in the flange cover plate
else stability is affected.

11. Which of the following angle should be ideally used in bolted plate girder flange?
a) bulb angle
b) equal angle
c) unequal angle with short leg horizontal
d) unequal angle with long leg horizontal
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Unequal angles with long leg horizontal are preferred. It is because the moment of inertia of the section
will be more and a large length will be available for making the connection with the flange plate.

12. For which of the following cases are equal angles preferred in bolted plate girder flange?
a) when large number of connectors are required to connect flange angle to web
b) when very few number of connectors are required to connect flange angle to web
c) for reducing cost
d) for aesthetic appearance
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: When shear is heavy, large number of connectors are required to connect flange angle to web. In such
case, equal angles may be preferred, if unequal angles are used, the longer leg msy be placed parallel to the web.

13. Flange cover plates are used in plate girder when

a) flange cover plates are not used
b) for aesthetic appearance
c) when moment resisting capacity has to be increased
d) when moment resisting capacity has to be decreased
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: When moment resisting capacity of the plate girder has to be increased, flange cover plates are
provided over flange angles. The moment of inertia and consequently the moment resisting capacity of the girder is
increased considerably as the flange cover plates are at the greatest distance from neutral axis.

14. The thickness of flange cover plate should be ______ flange angle in bolted connections
a) less
b) more
c) twice
d) can be more or less
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The flange cover plates should not be thicker than the flange angles in riveted/bolted connections.
Hence, more than one plate may be required. It is preferred that all cover plates should have same thickness. If they
are of different thickness, then outer plates should not be thicker thin the inner plates.