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VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur – 603 203

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

QUESTION BANK

II SEMESTER

ST5202 STABILITY OF STRUCTURES

Regulation – 2017

Academic Year 2017 – 18

Prepared by

Mr. J. ARUNRAJ CHRISTADOSS M.E, (Ph.D)

Assistant Professor

 
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VALLIAMMAI ENGINEERING COLLEGE

SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur – 603 203.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

QUESTION BANK

SUBJECT :  ST5202 STABILITY OF STRUCTURES

SEM / YEAR: II/I Year

UNIT – I: BUCKLING OF COLUMNS

States of equilibrium - Classification of buckling problems - concept of equilibrium, energy,
imperfection and vibration approaches to stability analysis - Eigen value problem. Governing
equation for columns - Analysis for various boundary conditions - using Equilibrium, Energy
methods. Approximate methods -Rayleigh Ritz, Galerkins approach - Numerical Techniques
- Finite difference method - Effect of shear on buckling.
PART-A
Sl.No Questions BT
Competence
Level

1. Types of structural Failure? BT-1 Remember

2. What are the approaches to stability analysis? BT-1 Remember
3. Draw the mode shape of buckling? BT-3 Application
4. What are the assumptions made in the Euler theory of long
BT-2 Understand
column?
5. What is difference between the Rayleigh-Ritz method and
BT-2 Understand
Galerkins method.
6. What is mean by elastically restrained column? Remember 
BT-1
7. Draw the load vs deflection curves of eccentrically loaded Remember 
BT-1
columns?
8. Define states of Equilibrium? BT-4 Analyze
9. A structure which maintains equilibrium may not remain
BT-3 Application
stable- why?
10. Why energy approach in structural analysis is considered
BT-3 Application
superior to other methods?
11. Give an example for column with one end fixed and the other
BT-2 Understand
end hinged.
12. What are the implications of columns with geometric
BT-4 Analyze
imperfections?
13. What are the differences between Galerkins method and
Rayleigh-Ritz method for calculating the buckling load of the BT-6 Create
member.
14. What do you mean buckling load? BT-1 Remember
15. Give any two applications where the columns are
BT-5 Evaluate
eccentrically loaded.
16. How the buckling load of column with variable cross section
BT-5 Evaluate
is obtained.

 
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17. Types of differential equations for column stability analysis BT-1 Remember
18. Define shear on buckling? BT-4 Analyze
19. Define Initially bent columns BT-6 Create
20. Draw the load deflection curve for initially bent columns? BT-2 Understand

PART –B 
1. Using higher order differential equation. Find the critical
BT-1 Remember
loaded for a column one end fixed and other end is hinged?
2. Using higher order differential equation. Find the critical
BT-6 Create
loaded for a column one end fixed and other end is free?
3. Calculate the critical load for eccentrically loaded column. BT-5 Evaluate
4. Calculate the critical load for initially bent column. BT-2 Understand
5. Find the critical load (using energy method) of a hinged- hinged
BT-4 Analyze
column having uniform varying moment of inertia I0
6. Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and
maximum bending moment in Case of beam column with BT-3 Application
central load?
7. Derive the differential equation for beam columns with
BT-3 Application
compressive force and distributed lateral load?
8. Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and
BT-1 Remember
end slopes in case of beam column subjected to end couples?
9. . Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and
maximum bending moment in case of beam column with built BT-2 Understand
in ends?
10. a) Derive differential equation for beam column?
b) What are the approximate methods used in the stability BT-2 Understand
analysis and discuss their merits
11. Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and
end slopes in case of beam column subjected to clamped/ built BT-2 Understand
in ends?
12. Determine the critical load of a column which is fixed at one
end free at other end using equilibrium approach using fourth BT-3 Application
order differential equation.
13. Determine the critical load of a column which is hinged at both
the ends using equilibrium approach using fourth order BT-4 Analyze
differential equation.
14. Determine the critical load of a column which is fixed at both
the ends using equilibrium approach using fourth order BT-6 Create
differential equation.
PART –C 
1. The yield strength of the material used in a column is 250 MPa.
It is desired to obtain an allowable stress equal to 100 MPa.
BT-2 Understand
Assuming FOS = 5/3, find the maximum allowable slenderness
ration by any suitable method.
2. Find the critical load on cantilever column. BT-6 Create

 
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3. Starting with differential equation of a column obtain the

critical load of a tapered column hinged at one end( Take 2EI)
BT-3 Application
and fixed at the other end ( EI) and hence derive the effective
length of column.
4. Derive an expression for critical load of a long column
including the effect of shear and give your comments. BT-5 Evaluate

UNIT – II: BUCKLING OF BEAM-COLUMNS AND FRAMES

Theory of beam column-Stability analysis of beam column with single and several
concentrated loads, distributed load and end couples Analysis-Analysis of rigid jointed
frames with and without sway-Use of stability function to determine the critical load.
PART – A

Sl.No Questions BT
Competence
Level

1. What is a Beam- Column? BT-2 Understand

2. What are the modes of buckling in frames? BT-2 Understand
3. Explain the term of Load-Deflection Characteristics? BT-3 Application
4. Write beam column interaction equation. BT-2 Understand
5. Define stability of functions. BT-1 Remember
6. Write down the differential equation for a beam column BT-3 Application
carrying UDL
7. Write down the differential equation for a beam column BT-3 Application
carrying non-central concentrated load.
8. Write down the differential equation for a beam column BT-1 Remember
carrying with end couples.
9. Define Beam-Column. Give examples BT-1 Remember
10. Draw the possible mode of buckling of a single-single storied BT-5 Evaluate
portal frame.
11. Define amplification factor BT-2 Understand
12. Define superposition BT-1 Remember
13. Explain matrix approach for frames. BT-6 Create

 
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14. Application of beam column BT-4 Analyze 

15. write the slope deflection equations of beam, Analyze 

BT-4
16. Define moment amplification factor BT-4 Analyze 

17. Fourth order differential equation of equilidrium of a beam - BT-6 Create

column
18. explain deflection curve of beam column BT-5 Evaluate
19. Under what conditions superposition is valid for beams- BT-1 Remember
columns problem.
20. Define distinct stability functions BT-1 Remember

PART –B 
1. A beam column is subjected to compressive force at the ends in addition
to moments at the two ends which produces zero slopes at the two ends
BT-1 Remember
Find the expression for 1)Deflection curve 2)Max Deflection 3) Max
Moment.
2. Why superposition of deflection is not valid for a beam column. Explain
BT-2 Understand
briefly
3. Determine the critical load of the frame using Non Sway Mode

BT-3 Application

4. Determine the critical load of the frame using Non Sway Mode

BT-2 Understand

5. Determine the critical load of the frame

BT-1 Remember

 
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6. Determine the critical load of the frame

BT-4 Analyze

7. Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and maximum

BT-3 Application
bending moment in Case of beam column with central load?
8. Derive the differential equation for beam columns with compressive
BT-5 Evaluate
force and distributed lateral load?
9. Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and end slopes
BT-1 Remember
in case of beam column subjected to end couples?
10 . Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and maximum
BT-6 Create
bending moment in case of beam column with built in ends?
11 a) Derive differential equation for beam column?
b) What are the approximate methods used in the stability analysis and BT-5 Evaluate
discuss their merits
12 Derive the differential equation for maximum deflection and end slopes
BT-1 Remember
in case of beam column subjected to clamped/ built in ends?
13 Find the maximum bending moment in a beam –column on simply
support & when subjected to axial load P and concentrated lateral load BT-2 Understand
Q.
14 Explain Modes of buckling of portal frames. BT-3 Application
PART –C
1. Determine the limiting values for the symmetric and side sway
BT-6 Create
buckling loads for the given frame.
2. Enumerate beam column action? List out a few examples that
BT-5 Evaluate
are subjected to beam column action
3. A beam column is subjected to compressive forces at the ends
in addition to moments at the two end Find the expression for
a) Deflection Curve BT-3 Application
b) Max deflection
c) Max Moments
4. Under what condition superposition is valid for beam columns
problem? BT-2 Understand

UNIT – III: TORSIONAL AND LATERAL BUCKLING

Torsional buckling - Combined Torsional and flexural buckling - Local buckling. Buckling
of Open Sections- Numerical solutions. Lateral buckling of beams,- Simply supported and
Cantilever beams 
PART – A
Sl.No Questions BT
Competence
Level

1. Types of torsion BT-1 Remember

2. Define Warping torsion BT-1 Remember
3. Give any two examples for torsional buckling of columns. BT-3 Application

 
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4. Differential equation for non-uniform torsion BT-2 Understand

5. Under what conditions torsional buckling occur? BT-2 Understand
6. Indicate the likely modes of buckling in the case of circular Remember 
BT-1
tubular column.
7. Define Shear centre Remember 
BT-1
8. What is lateral buckling? BT-4 Analyze
9. What are the factors affect the lateral buckling strength of
beam. BT-3 Application
10. How will you strengthen the beam against lateral buckling? BT-3 Application
11. what is inelastic buckling? BT-2 Understand
12. What factors affect the lateral buckling strength of a beam? BT-4 Analyze
13. Distinguish between saint venant torsion and warping
torsion. BT-6 Create
14. What do you mean buckling load? BT-1 Remember
15. Define Torsional center. BT-5 Evaluate
16. Define warping center. BT-5 Evaluate
17. Define principal pole. BT-1 Remember
18. Define shear on buckling? BT-4 Analyze
19. Write the Differential equation for non-uniform torsion BT-6 Create
20. Define shear Flow BT-2 Understand

PART – B
1. Derive lateral buckling of simply supported rectangular with BT-6 Create
central concentrated load
2. Derive the expression for critical moment for lateral buckling BT-2 Understand
of rectangular beam in pure bending?
3. Derive the expression for critical moment for lateral buckling BT-1 Remember
of an I section beam in pure bending?
4. Derive lateral buckling of simply supported rectangular with BT-1 Remember
UDL
5. Derive lateral buckling of cantilever with moment at the free
end. BT-5 Evaluate
6. Explain ‘Lateral buckling’ in beams and performance of the BT-3 Application
beam subjected to lateral buckling.
7. Explain the main difference between torsional and flexural BT-4 Analyze
buckling with appropriate examples.
8. Find the critical load and mode of buckling for column and
BT-2 Understand
take E=200 Gpa,G=80Gpa.
9. Find the critical load of a hinged-hinged column of length 2.5
m.The column is made with a thin walled channel section
having flange with of 100 mm, mean deapth of 220mm and
uniform thickness of 2mm.The load is applied axially at the BT-2 Understand
centroid.Take modulus of elasticity as 200Gpa and Modulus
of rigidity as 80 Gpa.
10. Explain non uniform torsion of thin walled bars of open cross
BT-3 Application
section with neat sketches.
11. Derive the expression for pure torsion of thin walled bars of BT-4 Analyze

 
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open cross section.

12. Derive lateral buckling of simply supported beam of narrow BT-6 Create
rectangular section.
13. Briefly describe torsional buckling, lateral buckling and BT-2 Understand
inelastic buckling.
14. Derive the question for the warping displacement for any bar BT-3 Application
of thin walled open
PART – C
1. Write a short notes on torsional buckling and also explain
BT-6 Create
pure torsion of thin walled bars of open cross section
2. Obtain the critical load of a hinged-fixed column by finite BT-5 Evaluate
difference method.
3. (i) Explain the Tangent modulus theory. BT-3 Application
(ii) Explain the Double modulus theory.
4. Explain ‘Lateral buckling’ in beams and performance of the BT-2 Understand
beam subjected to lateral buckling.

UNIT – IV: BUCKLING OF PLATES

Governing differential equation- Buckling of thin plates, various edge conditions- Analysis
by equilibrium and energy approach- Finite difference method.
PART – A
Sl.No Questions BT
Competence
Level

1. What is lateral buckling? BT-1 Remember

2. what is post buckling strength? BT-4 Analyze
3. How will you strengthen the beam against lateral buckling? BT-5 Evaluate
4. what is inelastic buckling? BT-1 Remember
5. What factors affect the lateral buckling strength of a beam? BT-3 Application
6. what are the differences between Galerkin’s method and BT-5
Rayleigh-Ritz method for calculating the buckling load of Evaluate
a member?
7. Give any two examples for torsional buckling of columns. BT-2 Understand
8. What do you mean by warping torsion? BT-1 Remember
9. A structure which maintains equilibrium may not remain
Application
stable- why? BT-3
10. Why energy approach in structural analysis is considered
Create
superior to other methods? BT-6
11. Give an example for column with one end fixed and the other
Create
end hinged. BT-6
12. What are the implications of columns with geometric
Analyze
imperfections? BT-4
13. What are the differences between Galerkins method and
Rayleigh-Ritz method for calculating the buckling load of the Remember
member. BT-1
14. Draw the typical buckling mode for a rectangular plate size”
a × 3a” When it is simply supported along all edges and uni- Application
axially compressed along the shorter edges. BT-3
15. Brief the Galerkins method of finding the critical load of a BT-2 Understand

 
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thin plate.
16. Define finite Difference operators. BT-4 Analyze
17. Explain the stress distribution in post buckling BT-2 Understand
18. Explain the stress distribution in pre buckling BT-1 Remember
19. Load Deflection curve for post buckling region. BT-1 Remember
20. Define Inelastic buckling of plates. BT-2 Understand
PART B 
1. Derive the expression for critical load of a plate uniformly
compressed in one direction. The plate is simply supported BT-6 Create
with sides a,b and loaded with compressive force Nx.
2. Derive the expression for strain energy of bending in a plate? BT-1 Remember
3. Derive the expression for critical moment due to lateral
BT-3 Application
buckling of an I- section beam in pure bending?
4. A Prismatic member is simply supported and subjected to
combined axial force P and a transverse load of W at the mid-
span. Derive the equation which defines its failures criteria. BT-4 Analyze
The member is adequately laterally supported against
lateral/weak axis buckling?
5. A beam column member is subjected to an axial compressive
load of P. Find the maximum permissible lateral load that the BT-2 Understand
beam can carry without causing elastic buckling?
6. Determine the lateral buckling moment of resistance of a
beam of I-section subjected to BT-5 Evaluate
pure bending.
7. Derive lateral buckling of simply supported beam of narrow
BT-4 Analyze
rectangular section.
8. Briefly describe torsional buckling, lateral buckling and
inelastic buckling. BT-2 Understand
9. Discuss the stability of plates under in plane and transverse
loading. BT-6 Create
10. Derive the critical value of the compressive force for buckling
of simply supported rectangular plates uniformly compressed BT-5 Evaluate
in one direction.
11. Derive the critical value of the compressive force for buckling
of simply supported rectangular plates uniformly compressed BT-4 Analyze
in two direction.
12. Derive the expression for the maximum bending moment of a
simply supported beam of length L carrying an axial
compressive force P and uniformly distributed load q/unit BT-6 Create
length
13. Using energy method determine the critical load of a square
plate of size “a × a” Whose edges are fixed and compressed
by a uniformly distributed force “ N” along the entire BT-2 Understand
boundary.
14. Using finite difference method determine the critical load of a
square plate of size “a × a” Whose edges are simply supported
and compressed by a uniformly distributed force “ N” along BT-1 Remember
the entire boundary. Assume the plate is divided into 16
elements.

 
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PART –C 
1. Explain post buckling behaviour of thin plates. BT-3 Application
2. Explain how numerical solutions are obtained for plate BT-6 Create
buckling.
3. Derive an expression for strain energy of bending in a plate. BT-5 Evaluate
4. Determine the critical loading for a simply supported ,square
plate loaded in two perpendicular directions by uniformly
BT-2 Understand
load. Obtain an exact solution by solving the governing
differential equation.

UNIT – V: INELASTIC BUCKLING

Double modulus theory- Tangent modulus theory- Shanley’s model- Eccentrically loaded
inelastic column- Inelastic buckling of plates- Post buckling behaviour of plates.
PART – A
Sl.No Questions BT Level Competence

1. Basic difference between elastic and inelastic buckling BT-2 Understand

2. What are the assumptions made in Tangent modulus theory BT-1 Remember
3. What are the assumptions made in Double modulus theory BT-4 Analyze
4. What are the assumptions made in Reduced modulus theory BT-2 Understand
5. Draw the stress distribution of double modulus for a
rectangular section. BT-6 Create
6. Draw the strain distribution of double modulus for a
rectangular section. BT-3 Application
7. Define Inelastic buckling of plates. BT-5 Evaluate
8. Where double modulus theory is applied. BT-1 Remember
9. A structure which maintains equilibrium may not remain
BT-2 Understand
stable- why?
10. Why energy approach in structural analysis is considered
BT-5 Evaluate
superior to other methods?
11. Load deflection curve for post buckling region. BT-6 Create
12. Application Eccentrically loaded in elastic column. BT-3 Application
13. What are the assumptions made in Shanley theory of
BT-1 Remember
inelastic buckling.
14. Define inelastic buckling of columns BT-4 Analyze
15. Assumptions made in the behaviour of thin plate. BT-1 Remember
16. strain energy of bending in a plate. BT-1 Remember
17. Types of differential equations for column stability analysis BT-3 Application
18. Define shear on buckling? BT-4 Analyze
19. Define Initially bent columns BT-2 Understand
20. Draw the load deflection curve for initially bent columns? BT-1 Remember
PART-B
1. Explain the Tangent Modulus and Double Modulus
theories. BT-2 Understand
2. Explain the various assumptions made in the double BT-3 Application

 
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modulus theory.
3. Explain the inelastic buckling of a column with built-in
BT-5 Evaluate
ends subjected to axial load
4. Explain the orthogonal relation of buckling problems BT-6 Create
5. Explain the following:
a . Inelastic buckling of columns.
b . Mathematical treatment of stability problems BT-1 Remember
c . Effect of shear on critical load of columns
6. Explain ‘Inelastic buckling’ and its importance BT-3 Application
7. Derive expression for Reduced Modulus of I Section. BT-1 Remember
8. Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a column
which is rectangular in cross section with both ends hinged BT-4 Analyze
using Double modulus theory.
9. Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a column
which is rectangular in cross section with both ends hinged BT-2 Understand
using Reduced modulus theory.
10.  Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a column
which is rectangular in cross section with both ends fixed BT-2 Understand
using Double modulus theory.
11. Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a column
which is rectangular in cross section with both ends fixed BT-3 Application
using Reduced modulus theory.
12. Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a column
which is rectangular in cross section with one end is hinged BT-1 Remember
other end is fixed using Double modulus theory.
13. Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a column
which is rectangular in cross section with one end is hinged BT-4 Analyze
other end is fixed using Reduced modulus theory.
14. Derive the expression for inelastic buckling of a sway
column which is rectangular in cross section with one end
BT-6 Create
is hinged other end is fixed using Reduced modulus
theory.
PART –C 
1. Explain the various assumptions made in the double modulus
BT-2 Understand
theory.
2. Explain the inelastic buckling of a column with built-in ends BT-6 Create
subjected to axial load
3. Explain the orthogonal relation of buckling problems BT-3 Application
4. Using matrix method ,obtain critical load for a fixed –fixed
BT-1 Remember
column

 
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