UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

B.Sc. (Engineering) Honours - Part II

THEORY OF STRUCTURES

JUNE 2007 Engin. CE 201

Answer any FOUR questions Time allowed: 3 hours

This examination paper consists of 4 pages.

QUESTION 1

(a) What is meant by structural idealization?

[5 Marks]

(b) For the compound beam shown in Figure 1 below,

(i) Determine the reactions.

[6 Marks]
(ii) Draw the shear force diagram using method of sections.

[7 Marks]
(iii) Draw the bending moment diagram.

[7 Marks]

FIGURE 1

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Engin. CE 201 Theory of Structures

QUESTION 2

(a) Define a plane truss.

[5 Marks]
(b) Using the graphical method determine the internal member forces for the plane truss shown in
Figure 2.
[12 Marks]
(c) Using the method of sections check the correctness of answers obtained in (b) above.
[8 Marks]

FIGURE 2

QUESTION 3

(a) Explain why cables are capable of supporting loads over larger spans than arches.
[5 Marks]

(b) A cable shown in Figure 3 suspends across a gap of 150m and carries a uniformly distributed load
of 20Kn/m2 horizontally. If the maximum sag is L 20 and supports are at the same level, and
d2y W
using the differential equation of the cable  ;
dx 2 H
(i) Derive the equation of the cable.
[5 Marks]
(ii) Calculate the maximum horizontal tension.
[5 Marks]
(iii) Calculate the sag at 30m from support A.
[5 Marks]
(iv) Calculate the tension at 30m from support A.
[5 Marks]
Figure 3 is on next page

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Engin. CE 201 Theory of Structures

FIGURE 3

QUESTION 4

(a) State the principle of virtual work.

[5 Marks]

(b) Using the unit load method determine the vertical and horizontal deflections of joint D in the pin
jointed truss shown in Figure 4.
[20 Marks]

FIGURE 4

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Engin. CE 201 Theory of Structures

QUESTION 5

(a) Differentiate between an influence line and a bending moment diagram.

[5 Marks]
(b) Shown in Figure 5 is a railway bridge truss. Required

(i) Draw influence lines for reactions RA and RB

(ii) Draw influence lines for member forces in members 1, 2, and 3

(iii) Determine the internal force in member 1 when the right wheel is located at the central node.

FIGURE 5
[20 Marks]
QUESTION 6

(a) Define a structure.

[2 Marks]
(b) Explain why it is necessary for engineers to calculate deformation of structures.
[3 Marks]
(c) Using moment area theorems, determine the rotation of section X in relation to support A.
and the vertical displacement of point Y in relation to support B.
[20 Marks]

FIGURE 6

END OF THIS EXAMINATION

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