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GATE Previous Year Questions

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 Contents

STEEL
GATE Solved Questions

Sr. No. Topic Pages

1. Rivetted Joints................ ............................................................................. 1 - 4

2. Welded Joints .............................................................................................. 5 - 7

3. IEccentric Joints .......................................................................................... 8 - 11

4. Plastic Theory............... ............................................................................... 12 - 23

4. 2016 Questions............... ............................................................................. 24 - 27

5. Compression Members............... ................................................................ 28 - 31

Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
1

1
RIVETTED JOINTS
1. Identify the most efficient but joint (with double cover plates) for a plate in tension from the patterns (plan
views) shown below, each comprising 6 identical bolts with the same pitch and gauge.

Civil Engineering

Common elevation
Civil Engineering

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

[1 Mark : GATE-2001]
2. Rivet value is defined as
(a) lesser of the bearing strength of rivet and the shearing strength of the rivet
(b) lesser of the bearing strength of rivet and the tearing strength of thinner plate
(c) greater of the bearing strength of rivet and the shearing strength of the rivet
(d) lesser of the shearing strength of the rivet and the tearing strength of thinner plate

[1 Mark : GATE-2004]
3. A 12 mm thick plate is connected to two 8 mm plates, on either side through a 16 mm diameter power
driven field rivet as shown in the figure below. Assuming permissible shear stress as 90 MPa and
permissible bearing stress as 270 MPa in the rivet, the rivet value of the joint is
8mm

P/2

12mm P
8mm

P/2

(a) 56.70 kN (b) 43.29 kN (c) 36.19 kN (d) 21.65 kN

[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
4. A double cover butt riveted joint is used to connect two flat plates of 200 mm width and 14mm thickness
as show in the figure. There are twelve power driven rivets of 20mm diameter at a pitch of 50 mm in
both directions on either side of the plate. Two cover plates of 10 mm thickness are used. The capacity
of the joint in tension considering bearing and shear ONLY, with permissible bearing and shear stresses
as 300 MPa and 100 MPa respectively, is
 2 GATE Previous Solved Questions
m m m

50mm 50mm 50mm 50mm

m m m
50 50 50

Civil Engineering

(a) 10863.6 kN (b) 871.32 kN (c) 541.18 kN (d) 433.7 kN

[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
5. In a steel plate with bolted connections, the rupture of the net section is a mode of failure under
(a) tension (b) compression (c) flexure (d) shear
[1 Mark : GATE-2012]
6. In a fillet weld, the direct shear stress and bending tensile stress are 50MPa and 150MPa, respectively. As per
IS 800 : 2007, the equivalent stress (in MPa, up to two decimal places) will be____
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
7. A fillet weld is simultaneously subjected to factored normal and shear stresses of 120MPa and 50MPa,
respectively. As per IS 800 : 2007), the equivalent stress (in MPa, up to two decimal places) is_____
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]


Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
3

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans.(a) Pb = d.t. pf
For main plate critical most section is outermost = 21.5 × 14 × 300 = 90.3 kN
section for that at outer most section net area Rivet value = RV is smaller of PS & Pb
should be more to resist more load.
RV = 72.6 kN
 In all four case we will get more Anet in
Total strength of rivets
case (a)
Pr = N × RV
2. Ans. (a)
= 12 × 72.6 = 871.2 kN
Rivet value is confined to rivet only it is defined
as lesser of the bearing strength of rivet and the  Capacity of joint
shearing strength of the rivet. = 871.2 kN.
3. Ans. (b) 5. Ans. (a)
Gross diameter of rivet, 6. Ans. (173.21)
d = 16 + 1.5 = 17.5 mm Direct bending tensile stress,
Strength of rivet in shearing, Direct shear stress a = 50MPa
 2 According to IS 800:2007
PS = 2   d  vf (Double
4 The equivalent stress
shear for butt joints)
2 2
σeq =  σa  +3  τ a 
 2
= 2  17.5   90
4 σu

PS = 43.29 kN 3γ mw
Strength of rivet in bearing,
2 2
Pb = d.t. pf  σeq = 150  +3  50  =173.21MPa
= 17.5 × 12 × 270
Since,
Pb = 56.7 kN
 Rivet value Rv is Smaller of Ps & Pb σu 400
σeq    184.75MPa
Rv = 43.29kN 3γ mw 3×1.25

4. Ans. (b) Hence the design is safe

Gross diameter of rivet, The weld is designed for an equivalent stress
d = 20 + 1.5 = 21.5 mm of 173.21MPa
7. Ans. (147.99)
 2
PS = 2   d  vf (double shear factored normal stress  = 120MPa
4
for but joints) Factored shear stress  = 50MPa
According to IS 800:2007 clause 10.5, 10%, the
 2
equivalent stress
= 2    21.5   100
4
2
= 72.6 × 103 σeq = σ +3τ 2
N = 72.6 kN
4 GATE Previous Solved Questions

σu

3Ymw

Civil Engineering
σe = 1202 +3×502 =147.99


Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
5

2
WELDED JOINTS
1. ISA 100 × 100 × 10mm (Cross sectional area = 1908mm2) is welded along A and B (Refer to figur in
the below question) such that the lengths of the weld along A and B are l1 and l2 respectively. Which
of the following is a possibly acceptable combination of l1 and l2

ISA 100×100×10

B
Gusset plate

(a) l1 = 60 mm and l2 150 mm

(b) l1 = 150mm and l2 = 60mm
(c) l1 150mm and l2 = 150 mm
(d) Any of the above, depending on the size of the weld

[2 Marks : GATE-2002]

2. A fillet-welded joint of 6 mm size is shown in the figure. The welded surfaces meet at 60-90 degree and
permissible stress in the fillet weld is 108 MPa. The safe load that can be transmitted by the joint is

100mm
50mm

(a) 162.7 kN (b) 151.6 kN (c) 113.4 kN (d) 109.5 kN

[2 Marks : GATE-2005]

3. Two plates, subjected to direct tension, each of 10 mm thickness and having widths of 100 mm and 175
mm, respectively are to be fillet welded with an overlap of 200 mm. Given that the permissible weld stress
is 110 MPa and the permissible stress in steel is 150 MPa, then length of the weld required using the
maximum permissible weld size as per IS : 800-1984 is

100mm 175mm

200mm
(a) 245.3 mm (b) 229.2 mm (c) 205.5 mm (d) 194.8 mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
 6 GATE Previous Solved Questions
4. For the fillet weld of size’s’ shown in the adjoining figure the effective throat thickness is

Filler weld

99º
Civil Engineering

(a) 0.61 s (b) 0.65 s (c) 0.70 s (d) 0.75 s

[1 Mark : GATE-2011]
5. Two plates are connected by fillet welds of size 10 mm and subjected to tension, as shown in the sketch.
The thickness of each plate is 12 mm. The yield stress and the ultimate tensile stress of steel are 250
MPa and 410 MPa, respectively. The welding is done in the workshop (mw = 1.25). As per the Limit
State Method of IS 800 : 2007. The minimum length (rounded off to the nearest higher multiple of 5mm)
of each weld to transmit force P equal to 270 kN is
P
100mm

150mm

P
(a) 100 mm (b) 105 mm (c) 110 mm (d) 115 mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]

6. A steel section is subjected to a combination of shear and bending actions. The applied shear force is V
and the shear capacity of the section is Vs. For such a section, high shear force (as per IS:800-2007)
is defined as
(a) V > 0.6Vs (b) V > 0.7Vs (c) V > 0.8Vs (d) V > 0.9Vs
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]


Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
7

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (a) P =  b.T  at
The C.G of the angle is close to B compared to
= 100  10   150
A. There fore, the length of the weld, l2 shall be
more than l1 so that the algebraic sum of moments P = 150  103 N
of the two welds l1 & l2 about C.G of the angle
will be zero and there is no eccentricity. Let l = total length of the weld
required.
2. Ans. (c)
Strength of the weld,
100mm PS = l × t × vf
= l × 5.95 × 110
50mm

F
Euqating P = PS
150 × 103 = l × 5.95 × 110
 l = 229.2 mm
Total length of weld,
4. Ans. (b)
l = 100 + 50 + 100
= 250mm
Angle 60º- 91º- 101º- 107º- 114º-
Throat of fillet, between 90º 100º 106º 113º 120º
t = 0.7 × size fusion
faces
= 0.7 × 6 = 4.2 mm
K 0.70 0.65 0.6 0.55 0.50
Strength, P = l × t = vf
= 250 × 4.2 × 108
= 113.4 kN 5. Ans. (b)
3. Ans. (b) Design strength of fillet weld,

fu
Pd = L w .t.
3. m w
P 100mm 175mm
410
200mm 270 × 103 = 2L w  0.7  10  
3  1.25

Max. size of weld as per code Lw = 101.84 mm

Smax = T – 1.5 Rounded off to 105mm.
= 10 – 1.5 = 8.5 mm 6. Ans. (a)
 Size, S = 8.5 mm Section in high shear V  0.6Vs
Throat thickness
't' = 0.7 × 8.5 = 5.95 mm

Strength of the plate 'P' is
 8 GATE Previous Solved Questions

3
Civil Engineering
ECCENTRIC JOINTS
1. A moment M of magnitude 50 kN-m is transmitted to a column flange through a bracket by using four
20 mm diameter rivets as shown in the figure. The shear force induced in the rivet A is

Bracket
100mm

M
A

Column Flange
100mm

(a) 250 kN (b) 175.8 kN (c) 125 kN (d) 88.4 kN

[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
2. A bracket connection is made with four bolts of 10mm diameter and supports a load of 10 kN a an
eccentricity of 100 mm. the maximum force to be resisted by any bolt will be

100mm
10kN

30
30

40 40
(a) 5 kN (b) 6.5 kN (c) 6.8 kN (d) 7.16kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
3. Rivets and bolts subjected to both shear stress (vf, cal) and axial tensile stress (tf, cal) shall be so
proportioned that the stresses do not exceed the respective allowable stresses vf, and tf, and the value

  vf ,cal tf ,cal 

of    
 vf tf  does not exceed

(a) 1.0 (b) 1.2 (c) 1.4 (d) 1.8

[1 Mark : GATE-2008]
 Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg. 9
4. The tension and shear force (both in kN) in each bolt of the joint, as shown below, respectively are

4
13 Pu =250kN
5

(a) 30.33 and 20.00 (b) 30.33 and 25.00

(c) 33.33 and 20.00 (d) 33.33 and 25.00
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
5. Prying forces are:
(a) shearing forces on the bolts because of the joints
(b) tensile forces due to the flexibility of connected parts
(c) bending forces on the bolts because of the joints
(d) forces due the friction between connected parts
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
6. A bracket plate connected to a column flange transmits a load of 100 kN as shown in the following
figure. Thr maximum force for which the boths should be designed is ............... kN.
100 kN
600
75 75

75 75 All dimensions
are in mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]


 10 GATE Previous Solved Questions
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans.(b) Pr = 2.52  52   2  2.5  5  0.8
Civil Engineering
Pr = 7.16 kN
Bracket
r 3. Ans.(c)
100mm

M  vf ,cal  tf ,cal
  1.4
vf tf
A
4. Ans. (d)
Column Flange Tension and shear force in each belt
100mm
Force due to moment effect, 4

3
M.r S
Fm =
r 2 Po 250kN.

r= 502  502
3
= 70.71mm = 0.0707 m sin  =
5
50  0.0707
Fm = 4
4  0.0707 2 cos  =
5
= 176.8 kN
250cos 
2. Ans. (d) Axial tension=  33.33 kN
6
Force due to axial load effect,
(since No. of bolts are 6)
W 10
Fa =   2.5 kN Shear in each bolt
N 4
250sin  250  3 / 5
Force due to moment effect. =   25kN
6 6
M.r
Fm = 5. Ans. (b)
r 2
Prying forces are tensile forces due to flexibility
of connected parts.
r= 302  402
= 50mm = 0.05m
M = W  e  10  0.1  0.1 kNm
Loosening of
1  0.05 bolts
Fm =
4  0.052
Fm = 5 kN 6. Solution: 156.20

Resultant force, Fd = Direct force in bolts

Pr = Fu2  Fm2  2Fa Fm cos  p 100

=   20 kN
n 5
40
cos  =  0.8
50
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
11

75 75

75

75  75 
 75
Ft
Fd

(p·d)r 100  600  75 2

Ft = 
r 2 4   75 2 
2

Ft= 141.42 kN

Now IR = Fd2  Ft2  2Fd Ft cos v

FR =

1
(20) 2  (141.42) 2  2  20  141.42 
2

Fe  156.20kN


 12 GATE Previous Solved Questions

4
Civil Engineering
PLASTIC THEORY
1. A steel beam (with a constant El, and span L) is fixed at both ends and carries a uniformly distributed
load (w kN/m), which is gradually increased till the beam reaches the stage of plastic collapse (refer to
the following figure). Assuming ‘B’ to be at mid-span, which of the following is true.

w kN/m

A B C

L/2 L/2

(a) Hinges are formed at A, B and C together

(b) Hinges are formed at B and then at A and C together
(c) Hinges are formed at A and C together and then at B
(d) Hinges are formed at A and C only
[2 Marks : GATE-2002]
2. Calculate the shape factor for the T-section shown in the following figure made up of two plates 100mm
× 10mm. What will be the load factor if the permissible stress in bending is only 2/3 of the yield stress
(y)

100

10

100

10

[5 Marks : GATE-2002]
3. A steel portal frame has dimensions, plastic moment capacities and applied loads as shown in the figure,
the vertical load is always twice of the horizontal load. The collapse load P required for the development
of a beam mechanism is

2P
B C D
P

MP MP L

A E

L L
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
13
(a) 3 Mp/L (b) 4 Mp/L (c) 6 Mp/L (d) 8 Mp/L
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
4. A cantilever beam of length l, width b and depth d is loaded with a concentrated vertical load at the tip.
if yielding starts at a load P, the collapse load shall be
(a) 2.0 P (b) 1.5 P (c) 1.2 P (d) P
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
5. When the triangular section of a beam as shown below becomes a plastic hinge, the compressive force
acting on the section (with y denoting the yield stress) becomes

bh y 2bh y bh y bh y

(a) (b) (c) (d)
4 9 2 3
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
6. The plastic collapse load Wp for the propped cantilever supporting two point loads as shown in figure in
terms of plastic moment capacity, Mp is given by

W W

L/3 L/3 L/3

A B

3M p 4M p 5M p 6M p
(a) (b) (c) (d)
L L L L
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
7. The shape of the cross-section, which has the largest shape factor, is
(a) rectangular (b) I-section (c) diamond (d) solid circular
[1 Mark : GATE-2008]
8. A continuous beam is loaded as shown in the figure below. Assuming a plastic moment capacity equal to
MP, the minimum load at which the beam would collapse is

P P

G H I J

L L/2 L/2 L/2 L/2

4M p 6M p 8M p 10M p
(a) (b) (c) (d)
L L L L
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
 14 GATE Previous Solved Questions
9. In the theory of plastic bending of beams, the ratio of plastic moment to yield moment is called
(a) shape factor (b) plastic section modulus
(c) modulus of resilience (d) rigidity modulus
Civil :Engineering
[1 Mark GATE-2009]
10. The value of W that results in the collapses of the beam shown in the adjoining figure and having a plastic
moment capacity of Mp is
W

7m 3m
4M p 3M p 7M p 13M p
(a) (b) (c) (d)
21 10 21 21
[2 Marks : GATE-2011]
11. As per IS 800:2007 the cross-section in which extreme fibre can reach the yield stress but can not develop
the plastic moment of resistance due to local buckling is classified as
(a) Plastic section (b) Compact section
(c) Semi compact section (d) Shear section
[1 Marks : GATE-2013]
Common Data for Question : 12 & 13

A propped cantilever made of a prismatic steel beam is subjected to a concentrated load P at mid span
as shown
P

R
1.5m 1.5m
12. If load P = 80 kN, find the reaction R(in kN) (correct to 1-decimal place)using elastic analysis ______________
.
[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
13. If the magnitude of load P is increased till collapse and the plastic moment carrying capacity of steel beam
section is 90 kNm, determine reaction R(in kN)(correct to 1-decimal place) using plastic analysis
_____________ .
[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
14. Match the information given in Group – I with those in Group – II.
Group – I
P. Factor to decrease ultimate strength to design strength
Q. Factor to increase working load to ultimate load for design
R. Statical method of ultimate load analysis
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
15
S. Kinematical mechanism method of ultimate load analysis
Group – II
1. Upper bound on ultimate load 2. Lower bound on ultimate load
3. Material partial safety factor 4. Load factor
(a) P - 1; Q - 2; R - 3; S - 4 (b) P - 2; Q - 1; R - 4; S - 3
(c) P - 3; Q - 4; R - 2; S - 1 (d) P - 4; Q - 3; R - 2; S - 1
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
15. The ultimate collapse load (P) in terms of plastic moment Mp by kinematic approach for a propped
cantilever of length L with P acting at its mid-span as shown in the figure, would be
P

X Y
L L
2 2

2M p 4M p 6M p 8M p
(a) P  (b) P  (c) P  (d) P 
L L L L
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
16. A prismatic beam (as shown below) has plastic moment capacity of Mp, then the collapse load P of the
beam is

P
P 2

L L L
2 2 2

2M p 4M p 6M p 8M p
(a) (b) (c) (d)
L L L L
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
17. For formation of collapse mechanism in the following figure, the minimum value of Pu is cMp/
L. Mp and 3MP denote the plastic moment capacities of beam sections as shown in this figure.
The value of c is.........................

Pu
1m 1m
3M p Mp
2m

[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
 16 GATE Previous Solved Questions
18. A prismatic propped cantilever beam of span L and plastic moment capacity MP is subjected to a concentrated
MP
load at its mid-span. If the collapse load of the beam is α , the value of is_____
L
Civil :Engineering
[2 Marks GATE-2018]
19. If the section shown in the figure turns from fully-elastic to fully-plastic, the depth of neutral axis (N.A.), y
decreases by

(a) 10.75 (b) 12.25 mm (c) 13.75 (d) 15.25

[2 Marks : GATE-2019]


Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
17

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (c) Plastic neutral axis is also called equal area axis.
2. Solution: Total area = 20 cm2
(Calculated in terms of cm which makes A
calculations easy) = 10 cm2
2
Location of elastic N.A
Hence plastic N.A lies at the junction of flange
10 and web
1 Plastic modulus
3.25cm
N
Zp = 10 × 1 × 0.5 + 10 × 1 × 5

10
= 5 + 50 = 55
7.75cm
Plastic modulus
Shape factor =
1 Section modulus
10  1  0.5  10  1  6 55
y = =  1.81
10  1  10  1 30.38
6.5
= S = 1.81
2
= 3.25 cm from top of flange Given allowable bending stress,
M.I. about centroidal axis 2
 b = . yield stress
3
10  13 2
I =  10  1  3.25  0.5 
12 2
=  y
3
1  103 2
  1  10   7.75  5   Factor of safety
12
= 0.83 + 75.6250 + 83.3333 y
=  1.5
+ 75.6250= 235.42 cm b
Sectional modulus Load factor = shape factor × factor of safety
1 = 1.81 × 1.5 = 2.715
Z = y 3. Ans. (a)
max

235.42 Mp B L  L Mp
=  30.38 cm3 D
7.75
Location of plastic N.A  
10 C
2Mp 2Mp

1 Note: At junction of two different sections of

different plastic moment carrying capacities, the
Plastic failure, Will occur due to the weaker section.
N.A. 10
Hence at B & D, the plastic hinge will form with
moment of ‘Mp’ only. However at ‘C’ plastic
1
 18 GATE Previous Solved Questions
moment is 2MP. bh bh
= y  = y 
Wi = MP + 2MP. + 2 Mp. 22 4
+ MP  6. Ans.(b)

Wi = 6MP Number of independent mechanisms

Civil Engineering
We = 2P. = 2P.L. = Number of possible locations
of plastic hinges – Degree of
Wi = We static indeterminacy
 6MP. = 2P.L. = 3 – 1 = 2
3M p (Note: plastic hinges are possible at A, C, and D)
 P= Mechanism 1:
L
Beam mechanism with plastic hinges
4. Ans.(b) at A and C only
P W W
MP
b
A     B
d
  D
F,fy
C
Assume plastic moment = Mp MP MP
Assume elastic moment = Me L/3 2L/3

Hint: No plastic hinge willwi form at simple support

Mp
= shape factor ‘B’.
Me
Internal work
= 1.5 for rectangular Wi = M p .2  M p .2  M p .
yield load = P
= 5M p .
ultimate load = shape factor × yield
External work
load = 1.5P

We = W    W 
5. Ans.(a) 2
 2L L 
= W     
 3 3 
h = W L
N A Wi = We

 W    L = 5M p ..L
b
5M p
The plastic neutral axis of a fully plastified section  W = ...(i)
will divide the total area into two equal parts. L
Hence the plastic neutral axis is also called the Mechanism 2:
equal area axis. Beam mechanism with plastic hinges at A & D
 Area under compression = area under tension only.
= total area of the given triangular section / 2
 Compressive force,
Area of triangular section
= Yield Stress ×
2
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
19
W W Y
MP
A     B
X X
 
D
MP MP
Y
2L/3 L/3 Sxx = 1.12 to 1.15
Wi = M p .  M p .  M p .2 Syy = 1.55

= 4M p . Shape factors of the cross-section are as follows:

(i) Rectangle – 1.5

We = W,  W. (ii) I-Section – 1.12 to 1.15
2
(iii) Diamond – 2
L 2L 
= W  .  .
3 3  (iv) solid circular – 1.7
= W.L. (v) Tubular – 1.27
Wi = We (vi) Triangular – 2.34

W.L. = 4M p . 8. Ans. (b)

P P
4M p
 W = ...(ii)
L
The collapse load of a structure is the least value G H I J
of different mechanisms.
Hence of mechanisms 1 & 2, the least value is
4M p L L/2 L/2 L/2 L/2
.
L For mechanism HI :
4M p P
Collapse load =
L
Note: A structure will collapse with weaker mecha- H I
nism. Fixed support is stronger than simple sup- L L
port. Hence mechanism 2, with 2nd plastic hinge 2 Mp 2
at ‘D’ is weaker by common sense. In objective Mp Mp
type competitive exams directly 2nd mechanism  
can be adopted to get the correct answer.  
7. Ans. (c)
Mp Mp
Y
Wi = 4M p .

X X L
We = P.  P .
2
Wi = We
Y
Sxx  2.34 M p
 P=
L
Syy = 2
 20 GATE Previous Solved Questions
For mechanism IJ : W

Civil Engineering
I J
7m 3m
L L
2 Mp 2  
Mp 

Mp  
  Mp Mp
 
7
= .
Mp Mp 3
Wi = 3M p . At collapse, plastic hinges will form at fixed support
and under point load by principle of virtual work
L (or) Mechanism method
We = P.  P. .
2
7 
We = Wi Internal work = M p .  M p .  M p   
3 
6M p
 P= 13M p .
L
=
Hence collapse load is the minimum of two 3
mechanisms external work
6M p We = W.  W.  7 
 collapse load =
L
We = Wi
‘HI’ behaves like fixed beam. IJ behaves like  collapse load
propped cantilever. Propped cantilever is weaker
than fixed beam. Hence using commonsense, 13M p
W =
choose directly mechanism of IJ for analysis 21
further understand and mug up standard cases to
save time in competitive exams 11. Ans. (c)
as per clause 3.7.2 .C of IS 800: 2007
9. Ans. (a)
Cross sections, in which the extreme fiber in
Plastic Modulus compression can reach yield stress, but cannot
Shape factor 
Yield Modulus develop the plastic moment of resistance due to
local bucking are called semi-compact sections
10. Ans.(d) (assuming an elastic distribution of stress).
Number of possible plastic hinges, <fy
N =2
Static indeterminacy, Ds = 1
Number of independent mechanisms,
I = N – DS= 2 – 1 = 1

<fy
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
21
In a semi-compact section the yield stress can be Apply M = @A
reached only in some parts of compression
elements before buckling occurs. It is not capable P
of reaching a fully plastic stress distribution. These
A
sections are used in elastic design. The stress
distribution for such sections is triangular. MP RB
12. Solution:
By elastic Theory: R B  3   P 1.5   M p  0
D/W deflection @ ‘R’ due to point load as  RB = 60 kN
cantilever = u/w deflection due to prop reaction. 14. Ans. (c)
P
15. Ans. (c)
A p
L/2 42
RB Y
X   b
5PL3 R B3
 
48EI 3EI 20
3  5  80
RB   25kN
48 No. of plastic hinges
13. Solution: = DS + 1 = 2
Consider the mechanism shown below External work done
PL
P = P  
A 2
 L/2 L/2 B M p   M p (2) =
PL


2
Mp
  6M P
P =
RB L
Mp Mp 16. Ans. (c)
Ds = 0
Using Plastic Theory,
No. of plastic hinges = 1
Wi = M p     M p     M p .   
P/2
= 3M p .
P
L/2 L/2  L/3
 L  
We = P.  P  . 
 2
Wi = We MP
MP

L
3M p . = P.. From principal of virtual work we have
2
 L  P L 
(Given Mp = 90 kN, L = 3m)  M p   M p  = p    
 2  2 3 
3  90  2 6M p
P=  180 kN  p=
3 L
 22 GATE Previous Solved Questions
17. Solution: 3.30 to 3.40 18. Ans. (6)
P
1m 1m
3Mp Mp
B
C Civil Engineering
2m
A D
Hings required for will apse = 2 + 1 = 3
l/2 l/2
Therefore two mechanisms are possible
Mechanism-I : Plastic hinge formation at A, B
and D. l /2 l /2

5wl 5W
  mp 32
VB =
16
3 Mp
Mp
o + 3wl
16

L
Now 3M P    M P (  )  M P    Pu  
4
5w  5w
P L B.M at C=  
 6M p   = u  16 2 32
4
24M p Stand at R.H.S of ‘A’ bole right side
 Pu =
L
Mechanism-II : Plastic hinge formation at A, C w
and D. B.M at R.H.S of A =  VB X-
2

3 MP 3m 1m
 
MP 5w w 3w
= X  -
MP 16 2 16


{(increases) forces = positive BM

 1×  = 3× 
(decreases) forces = negative BM}
   3

Now  Since negative bending moment is more than

positive B.M., first plastic hinge is developed at
3M p    M p (  )  M p ()  Pu  (L)  
fixed support. When the beam is loaded further,
3M p   4M P   3M P  = Pu  L  3 a second plastic hinge is developed at centre.

Under the point load.
10 M P M
 Pu =   3.33 P  Exactly under a couple, bending moment is
3 L L
indeterminate. That’s why we calculate B.M at
Therefore C  3.33 R.H.S of A but not at A.

 Using principle of virtual work,

Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
23

External = Internal
 
+w      = M P  θ   M P  θ 
 2  at A

at C

6M P
w=w u = kN


19. Ans. (c)

A1 y1  A 2 y2
y
A1  A 2

60  5  30  60  5  (62.5)
  46.25mm
60  5  60  5
To locate the equal area axis.
Equate the area of both side
For plastic state,
Area incompression = Area intension
y = 60mm above case

shift in neutral was

= 60  y  60  46.25  13.75mm


 24 GATE Previous Solved Questions

4
Civil Engineering
2016 QUASTIONS
1. The semi-compact section of a laterally unsupported steel beam has an elastic section modulus, plastic
section modulus and design bending compressive stress of 500 cm3, 650 cm3 and 200 MPa, respectively.
The design flexural capacity (expressed in kNm) of the section is_____
[1 Mark : GATE-2016]
1. Ans. 100 kNm
Elastic Section modulus of the section (Zc)
Zc = 500cm3 = 500 ×103 mm3
Plastic section modulus of the section (Zp)
Zp = 650cm3 = 650 × 103 mm3
Design bending compressive stress fcd
= 200 MPa
Md = b Zp fcd

Zc
βb =  for semi-compact section 
Zp

Zc  Elastic Section modulus of steel beam.

Zc
Md = × Zp × fcd = Zc × fcd
Zp

= 500 × 103 × 200 × 10-6

= 100 kNm
2. Two plates are connected by fillet welds of size 10mm and subjected to tension, as shown in the figure.
The thickness of each plate is 12mm. The yield stress and the ultimate tensile stress of steel are 250MPa
and 410MPa, respectively. The welding is done in the workshop (mw= 1.25).

100 mm

150 mm
P

As per the Limit State Method of IS 800:2007, the minimum length (rounded off to the nearest higher
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
25
multiple of 5mm) of each weld to transmit a force P equal to 270 kN (factored) is
(a) 90mm (b) 105mm (c) 110mm (d) 115mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
2. Ans. (B)
fu = 410 MPa
f y = 250 MPa
mw = 1.25
S = 10mm
P = 270kN
Length of each side

Total Length of weld


2
Length of each side

L

2
Effective throat thickness (t)
= K × S
= 0.7 × 10
= 7 mm
Design shear strength of fillet weld

410
Pd = L × t ×
3×1.25

410
270  103 = L × 7 ×
3×1.25
L = 210 mm
Length of each side = 105 mm
3. Two bolted plates under tension with alternative arrangement of bolt holes are shown in figures 1 and 2. The
hole diameter, pitch and gauge length are d, p and g, respectively.

Which one of the following conditions must be ensured to have higher net tensile capacity of configuration
shown in figure 2 than that shown in Figure 1?

(a) p2 >2gd (b) p 2 < 4gd (c) p2 >4gd (d) p>4gd

[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
 26 GATE Previous Solved Questions
4. A fixed-end is subjected to a concentrated load (P) as shown in the fiugre. The beam has two different
segment having different plastic moment capacities (MP, 2MP) as shown

Civil Engineering

The minimum value of load (P) at which the beam would collapse (ultimate load) is
(a) 7.5 MP/L (b) 5.0 MP/L (c) 4.5 MP/L (d) 2.5 MP/L
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
3. Ans. (c)
Tensile strength of plate in (2) > Tensile strength of plate in (1)
As per IS 800:2007:
Tensile Strength of plate

 f up 
= 0.9A net 
 γ m1 

 f up   f 
0.9A net   0.9A net up 
 γ m1 2  γ m1 1

(Anet)2 > (Anet)1

 2  
B-2d+ p  t  > B-d t 

 4g   2  1

p2
B-2d+  B-d
4g

p2
d
4g
p2 > 4gd
4. Ans. (a)
DS = 2
No. of hinges required to form a mechanism = 3
Mechanism 1:
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
27

2L
2MP + MP + MP + MP =P× θ
3

15M P 7.5M P
P= =
2L L

7.5M P
P=
L
Mechanism 2:

2L
2MP + 2MP + 2MP + MP =P× θ
3

2L
4M P θ+3M P θ/2 =P× θ
3

2L 4L
θ= α
3 3
= 2

8.25M P
P=
L

The collapse load is P=

7.5M P
L
 28 GATE Previous Solved Questions

5
COMPRESSION MEMBERS Civil Engineering

1. Consider the following two statements related to structural steel design, and identify whether they are True
or FALSE.
I. The Euler buckling load of a slender steel column depends on the yield strength of steel.
II. In the design of laced column, the maximum spacing of the lacing does not depend on the slenderness
of column as a whole.
(a) Both statements I and II are TRUE
(b) Statement I is TRUE, and Statement II is FALSE
(c) Statement I is FALSE, and Statement II is TRUE
(d) Both Statements I and II are FALSE

[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
2. Given reason for the following in not more than 20 words
(a) A maximum permissible distance between lacing and battens in steel columns is usually specified.
(b) It is sometimes preferable to have unequal flange angle with the longer legs horizontal in plate girder.
(c) If two channels sections need to be used as a steel column, they may be connected ‘face-to-face’ rather
than ‘back to back’
(d) It is sometimes preferred to have a small gap between the web and the flange plate in a plate girder.
(e) A maximum permissible ‘outstand may be specific for flange in built-up sections.
[5 Marks : GATE-2002]
3. In the design of lacing system for a built-up steel column, the maximum allowable slenderness ratio of a
lacing bar is
(a) 120 (b) 145 (c) 180 (d) 250
[1 Mark : GATE-2003]
4. Consider the following statements
I. Effective length of a battened column is usually increased to account for the additional load on battens
due to the lateral expansion of columns.
II. As per IS: 800-1984, permissible stress in bending compression depends on both Euler buckling stress
and the yield stress of steel.
III. As per IS: 800-1984, the effective length of a column effectively held in position at both ends but
not restrained against rotation, is taken to be greater than that in the ideal end conditions.
The TRUE statements are
(a) only I and II (b) only II and III
(c) only I and III (d) I, II and III
[1 Mark : GATE-2006]
5. A strut in a steel truss is composed of two equal angles ISA 150 mm × 150 mm of thickness 100mm
connected back-to-back to the same side of a gusset plate. The cross sectional area of each angle is 2921
mm2 and moment of inertia (Ixx = Iyy) is 6335000 mm4. The distance of the centroid of the angle from
its surface (Cx = Cy) is 40.8 mm. The minimum radius of gyration of the strut is
Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
29
(a) 93.2 mm (b) 62.7 mm (c) 46.6 mm (d) 29.8 mm
[5 Marks : GATE-2004]
6. The square root of the ratio of moment of inertia of the cross-section to its cross-sectional area is called
(a) second moment of area (b) slenderness ratio
(c) section modulus (d) radius of gyration
[1 Mark : GATE-2009]
7. Consider the following statements for a compression member
I. The elastic critical stress in compression increases with decrease in slenderness ratio
II. The effective length depends on the boundary conditions at its ends
III. The elastic critical stress in compression is independent of the slenderness ratio
IV. The ratio of the effective length to its radius of gyration is called as slenderness ratio

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
8. Two steel columns P (lenth L and yield strength fy = 250 MP(a) and Q (length 2L and yield strength fy
= 500 MPa) have the same cross-sections and end-conditions. The ratio of buckling load of column P to
that of column Q is:
(a) 0.5 (b) 1.0 (c) 2.0 (d) 4.0
[1 Mark : GATE-2013]
9. A steel member ‘M’ has reversal of stress due to live loads, whereas another member ‘N’ has
reversal of stress due to wind load As per IS 800: 2007, the maximum slenderness ratio permitted
is:
(a) less for member ‘M’ than that of member ‘N’
(b) more for member ‘M’ than for member ‘N’
(c) same for both die members
(d) not specified in the Code
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
10. A column of height h with a rectangular cross-section of size a  2a has a buckling load of P. If the cross-
section is changed to 0.5a  3a and its height changed to 1.5h, the buckling load of the redesigned column will
be
(a) P/12 (b) P/4 (c) P/2 (d) 3P/4 (COMPRESSION MEMBER)
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
11. A steel column is restrained against both translation and rotation at one end and is restrained only against
rotation but free to translate at the other end. Theoretical and design (IS:800-2007) values, respectively, of
effective length factor of the column are
(a) 1.0 and 1.0 (b) 1.2 and 1.0 (c) 1.2 and 1.2 (d) 1.0 and 1.2
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
 30 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (b) 3. Ans. (b)
The slenderness ratio of a lacing
Civil bar should not
2 EI Engineering
Euler buckling load = exceed 145 as per the code (IS: 800)
l2
y 4. Ans. (a)
 E = For two ends hinged condition (statement No.

 Euler buckling load depends on yield strength III), Le = L ; hence III is wrong.
for riveted or welded lacing system, 5. Ans. (c)
Y
L
 50

rmin
or
 0.7 times ‘’ (slenderness ratio) of member as X X
a whole which ever is less.

2. Ans. (*)

Y
(a) The maximum permissible distance between Total area = A = 2 × a = 2 × 2921
lacing or batten is limited to avoid local
= 5842 mm2
bucking individual column component
between the lacings or battens. Since X-X axis of the built-up section passes
(b) Unequal flange angles with long horizontal through the C.G of individual angle, minimum
legs are preffered as the moment of inertia moment of inertia occurs about axis XX.
of section about major bending axis is more Minimum moment of inertia as about X-X is
to with stand higher bending moments. Ixx = 2 × Ixx of each angle
(c) Two channels placed face to face provides = 2 × 6335000 mm2
larger value of radius of gyration to have
lesser slenderness ratio than two channels I xx
 rmin =
placed back to back separated apart by same A
distance for same cross sectional area. 2  6335000
=  46.6mm
(d) A small gap (5 mm to 10mm) is provided 5842
between web and flange plate in plate girder 6. Ans. (d)
to avoid direct bearing contact may induce
7. Ans. (d)
heavey stress concentration which may cause
local buckling failures in web plate. 1. Elastic critical stress,
(e) The maximum out stand may specified in 2
   2E ;   12
built up beams is to avoid local buckling of  
flange plate. Un stiffened edge plate under Elastic critical stress in compression increases
compression out stand with decrease in slenderness ratio.
 256t ty 2. Effective length depends on boundary
 16t condition at its ends.
Unstiffened edge of tension flange out stand 3. Slenderness ratio
 20t Effective length
 = Radius of cyration
Where ‘t’ is the thickness of out stand.
 Steel Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engg.
31
8. Ans. (d)
bd 3 2a×a 3
Load carrying capacity of a column is independent I rect = =
12 12
of yield stress of material. As per Euler’s theory

Pe   EI  Pd  1  2a×a 3 
l2 l2 π2 E   2 4
P=  12  = π Ea
Pp (Pa )2 (2L) 2
  4 h2 6h 2
Pa (lp )2 (L)2
9. Ans. (a)  3a×  0.5a 3 
2
Steel member M has reversal of stress due to live π E 
 12 
load slenderness ratio For new column, P'=  
2
x = 180 1.5h 
For case (2) reversal of stress due to wind load  h = 1.5h for new column
for N,  = 350
Hence M < N 1 π 2 Ea 4 1
 P'= = of P
12 6h 2 12
10. Ans. (a)
11. Ans. (d)
For column, Buckling load is given as:
As per IS: 800 - 2007



π 2 EI min
P=
L2