UPSC Civil Service Exam Questions - Engineering

Q1:

On which one of the following concepts is the basic principle of structural design based ?

A Weak column strong beam

B Strong column and weak beam

C Equally strong column-beam

D Partial weak column-beam

ANS:B - Strong column and weak beam

In tall buildings, it is important to control lateral displacements within the serviceability limit state. A structural system may be classified as follows:

(i) Buildings frame system
(ii) Moment resisting frame system
(iii) Dual frame system
(iv) Tube system

In a moment resistant frame, the relative stiffness of beam and column is very important. A frame may be designed using weak column-strong beam proportions or strong column – weak beam proportions. A frame with weak beam - strong column is more stable and therefore highly desirable.