Group I Group II (P) Flat Slab (1) Thrust (Q) Long Column (2) Flutter (R) Arch (3) Punching Shear (S) Tensile Fabric (4) Buckling (5) Moment
Structural Failure Modes Explained
This question requires matching specific structural systems with their characteristic potential causes of failure.
Matching Structural Systems and Failure Causes
- (P) Flat Slab: Flat slabs are particularly vulnerable to Punching Shear (3). This failure occurs when the concentrated load from a column punches through the slab area around it.
- (Q) Long Column: A column is considered 'long' if its slenderness ratio makes it susceptible to Buckling (4). Buckling is a sudden lateral instability under compressive axial load.
- (R) Arch: An arch structure inherently generates outward horizontal forces at its supports, known as Thrust (1). Failure can occur if these thrust forces are not adequately resisted by the abutments or foundations.
- (S) Tensile Fabric: Lightweight structures made of tensile fabrics, like roofs or sails, can experience dynamic instabilities. One such instability is Flutter (2), a form of aeroelastic oscillation typically induced by wind.
Correct Matching Summary
The established engineering principles lead to the following correct matches:
- P → 3 (Punching Shear)
- Q → 4 (Buckling)
- R → 1 (Thrust)
- S → 2 (Flutter)
This combination corresponds to the correct option.
Important Questions from Design of Structural Elements
- The slenderness ratio of a circular column of diameter $300 \text{ mm}$ and effective height $3 \text{ m}$ is _________ [in integer]
A basement wall resists lateral pressure exerted by soil and water. The soil pressure amounts to $4.5 \text{ kN/m}^2$ for every metre of depth below Ground Level (GL). The sub-soil water level is $1.0 \text{ m}$ below GL and hydrostatic pressure of water is $9.8 \text{ kN/m}^2$ for every metre of depth below GL. The total lateral pressure (in $kN/m^2$, rounded off to one decimal place) exerted on the wall $2 \text{ m}$ below GL is______
- Slenderness ratio of a column is represented as:
For a symmetrical two dimensional truss as shown in the above figure, vertical force in kN acting on the member PQ is ________
Value of bending moment in kN-m at point C for a beam as shown in the above figure is ________
