Structural Analysis — Problem Solving Set (20
Problems)
Instructions: Solve the following problems. Show all steps and state
assumptions. Use equilibrium equations, shear & moment diagrams,
truss methods, and determinacy checks where applicable.
1. A simply supported beam AB has span L = 8.0 m and carries a uniformly distributed load w = 5.0
kN/m over the entire span. Determine the reactions at supports A and B, draw the shear force and
bending moment diagrams, and find the maximum bending moment and where it occurs.
2. A simply supported beam of span 6.0 m carries a concentrated load P = 24 kN located 2.0 m from
the left support. Determine support reactions, the shear and moment diagrams, and the maximum
bending moment.
3. A cantilever of length 3.0 m carries a uniformly distributed load w = 4.0 kN/m along its length and a
concentrated end load of 6.0 kN at the free end. Determine the reaction (shear and moment) at the
fixed support and the maximum bending moment.
4. An overhanging beam has span between supports A and B of 10 m with an overhang of 2 m beyond
support B. A point load of 15 kN is placed at the free end of the overhang. Determine the reactions at
supports A and B and draw shear and moment diagrams.
5. A simply supported beam AB (L = 9 m) carries three point loads: 10 kN at 2 m from A, 15 kN at
midspan, and 8 kN at 1 m from B. Compute support reactions, shear and moment diagrams, and the
maximum positive and negative bending moments.
6. A two-span continuous beam with equal spans of 4 m carries a uniformly distributed load w = 3
kN/m on each span. Using the slope-deflection or moment distribution method (outline the chosen
method), determine the fixed-end moments and the bending moment at the middle support.
7. A rectangular reinforced slab panel is supported on four sides and measures 4.0 m × 3.0 m. The
slab thickness is 150 mm. Calculate the dead load of the slab (use concrete density 24 kN/m³) and if
the imposed live load is 3.0 kN/m², compute the total unfactored load per square meter.
8. Determine the tributary area for an interior column in a two-way slab layout where column spacings
are 6 m (in x) and 4 m (in y). Calculate the slab load (kN) transferred to the column if slab dead load =
2.5 kN/m² and live load = 3.0 kN/m².
9. A one-way slab strip of width 1.0 m has span 5.0 m and is simply supported. It carries a dead load of
2.2 kN/m² (including self-weight) and a live load of 2.5 kN/m². Compute the design ultimate bending
moment per meter width using a load factor of 1.4 for dead and 1.6 for live (LRFD style).
10. For the beam in Problem 1 (w = 5 kN/m, L = 8 m), determine the shear and moment values at x =
2.0 m, 4.0 m, and 6.0 m from the left support. Show calculations.
11. Check determinacy: For each of the following structural systems state whether it is statically
determinate or indeterminate, and explain why: (a) simply supported beam with pin and roller supports,
(b) fixed-fixed beam with two fixed supports, (c) planar truss with 9 members, 6 joints, and pinned
supports (r = 3).
12. Analyze the truss shown: a right triangular truss with joints at A (left support), B (right support), and
C (apex). A = left support pinned, B = roller. Span AB = 6.0 m, height AC = 3.0 m. A downward load of
12 kN is applied at joint C. Using the Method of Joints, find the axial forces in each member and state
whether they are in tension or compression.
13. Using the Method of Sections, find the force in the diagonal member of a Pratt truss section:
Consider a symmetric truss with span 8.0 m, height 2.0 m, with a vertical load of 20 kN at midspan
joint. Cut through the truss to pass through the diagonal, and compute the axial force in that diagonal.
14. A frame consists of two members forming an L-shape (right angle) with a hinge at the corner and
fixed support at the base of one member and roller at the base of the other. A horizontal wind load of
10 kN acts at the top of the free end of one member. Perform equilibrium to find base reactions and
comment on determinacy.
15. A simply supported beam of span 7.5 m carries a triangular distributed load that varies from 0 at
left support to 6 kN/m at the right support. Determine the resultant load, its location from the left
support, support reactions, and maximum bending moment.
16. A column supports an axial factored load of 200 kN. Determine the equivalent uniformly distributed
load on a slab tributary area of 4.0 m² and find the design one-way bending moment per meter if the
slab is 1.0 m wide strip (use appropriate load factors: 1.4 DL + 1.6 LL). Assume dead load from slab
self-weight = 2.0 kN/m² and live load = 3.0 kN/m².
17. Wind loading (simplified): For a flat roof area 10 m × 8 m located at an exposure where the basic
wind speed V = 40 m/s, compute the basic wind pressure q = 0.613 V² (use q in N/m²). Then compute
the total wind force on the roof (assume windward pressure acts uniformly on one long side with
projection height 3 m). State assumptions clearly.
18. Draw the influence line for reaction at support A for a simply supported beam of span 12 m. Using
that influence line, determine the maximum reaction at A when a 30 kN concentrated load moves
across the beam.
19. A simply supported beam has two spans: AB = 5 m and BC = 5 m, with a hinge at B. A
concentrated load of 40 kN is placed 1 m from A toward B on span AB. Determine internal shear and
bending at the hinge and reactions.
20. A pin-jointed truss has members m = 12, joints j = 7, and pinned supports (r = 3). Determine if the
truss is statically determinate. If determinate, compute the expected number of zero-force members (if
any) and explain how to identify them.
End of problem set. If you would like solutions/answer key, I can generate a step-by-step answer PDF
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