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GATE 2023 CE (CE2) – Question 17

Structural Analysis · Influence lines and moving loads · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Muller-Breslau principle is used in analysis of structures for _______________.

  1. drawing an influence line diagram for any force response in the structure
  2. writing the virtual work expression to get the equilibrium equation
  3. superposing the load effects to get the total force response in the structure
  4. relating the deflection between two points in a member with the curvature diagram in-between

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Correct answer: (A) drawing an influence line diagram for any force response in the structure

Explanation

The **Müller-Breslau principle** says that the influence line for a force-type response (a reaction, shear force or bending moment) at a point has the shape of the deflected structure obtained by:

1. removing the restraint corresponding to that response (for a reaction, remove the support; for a shear, cut and displace; for a moment, insert a hinge), and
2. giving a unit displacement (or rotation) in the direction of that response.

The ordinate of the displaced shape at any position gives the value of the response for a unit load at that position. So the principle is used for **drawing influence line diagrams** (option A).