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GATE 2016 CE (CE1) – Question 16

Structural Analysis · Deflections of determinate beams, frames and trusses · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Consider the plane truss with load P as shown in the figure. Let the horizontal and vertical reactions at the joint B be HB and VB, respectively and VC be the vertical reaction at the joint C. Which one of the following sets gives the correct values of VB, HB and VC?

Diagram for GATE 2016 CE (CE1) question 16
  1. VB = 0; HB = 0; VC = P
  2. VB = P/2; HB = 0; VC = P/2
  3. VB = P/2; HB = P (sin 60°); VC = P/2
  4. VB = P; HB = P (cos 60°); VC = 0

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) VB = 0; HB = 0; VC = P

Explanation

The vertical load at G acts on the same vertical line as support C. Taking moments about C therefore gives zero vertical reaction at B; vertical equilibrium gives VC=P. There is no external horizontal load, so HB=0. These reactions correspond to **A**.