Static Indeterminacy MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

In force (flexibility) methods, redundant forces are the unknowns. Column analogy is a force method.

Step-by-step solution

1. Force method: unknowns are redundant forces or moments. Examples: consistent deformation, three-moment theorem, column analogy, least work. 2. Displacement method: unknowns are joint rotations and displacements. Examples: slope deflection, moment distribution, Kani's method, stiffness method. 3. Column analogy finds redundant moments using an analogous column, so it is a force method. 4. The answer is (B).

Explanation

Column analogy treats the redundant moments as unknowns and uses flexibility (M/EI area), so it is a force method. Slope deflection and moment distribution use joint displacements as unknowns, so they are displacement methods.

Why the other options are wrong

(A) Slope deflection is a displacement method. (C) Moment distribution is a displacement method. (D) 'Stress-strain method' is not a standard method of structural analysis.

Shortcut

Slope deflection, moment distribution, Kani and stiffness methods are displacement methods. Column analogy and least work are force methods.

Common mistake

Students think moment distribution is a force method because it distributes moments. In fact, it is based on joint rotations.