Steel Structures - Important Questions and Answers
Q1: Attempt any five (5x5=25)
a) Differentiate between Web Buckling and Web Crippling:
| Feature | Web Buckling | Web Crippling |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Nature | Instability failure (like buckling) | Local compressive failure |
| Occurs Due To | Axial/compressive forces | Concentrated loads near supports |
| Affected Area | Entire depth of the web | Localized at loading point |
| Prevention | Use stiffeners | Increase web thickness or use plates |
| Common In | Thin-webbed girders/beams | Short spans with point loads |
c) Standard Rolled Steel Sections:
Examples:
- ISMB: Indian Standard Medium Beam (e.g., ISMB 300)
- ISMC: Indian Standard Medium Channel
- ISA: Indian Standard Angle
- IST: Indian Standard Tee
- ISHB: Indian Standard Heavy Beam
d) Fillet Weld vs Butt Weld:
| Feature | Fillet Weld | Butt Weld |
|----------------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Joint Type | Corner/Lap/T-Joints | End-to-End |
| Appearance | Triangular section | Flat after welding |
| Strength | Usually lower | Higher and uniform |
| Usage | Easy, field-friendly | Strong, needs prep |
e) Definitions:
- Pitch: Distance between centers of two bolts in a row.
- Gauge: Distance between two adjacent bolt rows.
- Throat Thickness: Minimum weld thickness from root to face.
- End Distance: From bolt center to plate end (force direction).
- Edge Distance: From bolt center to plate edge (perpendicular).
f) Built-up Sections:
- Fabricated by welding/bolting multiple steel elements.
- Used in long spans, bridges, heavy columns, industrial frames.
g) Purlins, Rafters, and Eaves in Roof Truss:
- Purlins: Horizontal members supporting roofing sheets.
- Rafters: Sloped members carrying purlins from ridge to eave.
- Eaves: Overhang of roof beyond wall edge to drain water.
h) Applications of Steel Roof Truss:
- Industrial buildings, warehouses, railway stations, stadiums.
Q2: Merits, Demerits, Applications of Steel Structures (12.5 Marks)
Merits:
- High strength-to-weight ratio, prefabrication, ductile, recyclable.
Demerits:
- Corrosion-prone, costly maintenance, fire vulnerability.
Applications:
- Bridges, high-rise buildings, towers, industrial frames, hangars.
Q3 (Alternate):
Working Stress vs Limit State Method:
| Feature | Working Stress | Limit State |
|--------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|
| Basis | Elastic behavior | Probabilistic/failure-based|
| Factor of Safety | On stress | On load/materials |
| Conservativeness | High | Balanced/economical |
Welded vs Riveted:
Welded: Aesthetic, fast, no holes needed, rigid.
Riveted: Strong in vibration, outdated, labor-intensive.
Q9 (Alternate): Loads on Steel Roof Trusses:
- Dead Load: Truss weight, sheeting, purlins.
- Live Load: People, maintenance.
- Wind Load: Lateral & uplift pressure.
- Snow Load: (if applicable)
- Earthquake Load: (seismic zones)
- Collateral: Lights, ducts.
Diagrams included in following pages.
Steel Roof Truss - Components Diagram
Diagram (Textual View):
Ridge
^
|
v
/-----\ <- Roof covering
/| |\ <- Purlins (horizontal support for roofing)
/_|_____|_\
/ | | \ <- Rafters (sloping members carrying purlins)
/ | | \
/ | | \
/ | | \
--------------------- <- Tie member (bottom horizontal chord)
| |
| |
Eaves <-----------> Eaves (overhang at roof edges)
Pitch, Gauge, Edge Distance, End Distance, Throat Thickness
Diagram (Textual View):
Top View of Bolted Plates:
o---Pitch---o---Pitch---o
| | |
| | |
Edge Gauge Edge
Distance (between
bolt lines)
Side View of Welded Joint:
|
Plate|
|<--Throat Thickness (T)-->
\_______________________
<< Fillet Weld >>
