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Question

Difficulty: EasyStructural Components

A horizontal shelf is attached to a vertical wall. To safely hold a heavy box placed on the outer edge, a straight diagonal wooden strut is installed underneath, connecting the outer edge of the shelf to a lower point on the wall. When the heavy box is placed on the shelf, what primary type of structural force acts along the length of the diagonal strut?

  1. CompressionAnswer
  2. B
    Tension
  3. C
    Shear
  4. D
    Bending

Answer

Compression
The correct answer is Compression because the diagonal strut acts as a prop to hold the shelf up. The weight of the box pushes down on the shelf, which in turn presses down onto the top end of the strut, squeezing it against the wall. A force that squeezes or crushes a structural member is called compression.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the direction of the load applied to the structural system.
The heavy box applies a downward force on the outer edge of the horizontal shelf.
Understanding the source and direction of the applied load is required to determine how individual components react.
2
Determine how the downward force interacts with the diagonal strut.
The shelf transfers the downward force into the top of the diagonal strut, pushing it into the wall at the bottom.
Tracing the load path reveals whether a member is being stretched, crushed, or twisted.
3
Identify the specific type of internal force resulting from this interaction.
The strut is being squeezed or crushed inward from both ends, which defines compression.
Axial forces that push the ends of a structural member toward each other are compressive forces.

Key Concept

Tension and Compression in Structural Members
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Structural Components

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