Civil Engineering MCQJE Level Civil Engineering

The 'portal frame analysis' approximation for multi-storey frames under horizontal load assumes inflection points at:

Steel StructuresSteel StructuresMEDIUM

Choose the correct answer

A

Supports only (zero moment at base and top)

B

Mid-height of all columns AND midspan of all beams — makes each sub-frame statically determinate for lateral load analysis

C

Only at beam-column joints

D

No inflection points — full fixed frame analysis only

Correct Answer

B. Mid-height of all columns AND midspan of all beams — makes each sub-frame statically determinate for lateral load analysis

Why is this the answer?

Portal method (lateral loads): assumes inflection points (zero moment, zero rotation) at: (1) Midheight of each column; (2) Midspan of each beam. This makes the frame statically determinate for each storey. Shear distribution: interior columns carry twice the shear of exterior columns. Portal method is appropriate for low-rise frames (H/W < 4). Cantilever method for tall frames: column axial forces proportional to distance from centroid.

Related Steel Structures MCQs

More solved Steel Structures questions for AE/JE Civil Engineering exams.

View all Steel Structures MCQs →

Practice more Civil Engineering questions

This MCQ belongs to JE Level Premium Test Series. Full tests include timed attempts, rank comparison and subject-wise analysis.

Create Free Account