CM 2500 / CM 2501 Structural Principles and Practices – Final Exam Part 2, Module 7: Beam Design | Louisiana State University | 2026–2027

CM 2500 / CM 2501 Structural Principles and Practices – Final Exam Part 2, Module 7: Beam Design | Louisiana State University | 2026–2027 Description: This comprehensive revision set contains 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering beam design principles and practices, including beam types, bending stresses, shear stresses, deflection, load combinations, design codes (AISC, ACI, NDS), steel beams, reinforced concrete beams, timber beams, composite beams, and practical detailing. Each question includes four options with the correct answer clearly marked with . Answers are intentionally mixed (not all A, B, C, or D) to simulate real exam conditions. Keywords: Beam Design, Structural Principles, Bending Stress, Shear Stress, Deflection, AISC, ACI, NDS, Steel Beams, Reinforced Concrete Beams, Timber Beams, Composite Beams, Load Combinations, LSU, CM 2500, CM 2501, Final Exam, Module 7. Section 1: Beam Fundamentals and Classification (Questions 1–25) 1. Which of the following best defines a beam in structural engineering? A. A vertical member carrying axial compression B. A horizontal structural member primarily resisting bending C. A diagonal member resisting tension only D. A foundation element transferring load to soil 2. A simply supported beam has supports that: A. Restrain rotation and translation at both ends B. Allow rotation but restrain vertical translation at both ends C. Allow both rotation and translation at both ends D. Restrain rotation but allow vertical translation 3. A cantilever beam is fixed at one end and: A. Supported at both ends B. Free at the other end C. Pinned at the other end D. Roller-supported at the other end 4. Which beam type is fixed at both ends? A. Simply supported beam B. Cantilever beam C. Fixed-fixed beam D. Overhanging beam 5. An overhanging beam has: A. No supports B. One support only C. At least one support with a portion extending beyond it D. Supports only at the ends 6. A continuous beam typically has: A. Two supports only B. More than two supports C. One fixed support D. No intermediate supports 7. Which of the following is NOT a common beam material? A. Structural steel B. Reinforced concrete C. Timber D. Asphalt 8. A propped cantilever beam has: A. Two fixed supports B. One fixed support and one roller/pin support C. Two pinned supports D. No supports 9. Which beam is statically indeterminate? A. Simply supported beam B. Cantilever beam C. Fixed-fixed beam D. Overhanging beam with one support 10. The primary internal force in a beam under transverse loading is: A. Axial force B. Bending moment C. Torsion only D. Shear only 11. A beam is classified as "deep" when: A. Its depth is less than span/20 B. Its depth is comparable to its span C. Its width exceeds its depth D. It has no web 12. Which of the following is a typical beam cross-section? A. I-section B. Circular hollow only C. Triangular only D. Spherical 13. A lintel is a beam that: A. Supports a roof only B. Spans over an opening such as a door or window C. Supports a column D. Is always made of timber 14. A girder is: A. A small beam B. A large principal beam supporting smaller beams C. A column D. A footing 15. A purlin is a beam that: A. Supports roof sheeting between trusses B. Supports floor slabs C. Is always concrete D. Is a foundation beam 16. A joist is: A. A large main beam B. A small beam supporting floor or ceiling loads C. A column D. A wall 17. Which beam is commonly used in bridges? A. Plate girder B. Lintel C. Purlin D. Joist 18. A spandrel beam is located: A. At the edge of a floor slab B. Under a column C. In a roof truss D. In a foundation 19. A transfer beam is used to: A. Transfer loads from columns above to columns below B. Support roof sheeting C. Carry axial load only D. Resist torsion only 20. Which of the following is a determinate beam? A. Fixed-fixed beam B. Continuous beam C. Simply supported beam D. Propped cantilever