Question

What is partially constrained?

(a) There will be less equations available for equilibrium than the reactive forces

(b) There will be more equations available for equilibrium than the reactive forces

(c) There will be equal equations available for equilibrium as the reactive forces

(d) The support reactions are opposite to each other

I have been asked this question in class test.

This interesting question is from Constraints and Statical Determinacy in section Equilibrium of a Rigid Body of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Right answer is (b) There will be more equations available for equilibrium than the reactive forces

Easy explanation: The situation may arise when there will be more equations available for equilibrium than the reactive forces. This condition is known as partially constrained. This is also one of the factor which is giving instability to the structure.