Question

A truss is facing a two force member and both of them are in the opposite directions. And the truss is in equilibrium. And both of them are coming towards each other. The forces are called __________

(a) Compressive forces

(b) Tensile Forces

(c) Parallel and collinear forces with same direction of heading

(d) The rotational forces

The question was posed to me in an interview.

This intriguing question originated from Simple Trusses topic in chapter Structural Analysis of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Compressive forces

Explanation: If two forces are in the opposite directions. And both of them are coming towards each other. And are collinear too. Then the truss is getting a compressive stress. As the forces are trying to decrease the length of the truss. Hence if the two force members are in such conditions the forces are compressive forces.