Question

Why the determination of the support reaction needs to be done before isolating the section?

(a) This reduces the calculation and also the labour

(b) This makes the isolated section more complicated

(c) This results in reduction on the formulas used

(d) This procedure is not done at all, it of no need

I got this question during a job interview.

Question is from Method of Sections topic in chapter Structural Analysis of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) This reduces the calculation and also the labour

The best I can explain: The determination of the force of the unknown element is done by the method of section. For this the section is isolated from the main structure and then calculation is done after. But before that the determination of the support reaction needs to be done.