Questions: Load Distribution in Structures

Question 1

A 100 kg load sits on a beam, 1 meter from the left support and 3 meters from the right support. Which support carries more of the load?

• A. The left support carries more
• B. The right support carries more
• C. Both carry exactly 50 kg
• D. Neither carries any load

Answer: (A)

The closer support carries a larger share. Using the lever principle, the left support carries 3/4 of the load (75 kg) and the right support carries 1/4 (25 kg). The load distributes inversely proportional to distance.

Question 2

A uniformly distributed load on a beam creates the same stress everywhere in the beam.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: False

Even with a uniform load, stress varies along the beam. The maximum bending stress occurs at the center of a simply supported beam, while shear stress is highest near the supports. The distribution of external load does not mean uniform internal stress.

Question 3

Why do snowshoes prevent a person from sinking into deep snow?

Model answer: Snowshoes spread the person's weight over a much larger area, reducing the pressure (force per unit area) on the snow. The total force is the same, but it is distributed over a bigger surface, so each square centimeter of snow bears less weight.

This is load distribution in action. A boot concentrates body weight on a small area (high pressure), breaking through the snow surface. A snowshoe distributes the same weight over a large area (low pressure), keeping the person on top.