GATE CE 2014 Set 1 — Question 34

MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumTemperature StressesPavement DesignTransportation Engineering

Transportation Engineering → Pavement Design → Temperature Stresses

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

The following statements are related to temperature stresses developed in concrete pavement slabs with free edges (without any restraint): P. The temperature stresses will be zero during both day and night times if the pavement slab is considered weightless Q. The temperature stresses will be compressive at the bottom of the slab during night time if the self-weight of the pavement slab is considered R. The temperature stresses will be compressive at the bottom of the slab during day time if the self-weight of the pavement slab is considered The TRUE statement(s) is(are)

Correct answer (C) P and Q only Solution Analysis of statements: P is TRUE : If a slab is weightless and has free edges, there is no restraint to thermal expansion, contraction, or curling. Without restraint, no internal stresses are developed. Q is TRUE : During the night, the top surface is cooler than the bottom, causing the slab to curl upwards (concave). The self-weight of the slab acts as a restraint against this upward curling, which induces compressive stress at the bottom of the slab. R is FALSE : During the day, the top surface is hotter than the bottom, causing the slab to curl downwards (convex). The self-weight resists this downward curling, which induces tensile stress at the bottom of the slab. Thus, statements P and Q are true. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (C) P and Q only Solution Analysis of statements: P is TRUE : If a slab is weightless and has free edges, there is no restraint to thermal expansion, contraction, or curling. Without restraint, no internal stresses are developed. Q is TRUE : During the night, the top surface is cooler than the bottom, causing the slab to curl upwards (concave). The self-weight of the slab acts as a restraint against this upward curling, which induces compressive stress at the bottom of the slab. R is FALSE : During the day, the top surface is hotter than the bottom, causing the slab to curl downwards (convex). The self-weight resists this downward curling, which induces tensile stress at the bottom of the slab. Thus, statements P and Q are true.

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