GATE ME 2025 Set 1 — Question 27

MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumTrusses (Joints & Sections)StaticsEngineering Mechanics

Engineering Mechanics → Statics → Trusses (Joints & Sections)

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

A truss structure is loaded as shown in the figure below. Among the options given, which member in the truss is a zero-force member?

Correct answer (A) BD Solution Consider joint D: Members AD and CD are collinear. Member BD is the third member meeting at the joint and is not collinear with the other two. There is no external load or support reaction applied at joint D. According to the rules for zero-force members, if three members meet at a joint where two are collinear and there is no external force, the third non-collinear member must be a zero-force member. Therefore, member BD is a zero-force member. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) BD Solution Consider joint D: Members AD and CD are collinear. Member BD is the third member meeting at the joint and is not collinear with the other two. There is no external load or support reaction applied at joint D. According to the rules for zero-force members, if three members meet at a joint where two are collinear and there is no external force, the third non-collinear member must be a zero-force member. Therefore, member BD is a zero-force member.

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