Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What is tension in structural engineering?

1. A force that elongates a structure

2. A twisting force acting on a structure

3. An opposing force to bending

4. A force that acts perpendicular to a surface

The correct answer is: A force that elongates a structure

Tension in structural engineering refers to a force that acts to elongate a structure. This force pulls materials apart, causing them to stretch. When a structural element, such as a cable, rod, or beam, is under tension, it experiences a tensile stress that influences its ability to support loads and maintain structural integrity. Understanding tension is fundamental when analyzing the behavior of various materials in structures, as elements designed to carry loads in tension must be able to withstand the forces without failing. For instance, in a suspension bridge, the cables are under tension, supporting the weight of the deck while keeping the structure stable. The other concepts presented in the options pertain to different types of forces. Twisting forces relate to torsion, which affects how materials behave around their axes, while opposing forces to bending pertain to compressive stresses at different angles. Forces acting perpendicular to a surface involve shear forces, which create sliding between materials. Each of these concepts plays a crucial role in structural analysis, but they do not define tension.