Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Achieve success on your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary function of struts in a structural system?

To resist tension
To provide aesthetic value
To resist compression
To connect components

The correct answer is: To resist compression

Struts are structural elements designed primarily to resist compressive loads. In engineering, a strut is commonly used in frameworks and trusses to provide stability and support. When a load is applied, struts help to transfer compressive forces throughout the structure and help to maintain its integrity and shape. In many applications, struts are an essential component for maintaining the structural stability of buildings, bridges, and other engineering structures. By resisting compression, they prevent buckling and failure under load, allowing for efficient and safe load distribution. While struts may contribute to the overall appearance of a structure, their key function is not aesthetic. Instead, they play a vital role in the structural performance and safety of a system. Although they can connect different components in certain designs, it's primarily their ability to withstand compressive forces that defines their function within a structural context.