Which term refers to a structural member with an I shape formed by plate elements connected by welds, bolts, or rivets?

• A. Pile Bent
• B. Plan
• C. Plinth
• D. Plate Girder

Answer: (D)

A plate girder is a built-up structural member whose cross-section looks like an I, created by assembling plates to form the flanges and the web. The flanges are the wide horizontal plates, and the web is the vertical plate or plates connecting them. These elements are connected together by welding, bolting, or riveting, which allows engineers to tailor the depth and strength to the specific span and load requirements. This method is often used when longer spans or heavier loads demand a deeper, stiffer section than a single rolled beam can provide.

Other terms refer to different concepts: a pile bent is a vertical arrangement of piles supporting a structure; a plan is a drawing that shows layout and geometry; a plinth is a raised platform at the base of a structure. Therefore, the I-shaped member formed by plate elements connected by welds, bolts, or rivets is a plate girder.