DESIGN OF COMPRESSION MEMBERS

Introduction
Compression members are structural elements primarily subjected to axial compressive
forces and hence, their design is guided by considerations of strength and buckling. show
their examples: pedestal, column, wall and strut. While pedestal, column and wall carry the
loads along its length l in vertical direction, the strut in truss carries loads in any direction.
The letters l, b and D represent the unsupported vertical length, horizontal lest lateral
dimension, width and the horizontal longer lateral dimension, depth. These compression
members may be made of bricks or reinforced concrete. Herein, reinforced concrete
compression members are only discussed.

Salient Points
(a) Effective length: The vertical distance between the points of inflection of the
compression member in the buckled configuration in a plane is termed as effective
length le of that compression member in that plane. The effective length is different
from the unsupported length l of the member, though it depends on the unsupported
length and the type of end restraints. The relation between the effective and
unsupported lengths of any compression member is

le = k l
where k is the ratio of effective to the unsupported lengths. Clause 25.2 of IS 456
stipulates the effective lengths of compression members (vide Annex E of IS 456).
This parameter is needed in classifying and designing the compression members
 (b) Pedestal: Pedestal is a vertical compression member whose effective length le does
not exceed three times of its least horizontal dimension b. The other horizontal
dimension D shall not exceed four times of b.

(c) Column: Column is a vertical compression member whose unsupported length

l shall not exceed sixty times of b (least lateral dimension), if restrained at the two
ends. Further, its unsupported length of a cantilever column shall not exceed
100b2/D, where D is the larger lateral dimension which is also restricted up to four
times of b

Classification of Columns Based on Types of Reinforcement

 Based on the types of reinforcement, the reinforced concrete columns are classified into
three groups:

(i) Tied columns: The main longitudinal reinforcement bars are enclosed within
closely spaced lateral ties
(ii) Columns with helical reinforcement: The main longitudinal reinforcement bars
are enclosed within closely spaced and continuously wound spiral reinforcement. Circular
and octagonal columns are mostly of this type
(iii) Composite columns: The main longitudinal reinforcement of the composite
columns consists of structural steel sections or pipes with or without longitudinal bars

Classification of Columns Based on Loadings

 Columns are classified into the three following types based on the loadings:

(i) Columns subjected to axial loads only (concentric),

(ii) Columns subjected to combined axial load and uniaxial bending,
(iii) Columns subjected to combined axial load and bi-axial bending.

Classification of Columns Based on Slenderness Ratios

Columns are classified into the following two types based on the slenderness ratios:

(i) Short columns

(ii) Slender or long columns
Longitudinal Reinforcement

The longitudinal reinforcing bars carry the compressive loads along with the concrete.
Clause 26.5.3.1 stipulates the guidelines regarding the minimum and maximum amount,
number of bars, minimum diameter of bars, spacing of bars etc. The following are the salient
points:
(a) The minimum amount of steel should be at least 0.8 per cent of the gross cross-
sectional area of the column required if for any reason the provided area is more than the
required area.

(b) The maximum amount of steel should be 4 per cent of the gross cross-sectional
area of the column so that it does not exceed 6 per cent when bars from column below have
to be lapped with those in the column under consideration.
(c) Four and six are the minimum number of longitudinal bars in rectangular and
circular columns, respectively.
 (d) The diameter of the longitudinal bars should be at least 12 mm.
(e) Columns having helical reinforcement shall have at least six longitudinal bars
within and in contact with the helical reinforcement. The bars shall be placed equidistant
around its inner circumference.
(f) The bars shall be spaced not exceeding 300 mm along the periphery of the
column.
(g) The amount of reinforcement for pedestal shall be at least 0.15 per cent of the
cross-sectional area provided.

Transverse Reinforcement

Transverse reinforcing bars are provided in forms of circular rings, polygonal links
(lateral ties) with internal angles not exceeding 135o or helical reinforcement. The transverse
reinforcing bars are provided to ensure that every longitudinal bar nearest to the compression
face has effective lateral support against buckling. Clause 26.5.3.2 stipulates the guidelines of
the arrangement of transverse reinforcement. The salient points are:
 (a) Transverse reinforcement shall only go round corner and alternate bars if the
longitudinal bars are not spaced more than 75 mm on either side

(b) Longitudinal bars spaced at a maximum distance of 48 times the diameter of the
tie shall be tied by single tie and additional open ties for in between longitudinal bars

(c) For longitudinal bars placed in more than one row (i) transverse reinforcement is
provided for the outer-most row in accordance with (a) above, and (ii) no bar of the inner row
is closer to the nearest compression face than three times the diameter of the largest bar in the
inner row.

Pitch and Diameter of Lateral Ties

(a) Pitch: The maximum pitch of transverse reinforcement shall be the least of the
following:
 (i) the least lateral dimension of the compression members;
(ii) sixteen times the smallest diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement bar to be
tied; and
(iii) 300 mm.
(b) Diameter: The diameter of the polygonal links or lateral ties shall be not less than
one-fourth of the diameter of the largest longitudinal bar, and in no case less than 6 mm.

Minimum Eccentricity
In practical construction, columns are rarely truly concentric. Even a theoretical
column loaded axially will have accidental eccentricity due to inaccuracy in construction or
variation of materials etc. Accordingly, all axially loaded columns should be designed
considering the minimum eccentricity as stipulated in cl. 25.4 of IS 456
ex min ≥ greater of )l/ 500 + D/30) or 20 mm
ey min ≥ greater of )l/500 + b/30) or 20 mm
where l, D and b are the unsupported length, larger lateral dimension and least lateral
dimension, respectively.

Governing Equation for Short Axially Loaded Tied Columns

Factored concentric load applied on short tied columns is resisted by concrete of area Ac and
longitudinal steel of areas Asc effectively held by lateral ties at intervals. Assuming the design
strengths of concrete and steel are 0.4fck and 0.67fy, respectively, we can write
Pu = 0.4fck Ac + 0.67fy Asc
where Pu = factored axial load on the member,
fck = characteristic compressive strength of the concrete,
Ac = area of concrete,
fy = characteristic strength of the compression reinforcement, and
Asc = area of longitudinal reinforcement for columns.
The above equation, given in cl. 39.3 of IS 456, has two unknowns Ac and Asc to be
determined from one equation. The equation is recast in terms of Ag, the gross area of
concrete and p, the percentage of compression reinforcement employing.
Governing Equation of Short Axially Loaded Columns with Helical Ties
Columns with helical reinforcement take more load than that of tied columns due to
additional strength of spirals in contributing to the strength of columns. Accordingly, cl. 39.4
recommends a multiplying factor of 1.05 regarding the strength of such columns. The code
further recommends that the ratio of volume of helical reinforcement to the volume of core
shall not be less than 0.36 (Ag/Ac – 1) (fck/fy), in order to apply the additional strength factor of
1.05 (cl. 39.4.1). Accordingly, the governing equation of the spiral columns may be written as
Pu = 1.05(0.4 fck Ac + 0.67 fy Asc)
Design of Short Columns under Axial Load with Uniaxial Bending
It is known that the design of columns by direct computations involves several trials
and hence, time taking. On the other hand, design charts are very useful in getting several
alternative solutions quickly. Further, design charts are also used for the analysis of columns
for safety etc. However, there are limitations of using the design charts, which are mentioned
in this lesson. Several numerical problems are solved in this lesson for the purpose of
illustration covering both analysis and design types of problems using the design charts of
SP-16.

Design Charts of SP-16

SP-16 has three sets of design charts prepared by following the procedure explained
in Lesson 24 for rectangular and circular types of cross-sections of columns. The three sets
are as follows:

(i) Charts 27 to 38 are the first set of twelve charts for rectangular columns having
symmetrical longitudinal steel bars in two rows for three grades of steel (Fe 250, Fe 415 and
Fe 500) and each of them has four values of d’/D ratios (0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20).
 (ii) Charts 39 to 50 are the second set of twelve charts for rectangular columns having
symmetrical longitudinal steel bars (twenty numbers) distributed equally on four sides (in six
rows,) for three grades of steel (Fe 250, Fe 415 and Fe 500) and each of them has four values
of d’/D ratios (0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20).

(iii) The third set of twelve charts, numbering from 51 to 62, are for circular columns
having eight longitudinal steel bars of equal diameter and uniformly spaced circumferentially
for three grades of steel (Fe 250, Fe 415 and Fe 500) and each of them has four values of
d’/D ratios (0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20).
All the thirty-six charts are prepared for M 20 grade of concrete only. This is a
justified approximation as it is not worthwhile to have separate design charts for each grade
of concrete.
Short Compression Members under Axial Load with Biaxial Bending
Beams and girders transfer their end moments into the corner columns of a building
frame in two perpendicular planes. Interior columns may also have biaxial moments if the
layout of the columns is irregular. Accordingly, such columns are designed considering axial
load with biaxial bending. This lesson presents a brief theoretical analysis of these columns
and explains the difficulties to apply the theory for the design. Thereafter, simplified method,
as recommended by IS 456.
Biaxial Bending

Column section under axial load and uniaxial bending about the principal axes x and y,
respectively. The column section under axial load and biaxial bending. The eccentricities ex
and ey of are the same as those of (for ex ) and (for ey), respectively. Thus, the biaxial bending
case (case c) is the resultant of two uniaxial bending cases a and b. The resultant eccentricity
e, therefore, can be written as

e = (ex2 + ey2 )1/ 2

Designating the moments of cases a, b and c by Mux, Muy and Mu, respectively, we can write:

M u = (M ux2 + M uy2 )1/ 2

and the resultant Mu is acting about an inclined axis, so that
tanθ = ex/ey = Muy/Mux
the angle of inclination θ is measured from y axis.
IS Code Method for Design of Columns under Axial Load and Biaxial Bending

IS 456 recommends the following simplified method, based on Bresler's formulation,

for the design of biaxially loaded columns. The relationship between
Muxz and Muyz for a particular value of Pu = Puz, expressed in non-dimensional form is:
(M ux / M ux1 )αn + (M uy / M uy1 )αn ≤ 1

where Mux and Muy = moments about x and y axes due to design loads, and

α n is related to Pu/Puz, where

Puz = 0.45 fck Ac + 0.75 fy Asc

= 0.45 Ag + (0.75 fy - 0.45 fck) Asc

where Ag = gross area of the section, and

Asc = total area of steel in the section

DESIGN OF SLENDER COLUMNS

The design of slender columns, in principle, is to be done following the same procedure as
those of short columns. However, it is essential to estimate the total moment i.e., primary and
secondary moments considering P- effects. These secondary moments and axial forces can be
determined by second-order rigorous structural analysis – particularly for unbraced frames.
Further, the problem becomes more involved and laborious as the principle of superposition
is not applicable in second-order analysis. Δ However, cl.39.7 of IS 456 recommends an
alternative simplified method of determining additional moments to avoid the laborious and
involved second-order analysis. The basic principle of additional moment method for
estimating the secondary moments is explained in the next section.

Additional Moment Method

In this method, slender columns should be designed for biaxial eccentricities which include
secondary moments about major and minor axes. We first consider braced columns which are
bent symmetrically in single curvature and cause balanced failure i.e., Pu = Pub.

(A) Braced Columns Bent Symmetrically In Single Curvature And Undergoing

Balanced Failure

For braced columns bent symmetrically in single curvature, M = Mo + Py = Mo + P ea = Mo +

Ma where P is the factored design load P u, M are the total factored design moments M ux and
Muy about the major and minor axes, respectively; Mo are the primary factored moments M oux
and Mouy about the major and minor axes, respectively; Ma are the additional moments Max
and May about the major and minor axes, respectively and ea are the additional eccentricities
eax and eay along the minor and major axes, respectively. The quantities Mo and P are known
and hence, it is required to determine the respective values of ea, the additional eccentricities
only.

Let us consider the columns the maximum deflection at the mid-height section of the
columns. The column having a constant primary moment Mo, causes constant curvature φ ,
while the column having a linearly varying primary moment with a maximum value of Mo
max at the mid-height section of the column, has a linearly varying curvature with the
maximum curvature of φ max at the mid-height section the column. The two maximum
curvatures can be expressed in terms of their respective maximum deflection Δ as follows:

The constant curvature ɸmax = 8∆ /le2

The linearly varying curvature ɸmax = 12∆ /le2

where le are the respective effective lengths kl of the columns. We, therefore, consider the
maximum φ as the average value lying in between the two values as ɸmax = 10∆ /le2

Accordingly, the maximum additional eccentricities ea, which are equal to the maximum
deflections Δ , can be written as ea = Δ = ɸ le2 /10
Assuming the column undergoes a balanced failure when P u = Pub, the maximum curvature at
the mid-height section of the column can be expressed as given below, assuming (i) the
values of εc = 0.0035, εst = 0.002 and d′/ D = 0.1, and (ii) the additional moment capacities
are about eighty per cent of the total moment.

φ = eighty per cent of {(0.0035 + 0.002)/0.9D}

or φ = 1/200D

Substituting the value of φ,

ea = D(le/D)2 /2000

Therefore, the additional moment Ma can be written as,

Ma = Py = PΔ = Pea = (PD/2000) (le/D)2

Thus, the additional moments Max and May about the major and minor axes, respectively,
are:

Max = (PuD/2000) (lex/D)2

May = (Pub/2000) (ley/b)2

where Pu = axial load on the member,

lex = effective length in respect of the major axis,

ley = effective length in respect of the minor axis,

D = depth of the cross-section at right angles to the major axis, and

b = width of the member.

Clause 39.7.1 of IS 456 recommends the expressions for estimating the additional moments
Max and May for the design. These two expressions of the additional moments are derived
considering the columns to be braced and bent symmetrically undergoing balanced failure.
Therefore, proper modifications are necessary for different situations like braced columns
with unequal end moments with the same or different signs, unbraced columns and columns
causing compression failure i.e., when Pu > Pub.

(B) Braced columns subjected to unequal primary moments at the two ends

For braced columns without any transverse loads occurring in the height, the primary
maximum moment with which the additional moments are to be added, is to be taken as:

Mo max = 0.4 M1 + 0.6 M2 and further

Mo max ≥ 0.4 M2

where M2 is the larger end moment and M1 is the smaller end moment, assumed to be
negative, if the column is bent in double curvature.

To eliminate the possibility of total moment Mu max becoming less than M 2 for columns bent
in double curvature with M1 and M2 having opposite signs, another condition has been
imposed as Mu max ≥ M2. The above recommendations are given in notes of cl.39.7.1 of IS 456.

(C) Unbraced Columns

Unbraced frames undergo considerable deflection due to P- Δ effect. The additional moments
are to be added with the maximum primary moment M o max at the ends of the column.
Accordingly, we have Mo max = M2 + Ma (10.91)

The above recommendation is given in the notes of cl.39.7.1 of IS 456.

(D) Columns undergoing compression failure (Pu > Pub)

When the column causes compression failure, the e/D ratio is much less than that of balanced
failure at relatively high axial loads. The entire section may be under compression causing
much less curvatures. Accordingly, additional moments are to be modified by multiplying
with the reduction factor k as given below:

(i) For Pu > Pubx: kax = (Puz – Pu)/(Puz – Pubx)

(ii) For Pu > Puby: kay = (Puz – Pu)/(Puz – Puby)

with a condition that kax and kay should be ≤ 1

where Pu = axial load on compression member

Puz = 0.45 fck Ac + 0.75 fy Ast

Pubx, Puby = axial loads with respect to major and minor axes, respectively, corresponding to
the condition of maximum compressive strain of 0.0035 in concrete and tensile strain of
0.002 in outermost layer of tension steel.

It is seen that the values of k (k ax and kay) vary linearly from zero (when P u = Puz) to one
(when Pu = Pub). If Pu < Pub, another condition has been imposed as given. The above
recommendations are given in cl.39.7.1.1 of IS 456.

The following discussion is very important for the design of slender columns. Additional
moment method is one of the methods of designing slender columns. This method is
recommended in cl.39.7 of IS 456 also. The basic concept here is to enhance the primary
moments by adding the respective additional moments estimated in a simple way avoiding
laborious and involved calculations of second-order structural analysis. However, these
primary moments under eccentric loadings should not be less than the moments
corresponding to the respective minimum eccentricity, as stipulated in the code. Hence, the
primary moments in such cases are to be replaced by the minimum eccentricity moments.
Moreover, all slender columns, including those under axial concentric loadings, are also to be
designed for biaxial bending, where the primary moments are zero. In such cases, the total
moment consisting of the additional moment multiplied with the modification factor, if any,
in each direction should be equal to or greater than the respective moments under minimum
eccentricity conditions. As mentioned earlier, the minimum eccentricity consideration is
given in cl.25.4 of IS 456.

A. OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS AT REMEMBERING/UNDERSTANDING LEVEL

(I)
1) What should be the minimum diameter of longitudinal bar in a column as per IS
456:2000
a)10 mm
b)12 mm
c)16 mm
d)20 mm
2) As per IS 456:2000 what should the minimum area of longitudinal reinforcement in
column? Consider width of column B, overall depth D, and effective depth d.
a) 0.006 BD
b) 0.008 BD
c) 0.006 Bd
d) 0.008 Bd
3) As per IS 456:2000 what should be the nominal cover for a column of size
250mmX250mm, having 4 nos. 16mm Fe415 grade of steel.
a) 20 mm
b) 30 mm
c) 40 mm
d) 50 mm
4) Maximum allowable compressive strain in concrete under axial compression as per IS
456:2000 is
a) 0.0035
b) 0.0020
c) 0.0030
d) 0.0045
5) As per IS 456:2000 in case of column relation between effective length (L) and its
least lateral dimension (B) could be
a) L<3B
b) L>3B
c) B>3L
d) B<3L

6) Pick up the correct statement from the following:

a) Lateral reinforcement in R.C.C. columns is provided to prevent the longitudinal
reinforcement from buckling
b) Lateral reinforcement prevents the shearing of concrete on diagonal plane
c) Lateral reinforcement stops breaking away of concrete cover, due to buckling
d) All the above
7) The minimum number of main steel bars provided in R.C.C.
a) rectangular columns is 4
b) circular columns is 6
c) octagonal columns is 8
 d) all the above.
8) An R.C.C. column is treated as long if its slenderness ratio is greater than
a) 30
b) 35
c) 40
d) 50
9) The diameter of longitudinal bars of a column should never be less than
a) 6 mm
b) 8 mm
c) 10 mm
d) 12 mm
10) The maximum reinforcement in columns as per IS 456-2000 is
a) 5% of Gross Area
b) 3% of Gross Area
c) 6% of Gross Area
d) 8% of Gross Area

(II)

1. A reinforced concrete member is subjected to combined action of compressive axial force

and bending moment. If Emin is the least compressive strain in the member fy, the yield stress
of steel and Es, the modulus of elasticity of steel, the maximum permissible compressive
strain in concrete member will be (GATE-92)
(A) 0.002 (B) 0.002+fy/(1.15 Es)
(C) 0.0035-0.75 Emin(D) 0.0035
2. The lateral ties in a reinforced concrete rectangular column under axial compression are
used to (GATE-95)
(A) Avoid the buckling of the longitudinal steel under compression
(B) Provide adequate shear capacity
(C) Provide adequate confinement to concrete
(D) Reduce the axial deformation of the column
3. In a reinforced concrete beam-column, the increase in the flexural strength along with the
increase in the axial strength occurs (GATE-95)
(A) Beyond the elastic limit of the material
(B) When the yeilding of tension reinforcement governs the strength
(C) When the crushing of the concrete in the compression zone governs the strength
(D) Never
4. The effective length of a circular electric pole of length L and constant diameters erected
on ground is, (GATE-96)
(A) 0.80L (B) 1.20L (C) 1.50L (D) 2.00L
5. In reinforcement concrete, pedestal is defined as compressive member, whose effective
length does not exceed its dimension by (GATE-99)
(A) 12 times (B) 3 times (C) 16 times (D) 8 times
6. The effective length of a column in a reinforced concrete building frame, as per IS:456-
2000, is independent of the (GATE-03)
(A) Frame type i.e., braced (no sway) or un-braced (with sway)
(B) Span of the beam
(C) Height of the column
(D) Loads acting on the frame

B. QUESTIONS AT APPLYING / ANALYZING LEVEL

(I)
1. A square column of size 400mm×400mm is reinforced with 4 nos. 20 mm dia bars
equally divided in opposite sides. The clear cover is 40mm. The grade of concrete is
M20 and the grade of steel is Fe415. The neutral axis is 600 mm away from the
highly compressed edge. The strain in reinforcement near the highly compressed edge
according to limit state method in IS 456:2000 is equal to

A: 0.0039
B: 0.0032
C: 0.0026
D: 0.0019
2. A square column of size 400mm×400mm is reinforced with 4 nos. 20 mm dia bars
equally divided in opposite sides. The clear cover is 40mm. The grade of concrete is
M20 and the grade of steel is Fe415. The neutral axis is 600 mm away from the
highly compressed edge. The strain in reinforcement near the least compressed edge
according to limit state method in IS 456:2000 is equal to

A: 0.0015
B: 0.0012
C: 0.0009
D: 0.0006
3. A square column of size 400mm×400mm is reinforced with 4 nos. 20 mm dia bars
equally divided in opposite sides. The clear cover is 40mm. The grade of concrete is
M20 and the grade of steel is Fe415. The neutral axis is 600 mm away from the
highly compressed edge. The stress at different strain values in steel is given as
(strain,stress in N/mm2) [ (0,0), (0.00144,288), (0.00163,306), (0.00192,324),
 (0.00241,342), (0.00276,351), (0.00380,360) ]. The force in reinforcement near the
highly compressed edge according to IS 456:2000 is equal to

A:327 kN
B: 273 kN
C: 218 kN
D: 164 kN
4. A square column of size 400mm×400mm is reinforced with 4 nos. 20 mm dia bars
equally divided in opposite sides. The clear cover is 40mm. The grade of concrete is
M20 and the grade of steel is Fe415. The neutral axis is 600 mm away from the
highly compressed edge.[ (0,0), (0.00144,288), (0.00163,306), (0.00192,324),
(0.00241,342), (0.00276,351),(0.00380,360) ]. The force in reinforcement near the
least compressed edge according to IS 456:2000 is equal to
A: 147 kN
B: 184 kN
C: 221 kN
D: 110 kN
5. A square column of size 400mm×400mm is reinforced with 4 nos. 20 mm dia bars
equally divided in opposite sides. The grade of concrete is M20 and the grade of steel
is Fe415. The computed axial force, Puz required for calculation of Pu/Puz according
to IS 456:2000 is equal to
A: 1820 kN
B: 2275 kN
C: 1365 kN
D: 2730 kN
6. A square column of size 400mm×400mm is reinforced with 4 nos. 20 mm diameter
bars equally divided in opposite sides. The grade of concrete is M20 and the grade of
steel is Fe415. The applied axial force, Pu is equal to 1200kN. Based on Pu/Puz, the
value αn according to IS 456:2000 is equal to
A: 2.649
B: 2.207
C: 1.324
D: 1.766
7. For a rectangular column of size 400mm×400mm, the value of p/fck is taken as 0.10
for using interaction curve of columns as given in SP-16. The grade of concrete is
M20 and the grade of steel is Fe415. The area of steel will be equal to
A: 4000 sq.mm.
B: 3200 sq.mm
C: 2400 sq.mm
D: 1600 sq.mm
8. A rectangular column of size 400mm × 400mm is loaded with Pu = 1200kN and Mux
= 50kNm. For using interaction curve of column, the non-dimensional form of load
and moment will be (M20 grade of concrete)
 A: 0.375 and 0.039 respectively
B: 0.375 and 0.049 respectively
C: 0.469 and 0.039 respectively
D: 0.469 and 0.049 respectively
9. The size of a rectangular column is 300mm × 400mm The effective length about X
axis is equal to 5.0 m. The axial force, Pu in column is 1200.0 kN. The additional
moment about X axis due to slenderness will be equal to
A: 56 kNm
B: 47 kNm
C: 38 kNm
D: 28 kNm
10. The size of a rectangular column is 300mm × 400mm The effective length about Y
axis is equal to 5.0 m. The axial force, Pu in column is 1200.0kN. The additional
moment about Y axis due to slenderness will be equal to
A: 88 kNm
B: 75 kNm
C: 62 kNm
D: 50 kNm
11. What would be the axial service load carrying capacity of a short column of size
500mmx500mm having 8 nos.25mm longitudinal bar of grade Fe415? Consider the
limit state design method as followed in IS 456:2000, grade of concrete is M20 and
load factor 1.5. Consider minimum eccentricity as 20mm.
a) 2040.32 kN
b) 4040.32 kN
c) 6040 .32kN
d) 1000.32 kN
12. A 450mmx450mm short column of is subjected to an axial service load 1500kN. If
grade of concrete and steel used in the column are M20 and Fe415 respectively, then
what would be the area of steel required to carry the load? Consider the limit state
design method as followed in IS 456:2000. Consider minimum eccentricity as 20mm.
a) 3750.56mm2
b) 2332.90mm2
c) 1657.75mm2
d) 4230.56mm2
13. A short column of size 350mmx450mm is subjected to a service axial load of
1000kN. If diameter of longitudinal steel provided is 25 mm, then the minimum
diameter of tie that can be provided to the column is-
a) 12 mm.
b) 10 mm
c) 8 mm
d) 6 mm
 14. What would be the maximum spacing between two ties as per IS 456:2000 for a
column of size 250mmx350mm, if diameter of tie is 8mm and diameter of
longitudinal bars is 20mm
a) 320 mm
b) 300 mm
c) 250 mm
d) 150 mm
15. An axially loaded column of size 450mmx550mm subjected to a service load of 1800
kN. Length of the column is 3.5m and its both ends are hinged. What is the
percentage of steel required to resist the service load? Consider grade of concrete and
steel as M20 and Fe415 respectively.
a) 0.70%
b) 2.50%
c) 3.55%
d) 1.08%
(II)

1. A column of size 450 mm x 600 mm has unsupported length of 3.0 m and is braced against
side sway in both directions. According to IS 456:2000, the minimum eccentricities (in mm)
with respect to major principles axes are: (GATE-15)
(A) 20.0 and 20.0 (B) 26.0 and 21.0 (C) 26.0 and 20.0
(D) 210. and 15.0
2. An RC short column with 300 mm x 300 mm square cross-section is made of M20 grade
concrete and has 4 numbers, 20 mm diameter longitudinal bars of Fe-415 steel. It is under the
action of a concentric axial compressive load. Ignoring the reduction in the area of concrete
due to steel bars, the ultimate axial load carrying capacity of the column is (GATE-04)
(A) 1659 kN (B) 1548 kN (C) 1198 kN (D)1069 kN
3. A rectangular column section of 250 mm x 400 mm is reinforced with five steel bars of
grade Fe-500, each of 20 mm Diameter. Concrete mix is M30. Axial load on the column
section with minimum eccentricity as per IS:456-2000 using limit state method can be
applied up to (GATE-05)
(A) 1707.37 (B) 1805.30 (C) 1806.40 (D) 1903.7
4. A reinforced concrete column contains longitudinal steel equal to 1 Percent of net cross-
sectional area of the column. Assume modular ratio as 10. The loads carried (using the elastic
theory) by the longitudinal steel and the net area of concrete, are P s/Pc expressed as percent is
(GATE-08)
(A) .01 (B) 1 (C) 1.1 (D) 10