ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

TUTORIAL QUESTIONS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES II

FOR NATIONAL EXIT EXAM

JANUARY, 2023

ADAMA, ETHIOPIA

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 Part-I Multiple choices

1) The limits percentage 𝜌 of the longitudinal reinforcement in a column is given by

A) 0.15 – 2%
B) 0.2 – 8%
C) 0.8 – 6%
D) 0.6 – 6%
2) If the effective length of a 350mm square column is 2.63m, what is its slenderness ratio?
A) 22
B) 32
C) 15
D) 26
3) In an axially loaded RCC column, if 𝐴𝑠 = 1,000𝑚𝑚2 , 𝐴𝑐 = 10,000𝑚𝑚2 , concrete C-30,
steel S-300 and class I works, then load on the column is
A) 413.87kN C) 150kN
B) 145kN D) 418.17kN
4) A rectangular column 300𝑥550𝑚𝑚 effective is reinforced with 4𝜙32𝑚𝑚 and 2𝜙16𝑚𝑚
diameter bars. Diameter and spacing of the lateral ties respectively
A) 6𝑚𝑚, 300𝑚𝑚 C) 8mm, 256mm
B) 8𝑚𝑚, 512𝑚𝑚 D) 6𝑚𝑚, 256𝑚𝑚
5) The minimum eccentricity to be considered for an axially loaded RCC column of size
400𝑚𝑚𝑥400𝑚𝑚 with unsupported length of 5m is
A) 150.60mm C) 133.33mm
B) 120.50mm D) 130.60mm
6) Which one is incorrect?
A) A column is a vertical structural member transmitting axial compression loads with or
without moments.
B) If the larger dimension h is not greater than 4times the smaller dimension b, it is considered
as concrete walls.

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C) If the larger dimension h is greater than 4times the smaller dimension b, it is considered
as columns.
D) B and C
E) None
7) Which is true about the behavior of tied and spiral columns?
A) The initial parts of load versus deformation diagrams are similar.
B) Ductility in columns can be ensured by providing spirals or closely spaced ties.
C) In seismic regions, the spiral columns are more strengthened than tied columns.
D) All
8) Regarding braced and unbraced frames, which one is true?
A) An unbraced frame relies on the stiffness of the bracing elements to transmit the horizontal
forces to the foundation.
B) A braced frame relies on the stiffness of the frame itself to transmit the horizontal forces
to the foundation.
C) One where the bracing elements attract and transmit to the foundations at least 90% of all
horizontal forces applied to the structure is considered as a braced frame.
D) If the lateral displacement of the ends of the columns increasing the critical bending
moments by more than 10% above that calculated by ignoring the lateral displacements,
the frame is considered as an unbraced frame.
E) A and B
F) C and D
G) All
9) Which one is correct regarding short and slender columns?
A) Short columns are columns for which the strength is governed by the strength of the
materials and the geometry of the cross section.
B) Short columns can be designed based on forces determined from first-order analyses.
C) A column whose axial load carrying capacity is significantly reduced by moments resulting
from lateral deflections of the column, is referred to as a slender column.
D) All
10) When a column is supported throughout its length either by masonry walls or by
construction on all the sides, then its slenderness ratio is

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 A) Infinite C) Reasonably high
B) Zero D) Low

11) The differences of 1st and 2nd order analysis are

A) In a first-order analysis, the equations of equilibrium are derived by assuming that the
deflections have a negligible effect on the internal forces in the members.
B) In a second-order analysis, the equations of equilibrium consider the deformed shape of
the structure.
C) The instability of the deformed structure can be investigated only via a second-order-
analysis.
D) All
12) Which is true about the Interaction Diagrams for Reinforced Concrete Columns?
A) It is assumes Reinforced Concrete Columns are homogenous and elastic with a
compressive strength reinforced concrete equal to its tensile strength.
B) It’s developed by the strain compatibility analysis.
C) It’s depending on Euler’s buckling theory.
D) All are false
13) Which one is true about the reinforcement detailing in the column?
A) The minimum number of longitudinal reinforcing bars shall be four in a circular column.
B) Every longitudinal bar or bundle of bars placed in a corner should be held by transverse
reinforcement.
C) The diameter of longitudinal bars shall not be less than 8mm.
D) No bar within a compression zone should be further than 150 mm from a restrained bar.
E) All
14) Which one the following is the limitation the Direct-Design Method?
A) Strip loadings with large ratios of live load to dead load may lead to moments larger than
those assumed.
B) The direct-design method cannot be used for unbraced, laterally loaded frames, foundation
mats, or pre-stressed slabs.
C) All loads must be due to gravity only and uniformly distributed over an entire panel.

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D) It is applicable for rectangular two way slabs only.
E) There must be a minimum of three continuous spans in each direction.
F) All
15) Which one is odd?
A) Equivalent frame method
B) Finite element analysis
C) Moment coefficient method
D) Yield line analysis
E) Grillage analysis
16) For elastic design, the redistribution of moment in a continuous beam is limited to
A) 10% C) 20%
B) 15% D) 30%
17) The moment capacity of section at plastic hinge equals
A) Yield moment C) Fully plastic moment
B) Zero D) Twice the yield moment
18) Which one of the following is the correct ratio of plastic moment to yield moment for a
simply supported beam of uniform square cross section throughout the span
A) 1.5 C) 2.0
B) 1.7 D) 2.34
19) Which of the following conditions is to be satisfied both in elastic and plastic analyses?
A) Equilibrium condition C) Plastic moment condition
B) Yield condition D) Mechanism condition
20) The mechanism method and the statical method guide in estimating
A) The lower and upper bounds respectively on the strength of structure
B) The upper and lower bounds respectively on the strength of structure
C) The lower bound on the strength of structure
D) The upper bound on the strength of structure

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21) In a plastic hinge, the actual distribution of strain across the section is essentially as

22) A propped cantilever beam of span ‘L’ and constant plastic moment 𝑀𝑃 , carries a
concentrated load at mid-span. The load at collapse will be
2𝑀𝑃 6MP
A) C)
𝐿 L
8𝑀𝑃 4𝑀𝑃
B) D)
𝐿 𝐿

23) The equivalent length of a column of length L having one end fixed and another end free
is
A) 2L C) 𝐿⁄2

B) 𝐿 D) 𝐿⁄
√2
24) If flexural rigidity of a column whose length is L and the loaded end is free, is EI, the
critical load will be
𝜋𝐸𝐼 𝜋(𝐸𝐼)2
A) 𝑃𝑐𝑟 = C) 𝑃𝑐𝑟 =
4𝐿2 4𝐿2
π2 EI
B) Pcr = D) None of the above
4L2

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25) The failure of column depends upon
A) Weight of column C) Slenderness ratio
B) Length of column D) Cross sectional area of column
26) The purpose of reinforcement in pre-stressed concrete is
A) To provide adequate bond stress C) To impart initial compressive stress in concrete
B) To resist tensile stresses D) All of the above
27) Due to circumferential action of the spiral in a spirally reinforced column
A) Capacity of column is decreased
B) Ductility of column reduces
C) Capacity of column is decreased but ductility of column increases
D) Both the capacity of column and ductility of column increase
28) A reinforcing slab, build monolithically with the supporting columns and is reinforced in
two or more directions, without any provision of beams is called a
A) Two way slab C) One way slab
B) Flat slab D) One way ribbed slab
29) Critical section for shear in case of flat slabs is at a distance of
A) Effective depth of slab from periphery of column/drop panel
B) d/2 from periphery of column/capital/ drop panel
C) At the drop panel of slab
D) At the periphery of column
30) In pre-stressed concrete
A) Forces of tension and compression change but lever arm remains unchanged
B) Forces of tension and compressions remain unchanged but lever arm changes with the
moment
C) Both forces of tension and compression as well as lever arm change
D) Both forces of tension and compression as well as lever arm remain unchanged
31) Select the incorrect statement
A) The loss of pre-stress is more in pre-tensioning system than in post-tensioning system.
B) Pre-tensioning system has greater certainty about its durability.
C) For heavy loads and large spans in buildings or bridges, post-tensioning system is cheaper
than pre-tensioning system

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D) None of the above

32) Which of the following losses of pre-stress occurs only in pre-tensioning and not in
posttensioning?
A) Elastic shortening of concrete C) Creep of concrete
B) Shrinkage of concrete D) Loss due to friction
33) If the size of panel in a flat slab is 6 m × 6 m, then as per Ethiopian Standard Code, the
widths of column strip and middle strip are
A) 3.0 m and 1.5 m C) 3.0 m and 3.0 m
B) 1.5 m and 3.0 m D) 1.5 m and 1.5 m
34) What are the uses of column heads or drop panels in flat slabs?
A) Increase shear strength of slab
B) Reduce the moment in the slab by Reducing the clear or effective span
C) Stiffen the slab and hence reduce deflection
D) All
35) A simply supported rectangular beam is uniformly loaded and is pre-stressed. The tendon
provided for pre-stressing should be
A) Straight, above centroidal axis C) Parabolic, with convexity upward
B) Straight, below centroidal axis D) Parabolic, with convexity downward
36) For a certain set of external loads, concordant profile in a pre-stressed beam represents to
some scale the
A) Influence line diagram C) Bending moment diagram
B) Shear force diagram D) Williot-Mohr diagram
37) In a R.C section under flexure, the assumption that “a plane section before bending remains
plane after bending” leads to
A) Strain distribution being linear across the depth
B) Stress distribution being linear across the depth
C) Both stress and strain distribution being linear across the depth
D) Shear stress distribution being uniform along the depth
38) What is the length of a plastic hinge if developing in a simply supported beam of
rectangular cross-section and span 6 m, subjected to a point load at the center?

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A) Zero C) 2 m
B) 1 m D) 3 m

39)

The plastic moment at collapse is

𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
A) C)
6 12
𝑃𝐿 𝑃𝐿
B) D)
8 16

40) Torsional reinforcement provided at the corners of a two-way slab

A) Distributes bending moment uniformly C) Controls cracking at corners
B) Prevents corners from lifting D) Doesn’t allow any twist at corners

41) A concrete beam of rectangular cross-section of 200𝑚𝑚𝑥400𝑚𝑚 is pre-stressed with a

force of 400𝑘𝑁 at an eccentricity of 100𝑚𝑚. The maximum compressive stress in the
concrete is
A) 12.5 𝑁⁄𝑚𝑚2 C) 5.0 N⁄mm2

B) 7.5 𝑁⁄𝑚𝑚2 D) 2.5 𝑁⁄𝑚𝑚2

42) A pre-tensioned (assume no losses) concrete rectangular (𝑏𝑥𝑑) beam is designed on the
basis of no tension. If the concrete strength is 𝜎𝑐 , the maximum bending moment that the
beam can carry is
𝑏𝑑2 𝑏𝑑2
A) 𝜎𝑐 ∗ C) 𝜎𝑐 ∗
2 4
𝑏𝑑2 𝑏𝑑2
B) 𝜎𝑐 ∗ D)𝜎𝑐 ∗
3 6

43) The slenderness ratio of the compression member depends up on

A) Material C) Length of member E) All except A
B) Sectional configuration D) Support end conditions
44) Pre-stressing in concrete can be done by means of
A) Hydraulic jacks C) Support displacement E) All except D

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B) Thermal methods D) Using expanding cement
45) The percentage loss of pre-stress due to anchorage slip of 3mm in a concrete beam of length
30m which is post-tensioned by a tendon with an initial stress of 1200 𝑁⁄𝑚𝑚2 and

modulus of elasticity equal to 2.1 ∗ 105 𝑁⁄𝑚𝑚2 is

A) 0.0175 C) 1.75
B) 0.175 D) 17.5
46) Which of the following losses of pre-stress occurs only in pre-tensioning and not in
posttensioning?
A) Elastic shortening of concrete C) Creep of concrete
B) Shrinkage of concrete D) Loss due to friction
47) Pre-stress loss due to friction occurs
A) Only in post-tensioned beams C) In both post-tensioned and pre-tensioned beams
B) Only in pre-tensioned beams D) None of the above
48) Which one of the following is the characteristic of yield lines?
A) Yield lines are straight because they represent intersection of two planes.
B) Axes of rotation of the yield lines generally lie along lines of support and pass over any
columns.
C) Yield lines must end at a slab boundary or the intersection of other yield lines.
D) Continuous supports repel and a simple supports attract yield lines.
E) Yield lines form under concentrated loads, radiating outward from the point of application.
F) All are characteristic of yield lines.
49) Which one is true regarding yield line theory for slabs?
A) A yield line is a line in the plane of the slab across which reinforcing bars have yielded.
B) Yield line method gives an upper bound of true carrying capacity of the slabs.
C) Yield line method is a plastic method of analysis of the slabs.
D) Yield line method is suitable for slabs with complex shape or concentrated loading.
E) All are true
50) All are basic assumptions of yield line theory for slabs except:
A) The slab is collapsing because of moment.
B) Reinforced concrete is assumed to be ductile.
C) Axial (in plane) forces are ignored.
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 D) None
51) The progress of yielding through a slab fixed on four edges includes:
I. Yielding of positive reinforcement
II. Yielding of negative reinforcement
III. Yielding line mechanism
The correct sequence of yielding
A) I, II, III C) I, III, II
B) II, I, III D) III, II, I
52) Behavior of slabs loaded to failure in flexure includes:
A) The slab acts as an elastic plate before cracking.
B) The slab is no longer isotropic after cracking.
C) After mechanism, the slab forms a very flat compression arch and assumes that the
surrounding structure is stiff enough to provide reactions for the arch.
D) All
53) The followings are the advantages of yield line theory except
A) It can be used for slabs of any shape, supported in a variety of ways.
B) Concentrated, uniformly distributed and partially distributed loads can be considered.
C) The effects of holes of any size can be included.
D) None
54) In both the transverse and longitudinal directions of the members the twisting action
induces
A) Shear stresses C) Normal stresses
B) Bending stresses D) All
55) The torsion which is essential in maintaining stability in a structure is
A) Primary torsion C) Equilibrium torsion
B) Secondary torsion D) A and C
56) The torsional resistance of the section is provided entirely by
A) The outer portion of the section C) The entire portion of the section
B) The inner portion of the section D) All

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57) Which one is true?
A) Equivalent truss theory assumes that solid members and equivalent hollow members has
the torsional resistances.
B) The maximum shear stresses in rectangular section occur at outer surface of the mid points
of the long sides.
C) For design purposes the torsional resistance of the concrete is ignored.
D) All
58) Which is incorrect regarding torsional reinforcement detailing?
A) The longitudinal bars required for torsion shall be distributed uniformly around the
perimeter of the enclosed stirrups.
B) At least one longitudinal bar shall be placed in each corner of the enclosed stirrups.
𝑈𝑒𝑓
C) Spacing of stirrups shall not be exceeding lesser of ⁄ , the smaller beam dimension
8
and 0.75d.
D) None

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 Part-II: Discussion
59) What is the difference between the interaction diagrams of homogenous, elastic column
and reinforced concrete column?
60) Discuss the differences between short and slender column, braced and un-braced column,
sway and non-sway column?
61) As you know predominantly column carries compression forces and reinforced concrete
has good compression resistance. But, we have using reinforcements in column design.
Why?
62) Draw interaction diagrams for reinforced concrete column and discuss each points on the
diagram.
63) How the second order effects in the sway mode can be accounted?
64) When the effects of creep may be ignored in column design? If we want to take into
account, how it can be included in the design?
65) If the values of normal force ratio, 𝑣 is outside of the design chart for the column, what it
implies?
66) In the flat slab moment distribution, large amounts of moment can be supported by which
side?
67) What are the advantages of equivalent frame method over direct design method?
68) Differentiate the wide beam shear from punching shear.
69) Differentiate the equilibrium torsion from compatibility torsion.
70) Discuss the rational behinds of the equivalent truss model.
71) Discuss inelastic moment redistribution as per ES EN 1992: 2015.
72) What are the advantages of pre-stressed concrete over reinforced concrete?
73) What is the difference between pre-tensioning and post-tensioning?

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 Part-III: Design
74) Design a short square column for an axial compressive factored load of 1600𝑘𝑁. Use 𝐶 −
25 concrete & 𝑆 − 420 steel. Use minimum percentage for longitudinal steel. Also design
lateral ties. Sketch the details of reinforcement.
75) Design the reinforcement in a rectangular column of size 300𝑚𝑚𝑥500𝑚𝑚 to support a
design ultimate load of 500𝑘𝑁, together with a factored moment of 200𝑘𝑁𝑚. Use 𝐶 − 30
and 𝑆 − 300.
76) The column shown below is subjected to axial load and bending moment causing bending
about an axis parallel to that of the rows of bars. What moment and axial load would cause
the column to fail if the design axial eccentricity is 100 mm? Material strengths are C 25
and S 400 with class I work.

77) Design a bi-axially eccentrically loaded short rectangular column for the following data:
Design axial load, 𝑃𝑑𝑎 = 1000𝑘𝑁 Design biaxial moments, 𝑀𝑑𝑥 =
300𝑘𝑁𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑑𝑦 = 200𝑘𝑁𝑚. Apply all methods with the help of charts.
78) Show the correct yield line patterns for the following slabs.

79) The following floor plan is intended to be a flat slab system. The slab thickness is 200𝑚𝑚
thick and supports a characteristic dead load of 2.7𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 in addition to self-weight and a
characteristic live load of 3 KN/m2. The slab is provided on edge beams of 𝑏𝑤 =

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 300𝑚𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ = 400𝑚𝑚 and all columns are 300𝑚𝑚 𝑏𝑦 300𝑚𝑚. Design the slab
system using 𝐶20/25, 𝑆 – 400.

80) A simply supported pre-stressed concrete beam of cross section 400mm x600mm covers a
span of 6m. It is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 25kN/m in addition to its self-
weight and it is pre-stressed with a force of 1740kN with a pre-stressing cable of parabolic
profile. The cable is anchored at the center of gravity of cross section at support section
and as a dip of 160mm at the middle cross section. Analyze the beam for the effects of pre-
stressing using the philosophy of stress concept?
81) A simply supported pre-stressed concrete beam of cross section 400mm x600mm covers a
span of 6m. It is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 25kN/m in addition to its self-
weight and it is pre-stressed with a force of 1740kN with a pre-stressing cable of parabolic
profile. The cable is anchored at the center of gravity of cross section at support section
and as a dip of 160mm at the middle cross section. Analyze the beam for the effects of pre-
stressing using the philosophy of load balancing concept?

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