401 003 Structural Design and Drawing III MCQ’S

UNIT II: Prestressed concrete – Design

Prof. K.B.BANDE CLASS: BE

SI QUESTION Ans.
1 Which of failure is considered in the design of prestressed concrete members for the c
limit states of collapse?
a) Total failure
b) Shear failure
c) Ultimate failure
d) Collapse failure
Explanation: The distribution of compressive stress in the section at the ultimate
failure stage is considered and the effective depth required is estimated by equating
the total ultimate moment with the internal resisting angle.
2 The maximum design value of the moment of resistance of rectangular flanged a
section varies from ____________
a) 0.08fckbd2 to 0.2fckbd2
b) 0.11fcckd2 to 0.5fckbd2
c) 0.15fcckd2 to 0.8fckbd2
d) 0.21fcckd2 to 0.9fckbd2
Explanation: A comparative analysis of the various code recommendations indicate
that the maximum design value of the moment of resistance of rectangular and flange
of sections vary from 0.08fckbd2 to 0.2fckbd2, depending upon the recommendations
of the stress block parameters.
3 It is often preferable to use a larger section, because it means a saving on a
____________
a) Deflection
b) Cost
c) Stress
d) Strain
Explanation: The maximum ultimate moment of resistance of a resistance of
a rectangular section rectangular section according to the Indian standard
code IS: 1343-1980 is given by:
Mud = 0.21fckbd2, the dimension based on this expression are the minimum
values and it often preferable to use a larger section because it means a saving
on the costly prestressing tendons
4 The area of high tensile and un tensioned reinforcement required to mobilize the B
desired flexural strength is computed using?
a) Tension equilibrium
b) Force equilibrium
c) Transverse equilibrium
d) Rotational equilibrium
Explanation: The area of high tensile and un tensioned reinforcement required to
mobilize the desired flexural strength is computed using the force equilibrium at the
 limit state of collapse and the force equilibrium rather depends upon the pressures
exerted in different conditions.

5 A pretensioned prestressed concrete beam of rectangular section is required to a

support a design ultimate moment of 100knm. Design the section if fck is
50n/mm2 and fp 1600n/mm2, xu/d is 0.5?
a) 300
b) 500
c) 600
d) 200
Explanation: Mu = 0.36fckbxu(d-0.42xu) = 0.14fckbd2, b = 0.5d, d3 = (mu/0.14fck0.5)
= (100×106/0.15x50x0.5), d = 300mm, b = 150mm, xu = (0.5×300) = 150mm for
(xu/d) = 0.5, fpu = 0.87fp, Ap = (mu/0.87fp(d-0.42xu)) = (100×1006/0.87×1600(300-
0.42×150)) = 300mm2, adopt a section 150mm wide by 350mm deep with
300mm2 of high tensile steel located at an effective depth of 300mm.
6 A post tensioned beam of unsymmetrical I section is required to support a design d
ultimate moment of 1200 knm and determine the overall depth and thickness of the
compression flange required if fck is 35n/mm2 and fp is 1500n/mm2?
a) 1000mm2
b) 1015mm2
c) 1030mm2
d) 1003mm2
Explanation: For flanged sections, mud = 0.08fckbd2 assuming b = 0.5d and bw =
0.25b, d3 = ((1200×106)/0.10x35x0.5)), d = 1000mm, b = 500mm, thickness of top
flange = hf = 0.2d = (0.2×10000) = 200mm, thickness of web = bw = 0.25b =
(0.25×500) = 125mm
Assuming the neutral axis depth, xu = hf = 200mm, mu = 0.87fpAp (d-0.42xu), Ap =
(mu/0.87fp (d-0.42xu)) = (1200×106/0.87×1500(1000-0.42×200)) = 1003mm2
7 Due to presence of precompression, prestressed concrete is ideally suited for the a
design of members subjected to ____________
a) Axial tension
b) Prestressed tension
c) Principle stress
d) Bonded stress
Explanation: Due to presence of precompression, prestressed concrete is ideally
suited for the design of members subjected to axial tension and the axial tension in a
member depends upon the direction of tension acting on a member and its reaction.
8 The design essentially considered for axial tension is to determine the ____________ c
a) Deflection
b) Eccentricity
c) Cross section
d) Loads
Explanation: The design essentially consists of determining the cross section area of
 the member and the required prestressing force to safely support the axial tensile load
conforming to the limit state of serviceability and collapse.
9 According to Indian standard code IS: 3370 the load factors against cracking and b
collapse should not be less than?
a) 15
b) 1.5
c) 3
d) 0.3
Explanation: According to Indian standard code IS: 3370 1967 the load factors
against cracking and collapse should be not less than 1.2 and 2 respectively and IS:
3370 code is used for design factors of load factors
10 Design a suitable section for the tie member of a truss to support a maximum design a
tensile force of 500kn. The permissible compressive stress in concrete at transfer is
15n/mm2.
a) 41500
b) 4000
c) 22000
d) 1500
Explanation: Design tensile load, nd = 500kn, fct = 15n/mm2, ftw = 0, ɳ = 0.80
Area of concrete section = (Nd/ ɳ fct) = (500×103/0.8×15) = 41500mm2
11 Most compression members, such as long columns and piles are subjected to c
____________
a) Bending moment and cracking forces
b) Bending moment and tension forces
c) Bending moment and axial forces
d) Bending moment and compression forces
Explanation: Due to handling in some members like portal frames and masts the
sections are subjected to compression and bending and most compression members
such as long columns and piles are subjected to bending moment and axial forces.
12 The load moment interaction diagrams are more or less similar to ____________ b
a) Prestressed columns
b) Reinforced concrete columns
c) Aluminium columns
d) Steel columns
Explanation: The load moment interaction diagrams are more or less similar to
prestressed columns those of reinforced columns expect that precompression exists
in prestressed concrete columns and the prestressed columns are much advantageous
than any other elements which are replicable
13 The compression failure mode develops under? c
a) Static loading
b) Moment loading
c) Concentric loading
d) Tensile loading
Explanation: The compression failure mode develops under concentric loading and
this type of failure mode develops under concentric loads and the section is
considered to have failed when the concrete strain ε0 reaches a value of 0.02.
14 The balanced failure develops when there is simultaneous ____________ a
a) Tension yielding
b) Compression yielding
c) Flexure yielding
d) Prestress yielding
Explanation: Balanced failure develops when there is simultaneously tension
yielding of prestressing steel and crushing of concrete, the eccentricity of the axial
load is defined as balanced eccentricity Eb. and this eccentricity factor is used for
various failures considering top and bottom fibers.
15 The charts proposed by Bennett are useful in dimensioning columns of b
____________
a) L section
b) I section
c) T section
d) Edge section

Explanation: Bennett has proposed design charts with dimensionless parameters

expressed in terms of the service loads and moments, and section properties and
permissible stresses in concrete expressed as a fraction of the characteristic strength
these charts are useful in dimensioning columns of I section with non uniform
prestress and allowing desirable tensile stresses in concrete as in class 3 type
members

16 he steps involved in design of biaxially loaded column are ____________ c

a) 15
b) 4
c) 8
d) 6

Explanation: The load contour method of analysis, detailed by Nawy and generally
termed Bresler-Parme counter method is ideally suited for the design of biaxially
loaded columns and the design procedure is outlined the following steps: give the
ultimate moments, determine the larger of the equivalent required, assumed cross
section, verify the ultimate load carrying capacity, calculate the actual nominal
moment capacity, the moment value

17 The Prestressed concrete compression members should have a minimum average a

effective prestress of not less than?
a) 1.55n/mm2
b) 1.0n/mm2
c) 1.15n/mm2
d) 1.25n/mm2

Explanation: According to ACI 318-1989, a minimum non prestressed

reinforcement ratio of one percent should be provided in compression members with
an effective prestress of lower than 1.55n/mm2 and the American code specifies the
various effective prestress in prestressed concrete members considering all the
 factors and makes them economical

18 b
Which type of cables are advantages in reducing the effective shear?
a) Straight
b) Curved
c) Trapezoidal
d) Longitudinal

Explanation: Curved cables are advantageous in reducing the effective shear and
together with the horizontal compressive prestress, reduce the magnitude of the
principal tension and the effect of shear is to induce tensile stresses on diagonal
planes and prestressing is beneficial since it reduces the magnitude of the principal
tensile stress in concrete

19 a
The various codes recommend empirical relations to estimate ____________
a) Ultimate shear resistance
b) Ultimate torsional resistance
c) Ultimate bending resistance
d) Ultimate load

Explanation: The various codes recommend empirical relations to estimate the

ultimate shear resistance of the section by considering the flexure shear and web
shear cracking modes and the design shear resistance should exceeded the ultimate
shear due to the transverse loads and if not, suitable transverse reinforcements are
designed to resist the balance shear force

20 c
Which type of shear reinforcement should be provided for members with thin webs?
a) Maximum shear reinforcement
b) Minimum shear reinforcement
c) Nominal shear reinforcement
d) Tensile reinforcement

Explanation: In members with thin webs such as I and T sections nominal shear
 reinforcements have to be provided to prevent cracking due to variations in
temperature the provisions for design of shear reinforcements prescribed in British,
American and Indian standard have been dealt with in the case off structural concrete
members subjected to torsion, shear stresses develop depending upon the type of
cross section and magnitude of torque and the shear stresses in association with the
flexural stresses may give rise to principal tensile stress the value of which when it
exceeds tensile strength of the concrete results in the development of cracks on the
surface of the member

21 a
The pre and post tensioned members with bonded tendons bond stress between
____________
a) Steel and concrete
b) Steel and water
c) Steel and aggregates
d) Steel and plastic

Explanation: Pre tensioned or post tensioned members with bonded tendons develop
bond stresses between steel and concrete when the sections are subjected to
transverse shear forces due to the rate of change of moment along length of the beam
and in the case of type 1 and 2 members, which are uncracked at service loads, the
flexural bond stresses developed are computed by considering the complete section.

22 In case of pre tensioned member, the computations of transmission length are a

influenced by?
a) Bond
b) Flexure
c) Torsion
d) Tension
Explanation: In the case of pre tensioned members, the computations of the
transmission length at the ends is of practical significance since the support positions
are influenced by bond and transmission length.
23 When prestress is transferred to concrete by means of external anchorages which a
pressure is developed?
a) Bearing
b) Twisting
c) Torsion
 d) Bent
Explanation: In the case of post tensioned members where prestress is transferred to
concrete by means of external anchorages, the bearing pressures develop behind the
anchorages have to be investigated and suitably controlled to prevent crushing failure
of the end block zone.
24 The bearing pressure on the concrete is given as ____________ b
a) 0.4fci
b) 0.8fci
c) 0.12fci
d) 0.2fci
Explanation: According to the Indian standard code IS: 1343-1980, the permissible
unit bearing pressure on the concrete after allowing for all losses is limited to:
0.48fci (Abr/Apan) or 0.8 fci, fci = cube strength of concrete at transfer, Abr= bearing
area, Apan = punching area.
25 The effective punching area Apun is generally the contact area of ____________ b
a) Tendon device
b) Anchorage device
c) Stress device
d) Strain device
Explanation: The effective punching area is generally the contact area of the
anchoring device and the bearing area is taken as the maximum area of that portion
of the member which is geometrically similar and concentric to the effective
punching area
26 The end block of a beam has a rectangular section 100mm wide by 200mm deep, the c
force of cable is 200kn. Find the actual bearing pressure?
a) 30n/mm2
b) 40n/mm2
c) 20n/mm2
d) 10n/mm2
Explanation: force of cable = 200kn, b = 100mm, d = 200mm
Bearing area Abr = (100×100) = 10000mm2,
Actual bearing pressure = (200×103) / 10000 = 20n/mm2
27 The computation of total ultimate moment required for the design of prestressed b
beams, knowledge of is necessary?
a) Spans
b) Self weights
c) Loads
d) Deflection
Explanation: Generally, the self weight may be assumed on the basis of previous
experience and the use of design chart containing dimensions of beams for various
spans and applied loads as recommended by magnel is very useful in the regard
28 In the case of unsymmetrical I girders the range of values of hf/d for economical b
designs is generally?
a) 0.15 to 0.10
b) 0.15 to 0.25
c) 0.8 to 1.0
d) 3.4 to 6.0
Explanation: In the case of unsymmetrical I girders the range of values of ht/d and
bw/b for economical designs is generally 0.15 to 0.25 and 0.2 to 0.3 respectively,
however the thickness of web, bw is designed based on the dual criteria shear and
housing the cables with adequate cover
29 The breadth of the compression face may be assumed by considering the number of c
____________
a) Anchorages
b) Splices
c) Girders
d) Ridges
Explanation: In dimensioning prestressed concrete flexural members the effective
depth and breadth of the section at the compression face are determined solely on
basis of the ultimate flexural strength requirements and The breadth of the
compression face may be assumed by considering the number of covering a given
width of bridge deck of a suitable ratio of b’d being in the range of 0.4 to 0.6.
30 The thickness of the web is generally determined on which of the basis? b
a) Shear stress
b) Shear strength
c) Principle shear
d) Tensile shear
Explanation: The thickness of the web is generally determined on the basis of shear
strength considerations discussed according to british code recommendations shear
reinforcements are not required where V is less than 0.5vc and in members of minor
imporatance when the shear for V exceeds (Vc to 0.4bwd), shear reinforcement are
designed at spacing Sv = Asv0.8fy/0.4bw
31 The small span girders with straight tendons, bw is? a
a) 0.85vu/fth
b) 0.60vu/fth
c) 0.70vu/fth
d) 0.69vu/fth
Explanation: In the case of small span prestressed members, thinner webs of about
40 to 60mm may be used however in the case of long span, heavily loaded girders
when large, curved cables have to pass through the webs a minimum thickness of
120 to 150mm is mandatory to accommodate the cables with adequate cover
32 The condition that the principal tensile stress is not to exceed the tensile strength of b
concrete yields a criterion of the type ____________
 a) bw > (vu/ (I/s) ft(1-fcp/ft)1/2
b) bw > (vu/ (I/s) ft(1+fcp/ft)1/2
c) bw > (vu/ (I/s)
d) bw > (vu/ (I/s) ft
Explanation: The value of the shear moment arm I/S varies between 0.67 and 0.85h
for I sections, the ratio fcp/ft generally varies between 2 and 3 for small span girders
with straight tendons for long span girders with curved tendons, the ratio, fcp/ft can be
taken between 3 and 4 and the effective shear as 0.8vu since the curved cables
contribute to the ultimate shear resistance of the section.
33 The ultimate design load includes? a
a) Partial factor of safety and live load
b) Ultimate load
c) Tensile load
d) Overloaded load
Explanation: The ultimate load includes the self weight enhanced by partial factor
of safety
γf1q+γf2wmin, Wud = γf1q/1-γf2(Wmin/Wud)
34 Design a pretensioned roof pull-in to suit the data Fcu, concrete cube strength = a
50n/mm2, effective span = 6m, applied load = 5kn/m, dead load = 1.4, live load =
1.6, β = 0.125, k = 7.5, Dc = 2400, and determine ultimate moment and shear?
a) 42 and 27.75
b) 54 and 27.75
c) 34 and 27.75
d) 20 and 28
Explanation: Wmin/Wud = KDcgβ(L/h)L/fcu(d/h)2 = 7.5×2400 x 9.81 x 0.125×25 x
6/50x 106x(0.85)2 = 0.094
Fcu, concrete cube strength = 50n/mm2, effective span = 6m, applied load = 5kn/m,
dead load = 1.4, live load = 1.6, β = 0.125, k = 7.5, Dc = 2400, fcu = 50n/mm2, wmin =
(0.094)(9.25) = 0.86kn/m, mu = (0.125×9.25×62) = 42knm, vu = (0.5×9.25×6) =
27.75kn
35 Design cross sectional dimensions of pretensioned roof pull given that b is 0.5d? c
a) 250
b) 260
c) 270
d) 280
Explanation: Mu = 0.10fcubd2 and if b = 0.5d
D = (42×106x2/0.10×50)1/3 = 270mm
36 Find the approximate thickness of web if b is 0.5d, d is 270mm, d/h ratio is 0.85, h is b
315mm, adopt effective depth, d = 275mm overall depth , h is 320mm, width of
flange of 160mm and Average thickness of flange is 70mm since sloping flanges are
used, increases the flange thickness by 20 percent?
a) 45mm
 b) 43mm
c) 41mm
d) 42mm
Explanation: b = 0.5d, d = 270mm, d/h = 0.85, h = 315mm, adopt effective depth, d
= 275mm overall depth , h is 320mm, width of flange of 160mm and Average
thickness of flange is 70mm since sloping flanges are used, increases the flange
thickness by 20 percent:
Thickness of flange = (0.2×275) =55mm Approximate thickness of web =
(0.85vu/fth) = (0.85×27.75×103/1.7×320) = 43mm.
37 Find minimum range of stresses if fct is 15n/mm2, fcw is 17, ftw is zero, fu is -1n/mm2, a
ɳ is 0.8?
a) 12 and 18n/mm2
b) 13 and 14n/mm2
c) 12 and 15n/mm2
d) 10 and 16n/mm2
Explanation: Range of stress fbr = (ɳfct-fcw) = (0.85×15-0) = 12n/mm2, ftr = (fcw – ɳfu)
= (17-0.8x(-1)) = 17.8n/mm2, fct = 15n/mm2, fcw = 17, ftw = 0, fu = -1n/mm2, ɳ = 0.8
38 Find minimum section modulus given data is mg is 3.86×106, mq is 22.50×106, fbr is b
given as 12 and the loss ratio is 0.8?
a) 134×104
b) 182×104
c) 123×104
d) 120×104
Explanation: mg = 3.86×106, mq = 22.50×106, fbr = 12, loss ratio = 0.8
Zb > or equal (mq+(1-ɳ)mg/fbr) > or equal ((22.50×106)+(1-0.8)3.86×106)/12)
Greater than equal to 182x104mm3.
39 Find the supporting force if given characteristic strength is -1, moment of gravity is a
3.86×106, zt = 230×104?
a) -2.68n/mm2
b) -3.45n/mm2
c) -1.23n/mm2
d) 13.56n/mm2
Explanation: p = (A(finfZb+fsubZt)/Zt+Zb)
Finf = ((ftw/ɳ+(mq+mg)/ɳzb)) = (0+ (26.36×106/0.8x230x104))
Fsup = (fu – mg/zt) = (-1 – (3.86×106)/(230×104)) = -2.68n/mm2.
40 Find the deflection due to self weight given that ϕ = 1.6, Ee = 2.6Ece, elastic modulus d
of concrete is 34×103, gravity is given as 6, self weight is 0.76, Length of the cable is
1000, elastic modulus of concrete is 34×103 , Moment of inertia is 3200×105?
a) 1.66mm
b) 5.3mm
c) 23.4mm
d) 1.02mm
Explanation: Ece = Ec/1+ϕ, ϕ = 1.6, Ee = 2.6Ece
Deflection due to self weight g = (5gL4/384EcI) =
(5×0.76×64x10004/384x34x103x3700x105) = 1.02mm