About this previous year paper
BCE601 – DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Time: 3 Hours | Max Marks: 70
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions
(2 × 7 = 14 marks | Attempt ALL)
Write definition / formula + 1 key line
1. Limitations of Working Stress Method (WSM) Assumes linear stress–strain relation
Does not represent actual failure behavior Uses high factor of safety → uneconomical design
2. Design Load Calculation
Given: DL = 100 kN, LL = 150 kN, WL = 50 kN
Design Load (Limit State):
= 1.5 (DL + LL + WL) = 1.5 × (300) = 450 kN
3. Minimum Shear Reinforcement (IS Code) Asvs=0.4bfy\frac{A_{sv}}{s} = \frac{0.4 b}{f_y}sAsv=fy0.4b
4. Bond Length Expression (IS 456) Ld=ϕσs4τbdL_d = \frac{\phi \sigma_s}{4 \tau_{bd}}Ld=4τbdϕσs
5. Spacing of Main Bars in Slabs (IS Code) Maximum spacing = 3d or 300 mm, whichever is less
6. Classification of Column (Short / Long)
Short column: leD≤12\frac{l_e}{D} \le 12Dle≤12
Long column: leD>12\frac{l_e}{D} > 12Dle>12
7. Retaining Wall A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil or earth at different levels.
SECTION B – Medium Answer
(7 × 3 = 21 marks | Attempt ANY THREE)
1. Assumptions of Working Stress Method Plane sections remain plane
Perfect bond between steel and concrete Concrete carries compression only
Steel and concrete obey Hooke’s law
Significance: Ensures safety but leads to conservative design.
2. Design of Shear Reinforcement (Numerical)
Steps: Calculate nominal shear stress
Compare with permissible shear stress Design stirrups using IS formula
Check spacing limits (Numerical type – very important)
3. Design Procedure of Two-Way Slab (LSM)
Effective span calculation Load calculation
Moment coefficients (IS 456 Table) Reinforcement in both directions
Check for shear and deflection
4. Codal Provisions for Columns (IS 456)
Minimum steel = 0.8% Maximum steel = 6%
Minimum bars = 4 Lateral ties spacing ≤ least of:
Least lateral dimension 16 × dia of longitudinal bar
300 mm
5. Design of Isolated Footing
Steps: Calculate area of footing
Check soil pressure Depth by bending & shear
Reinforcement design Development length check
(Draw neat sketch)
SECTION C – Theory / Numerical
(7 marks)
1. Moment of Resistance (WSM – Numerical)
Steps:
Calculate neutral axis depth Check balanced condition
Compute resisting moment
Given:
b, d, steel area, safe stresses, m value 2. Design Philosophies in RCC
Working Stress Method Ultimate Load Method