$(9\mathrm{.}25-9\mathrm{.}40$ a$.$m$.)$

Determine from the first principles the maximum value of eccentricity $e,$ at which the

load $P_u($as defined in the clause $39\mathrm{.}3$ of IS $456)$ can be applied on the column section

shown in the following figure. Give your answer as a fraction of the total depth of the

section. The loss of concrete area due to compression steel is to be ignored. Consider

M$15$ concrete and Fe$250$ steel. It may be assumed that at the limit state of collapse in

compression, the stresses in steel bars are $131\mathrm{.}76$ and $217\mathrm{.}39$MPa.