As per IS 456:2000, the total area of longitudinal bars in a column section must not be less than __ of the gross column area.

A) 0.01

B) 0.015

C) 0.008

D) 0.012

Explanation:

According to IS 456:2000, Plain and Reinforced Concrete Code of Practice, Clause 26.5.1.1, the minimum area of longitudinal column reinforcement shall not be less than 0.8 percent of the gross cross-sectional area of the column.

Converting 0.8% to a decimal fraction gives 0.008.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer, as the minimum longitudinal reinforcement area should not be less than 0.008 times the gross cross-sectional area of the column as per IS 456:2000.

Option A, B and D show incorrect minimum area fractions that do not comply with the code requirements.