Q1: In a combined footing for two columns carrying unequal loads, the maximum hogging bending moment occurs at

ANS:E - a point of zero shear force.

In reality, the maximum hogging bending moment in a combined footing typically occurs somewhere along the length of the footing between the two columns. This point is typically closer to the column carrying the larger load. When unequal loads are applied to the columns, the resulting bending moment diagram for the combined footing will have a shape where the hogging moment gradually decreases from the column carrying the larger load towards the column carrying the smaller load. At a certain point along this curve, the bending moment will reach its maximum value. This maximum value occurs at a point where the bending moment transitions from being hogging (upward) near the heavily loaded column to being sagging (downward) near the lightly loaded column. Therefore, the correct answer should be "a point equidistant from either column" or "a point of the maximum shear force" depending on the specific design and loading conditions of the combined footing.