Investigation of longitudinal reinforcement contribution in shear punching of reinforced concrete flat slabs without transverse reinforcement

Abstract

The shear punching of the reinforced concrete slabs is a complex process occurring when considerable force is concentrated on the relatively small area of a column-slab connection. An incorrect assessment of load capacity of slab under the punching shear may lead to an accident. One of the most significant factors affecting the slab capacity is longitudinal reinforcement. In this article much attention is given to the analysis of the longitudinal rebar impact on the maximum loading capacity of reinforced concrete slabs without transverse reinforcement affected by punching shear force using the finite element method. The results obtained via the finite element simulation are compared with laboratory tests and manual calculations carried-out using various methods represented in different national building Codes of practice.