Punching strength of flat slabs with and without shear reinforcement

Abstract

The punching shear strength is an extremely significant parameter for the design of flat slabs, i.e. the slabs supported directly on columns, without beams between columns. Slab punching design models are presented according to Eurocode 2, ACI Code 318, and fib Model Code 2010. The authors’ own experimental research on the punching shear of slabs with and without shear reinforcement is described, and the results are compared with predictions given in the mentioned design models. It was established that all design models underestimate the experimentally obtained shear strength in the case of slabs without shear reinforcement. As to slabs with shear reinforcement, it was observed that the shear strength determined according to Eurocode 2 is overestimated.