Title: Influence of flexural continuity on punching resistance at edge columns

Author(s): Luis F. S. Soares, Robert L. Vollum

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 315

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 299-318

Keywords: Continuity, edge columns, flat slabs, punching shear

DOI:

Date: 4/1/2017

Abstract:
This paper examines the influence of flexural continuity on punching resistance at edge columns of braced flat slabs under gravity loading, making use of experimental data, nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) and the Critical Shear Crack Theory (CSCT) as presented in the fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010). According to the CSCT, punching resistance reduces with increasing rotation y of the slab relative to its support area due to loss of aggregate interlock in the critical shear crack. NLFEA shows that as loads are increased to failure, moment redistribution from edge column supports to the span causes the loading eccentricity at edge columns to reduce below its initial elastic value. The resulting rotation y and peak shear stress are less than they are in comparable isolated test specimens with fixed loading eccentricity. Consequently, the CSCT predicts punching resistance at edge columns of flat slabs to be significantly influenced by flexural continuity, which is unaccounted for in the design methods of ACI 318 and EC2. Both NLFEA and the CSCT suggest that providing surplus flexural reinforcement in the span can be more effective at increasing punching resistance at edge columns than the common UK practice of providing surplus hogging flexural reinforcement.