PUNCHING SHEAR CONCRETE SLABS

Punching shear in concrete slabs is a serious problem in certain struc tural systems, such as flat slabs. Current analysis is based either on empirical and simplified analytical techniques or on theoretical mode ls, mainly based on the theory of plasticity. This paper presents a ne w model, based on rigid post-fractured behavior, utilizing the post fr acture properties of concrete at the rough crack interfaces that are d eveloped. The model predicts the force-displacement resistance during punching, the stress distributions along the cracked interfaces, as we ll as the shape of the punched concrete plug. Comparison of the model predictions with various test data shows good correspondence. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.