Punching shear is a possible type of failure that occurs in reinforced concrete flat slabs, which can develop with an ultimate load below flexural capacity. Several researchers have studied the punching resistance of flat slabs over recent years. Although they have made great advances, there are codes that show different approaches to a singular design. Some codes show that there exist contradictions, even in the simplest situations, such as concentric loads. Most codes prescribe empirical expressions based in a theoretical model to analyze punching strength, but for flat slabs with holes around the column and shear reinforcement there are divergences between codes, justifying research in this area. This paper presents an experimental analysis of nine square reinforced concrete flat slabs under concentric loading (width: 1800 mm; thickness: 130 mm). The main variables used in the tests were: a) two square openings (150 mm) adjacent to the smallest side of the column and b) the use of shear reinforcement containing 3 layers, with 6 or 8 elements in each layer and radially distributed around the column. The research concludes that openings adjacent to the column affect punching shear strength, while the correct use of the shear reinforcement can minimize and even compensate this loss

O objetivo principal do trabalho é apresentar uma comparação entre distintas estratégias de simulação computacional de estruturas de concreto armado utilizando modelos de fissuração distribuída. Em uma primeira abordagem, foi adotado o modelo multidirecional de fissuração distribuída do programa DIANA empregando-se diferentes regras de amolecimento para o material fissurado (frágil, linear e não-lineares de Moelands-Reinhardt e de Hordijk). Posteriormente, foi utilizada a formulação DSFM - Disturbed Stress Field Model, modelando o concreto fissurado como um material ortotrópico com fissuras distribuídas do tipo rotacionais. Os programas DIANA e VecTor2 foram utilizados como ferramentas para avaliar a eficácia dos diferentes modelos no estudo de vigas de concreto armado submetidas a esforços de flexão

The increase in the use of flat slabs and the need of the openings for the passage of installations, such as hydraulic and electrical, which significantly reduces the punching shear resistance capacity of the slab, makes the understanding of the influence of openings in this type of structure extremely necessary. The influence in the structural behaviour of flat slabs with openings at different distances from the column was investigated through five square slabs (1,800 mm x 1,800 mm x 130 mm) supported on square columns (150 mm x 150 mm) tested until failure. The results obtained experimentally were compared with results available in the literature, as well as with responses predicted from the normative instructions. The results confirm high stresses concentration in the region between the column and the opening and that opening situated at 3d from the column have no influence on the failure load for the tested slabs.

Steel fibers in reinforced concrete increase the performance of slab-column connection once they increase ductility and energy absorption capacity of the concrete. The use of fibers in flat slabs may increase strength and change the mode of failure. The objective of this work is to present an experimental evaluation of punching shear strength of reinforced concrete flat slab with steel fibers and punching shear reinforcement. Eight square slabs, size 1800 mm by 1800 mm by 130mm, were loaded until failure by punching shear around the column. The models were divided in two groups, depending on the type of the concrete used (with or without steel fibers). The steel fiber volume used in the slabs of second group was of 0.9%. Each group was composed of four slabs: one without shear reinforcement and three with shear reinforcement (studs) distributed radially around the column. The use of steel fibers increased the ultimate strength of all flat slabs. In one of the slabs, the association of steel fibers with shear reinforcement changed the failure surface from outside to inside the punching shear reinforcement region.