article · Computers and Concrete, an International Journal
This research evaluates the punching shear behaviour of reinforced concrete flat slabs lacking shear reinforcement using finite element analysis software. The computational framework models concrete with three-dimensional solid elements and steel reinforcement with linear elements, incorporating non-linear material properties. After validating the model against existing experimental data from published literature, parametric evaluations examined the effects of slab thickness, flexural reinforcement ratios, and axial membrane loads. Additionally, a simplified model using layered shell elements and shear hinges was developed to lower computing times. Findings indicate that increasing slab thickness by 185.7 percent raised the ultimate load capacity by 439.1 percent, resulting in brittle failure. Punching failure also manifested when tensile reinforcement ratios exceeded 0.65 percent, whilst outer footing settlement reduced punching capacity by 30 percent.
Flat concrete slabs are common in building construction, but sudden punching failures around support columns can cause catastrophic structural collapses. By showing how variables like slab thickness, reinforcement ratios, and foundation movements affect this failure mechanism, this study helps engineers design safer buildings and accurately simulate building vulnerabilities without needing costly physical laboratory tests.
This work can inform structural engineering consultancies, software developers, and building designers seeking faster computational workflows for assessing concrete flat slabs. The simplified shell and shear hinge approach offers a less resource-intensive modeling method. Because the work is based purely on numerical simulations and comparative validation against literature, it represents early-stage design tools that require integration into industry design standards or commercial engineering software before broad deployment.
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This paper proposed a numerical investigation based on finite elements analysis (FEA) in order to study the punching shear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) flat slabs using ABAQUS and SAP2000 programs. Firstly, the concrete and the steel reinforcements were modeled by hexahedral 3D solid and linear elements respectively, and the nonlinearity of the used materials was considered. In order to validate this model, experimental results considered in literature were compared with the proposed FE model. After validation, a parametric study was performed. The parameters include the slab thickness, the flexure reinforcement ratios and the axial membrane loads. Then, to reduce the time of FEA, a simplified modelling using 3D layered shell element and shear hinge concept was also induced. The effect of the footings settlement was studied using the proposed simplified nonlinear model as a case study. Results of numerical models showed that increase of the slab thickness by 185.7% enhanced the ultimate load by 439.1%, accompanied with a brittle punching failure. The punching failure occurred in one of the tested specimens when the tensile reinforcement ratio increased more than 0.65% and the punching capacity improved with increasing the horizontal flexural reinforcement; it decreased by 30% with the settlement of the outer footings.
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DOI: 10.12989/cac.2020.25.4.355
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