Parametric analysis on punching shear resistance of reinforced concrete continuous slabs

Punching shear resistance formulations provided by codes are usually calibrated on test results of isolated specimens that typically simulate the slab zone within the points of contraflexure around the column (hogging area). However, the behaviour of actual continuous flat slabs can be different to that of isolated specimens owing to the beneficial contributions of moment redistributions and membrane actions that cannot take place in isolated specimens. This paper presents a parametric study carried out to highlight the influence of the main geometrical features and the reinforcement layout affecting the punching shear resistance of continuous slabs around internal columns.