The predictive performance of design models for the punching resistance of SFRC slabs in inner column loading conditions

Abstract

In the recent years steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC), in a volume percentage between 0.75 and 1.25, is being proposed to build slabs supported on piles and slabs supported on columns, where the unique conventional reinforcement is composed of some steel bars in the alignments of the columns/piles, designated as anti-progressive collapse bars. Punching resistance, however, can be a concern in this structural system. In fact, punching has a brittle failure character, and the prediction of the punching resistance is still a challenge, even in concrete slabs with traditional reinforcement systems. The difficulties on assessing the contribution of the reinforcement mechanisms of steel fibres for the flexural and shear resistance in the critical punching perimeter increase this complexity. The research carried out in this paper has the purpose of assessing the reliability of existing analytical models for the prediction of the punching resistance of SFRC slabs. For this purpose, a data-base of experimental tests with SFRC slabs failing in punching was built and the predictive performance of four analytical available models was assessed. In order to turn more practical the model that is more reliable from physical and mechanical point of views, the concepts proposed by Model Code 2010 for the characterization of the postcracking behaviour of FRC were introduced in this model.