Simulation of punching and post-punching shear behaviours of RC slab–column connections

Abstract

The punching and post-punching shear behaviours of reinforced concrete (RC) flat plate structures are often studied by using a representative slab–column connection isolated from the parent structure. In this study, a set of numerical modelling techniques is established to create a competent three-dimensional non-linear model to simulate punching and post-punching shear behaviours of RC slab–column connections without shear reinforcement, through the use of which the punching shear failure featuring a critical punching shear surface and an abrupt drop of the applied force in the load–displacement response is able to be accurately reproduced. The post-punching shear behaviour, taking the form of an increased load-carrying capacity which is ceased by rebar fracture in the suspension stage, is also well captured. Using the proposed numerical model, typical punching and post-punching shear failure mechanisms are studied in some detail.