Title: Distinction between Punching and Flexural Failure Modes of Flat Plates

Author(s): Timm Stein, Amin Ghali, and Walter Dilger

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 104

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 357-365

Keywords: ductility; flat plate; flexural strength; punching shear; slab

DOI: 10.14359/18626

Date: 5/1/2007

Abstract:
In tests to study the effectiveness of shear reinforcement in providing strength and ductility in flat plates, it can be difficult to distinguish between flexural and punching shear failure modes. Clear indicative results can only be obtained when the flexural reinforcement ratio is sufficiently high to exclude the possibility of flexural failure prior to punching. In this paper, the influence of the flexural reinforcement ratio on the mode of failure, strength, and ductility is studied in experiments on interior slab-column connections transferring shear force or shear force combined with unbalanced moment. A recommendation is given on the design of the flexural reinforcement ratio in tests that can be conclusive.