Evaluation of punching shear strength of voided transfer slabs

To satisfy the various space demands of occupants in high-rise buildings, such buildings are often constructed with different structural systems along the height of the building, which causes vertical irregularity in the structural system. In buildings with a vertically irregular structural system, transfer slabs are often used to transfer loads from the upper part to the lower part of the building. The transfer slab can perform more efficiently by placing voids in slab regions that do not resist a high level of slab loads. This study evaluated the punching shear strength of voided transfer slabs by conducting experimental tests on five transfer slab specimens. Based on the test results, methods were developed for accurately calculating the punching shear strength of voided transfer slabs.