Punching of RC slabs under eccentric loads

The main objective of this paper is to study the effect of eccentricity of loads on the ultimate punching resistance and rotational capacity of slabs. A mechanical model recently proposed by Muttoni, which has been developed to predict the punching capacity of slab–column connections under concentric loads, is developed in the same manner as that of Broms to be applicable for the investigation of rotational capacity of slabs under eccentric loads. Furthermore, the effect of eccentricity of load on the ultimate punching resistance and the rotational capacity of slabs with respect to column is numerically studied performing a non-linear finite-element analysis using Atena. The numerical analyses consist of calculations of selected punching tests. The factors affecting the behaviour of the connections, such as the ratio of tension reinforcement, the type of reinforcement steel and the concrete compression strength are studied parametrically. The results of the analyses are compared with Eurocode 2 and ACI code predictions and with the mechanical model previously proposed by Broms and the model developed by Muttoni.