Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Punching Shear Strength of Eccentrically Loaded RC Flat Slabs with Opening

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of eccentric load and the presence of an opening near the column on the punching shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) flat slab without shear reinforcement using analytical investigation and numerical simulations. A model based on the finite element method is proposed and its validation is confirmed in this study, by comparing the results with the existing experimental studies available in published literature. Twenty slabs supported directly on columns were analyzed, along with variation of load and opening position in the slab. The punching shear strength for all slabs was calculated according to Eurocode 2 (EC2) and numerically. It was found that the obtained punching shear strength was significantly underestimated by EC2. In addition, this research has shown that the opening position in relation to the direction of the bending moment caused by the eccentric load significantly affects the punching shear strength, while EC2 neglects this position.