LAUSR

Abstract Various types of punching shear reinforcement have been developed during the past decades to increase the punching capacity and ductility of slab-column connections. Due to diverse geometries and thus varying anchorage conditions, the effectiveness of these elements contributing to total punching resistance can differ significantly. Generally, the degree of activation of shear reinforcement can be described by contributions of anchorage and of bond. Yet, most of current punching design provisions follow a simplified, empirical approach. Despite its mechanical background, the punching design according to the next generation of Eurocode 2 still does not consider the effect of better anchorage of, for example, double headed studs compared to simple stirrups. In this paper, an extended activation formula for flat slabs as well as column bases is proposed as refinement for the next generation of Eurocode 2. This unifying approach considers different anchorage categories and thus enables more progressive design results. After discussing the background of possible activation scenarios, the effects of bond and anchorage in cracked concrete and the kinematic deformation behavior of slabs subjected to punching are identified as governing constraints. The major focus is on the transformation process from mechanical considerations to a simplified design formula to ensure practical applicability.