The calculation of punching resistance and the associated provision of shear reinforcement in EN 1992-1-1:2004, Eurocode 2, is examined. It is shown that the level of safety reduces significantly with an increasing contribution from the shear reinforcement to the punching resistance and in some cases may be insufficient. To ensure that an acceptable level of safety is maintained, an additional limit on the design shear resistance of twice the concrete contribution on the basic control perimeter, u1, is proposed.
Andrew S Fraser BEng PhD CEng MICE MIStructE
Senior Engineer - Arup Advanced Technology and Research
Anthony E K Jones BEng PhD CEng FICE
Associate Director - Arup Advanced Technology and Research