Critical view on the level of maximum punching strength of flat slabs and column bases using database evaluations

The level of maximum punching strength is major importance to design highly stressed slab-column connections and choose the type shear reinforcement. Since a couple years, there consensus that shear-reinforced concrete slabs can be defined as multiple reference without upper bound this load-increasing effect depends mainly on anchorage arrangement reinforcement elements. Despite numerous research studies database evaluations, are ongoing discussions regarding final effectiveness stirrups double headed studs installed in flat column bases. In paper, strictly filtered used highlight significant impact underlying comparing load increase according current Eurocode 2 draft for next generation (prEC2). Based unifying database, origin discrepancies discussed combination constant lower coefficients with refined formula specified prEC2 proposed. Additionally, adapting European Technical Approvals double-headed optimized lattice girders shortly analyzed. A further evaluation also allows setting basis detailing provisions permissible diameter