Load capacity of an internal slab-column connection depending on the geometric parameters of the reinforcement

Literature deals with a score of catastrophes of slab-column structures, where the absence of adequately constructed reinforcement resulted in an absolute destruction of the construction. This problem is not dealt with either in the Polish Standards, nor in the Eurocodes. Some suggestions concerning the prevention of such situations are to be found merely in CSA A23.3-04 [2]. Instructions concerning such a structure are also contained in ACI 318 [1]. The paper presents the results of laboratory tests performed on a simplified model of a slabcolumn connection. The aim of investigations was to find out at which value of the load the destruction of such a connection occurs due to a rupture of the bars above the column. In respective models the reinforcement passing above the column consisted of bars with a diameter of ø8 mm, ø12 mm or ø16 mm. The obtained results of laboratory tests and calculations permitted to determine the relations between the exerted load and the displacement of the column in time and also to determine the values of the force at which the rupture of the bars above the column had taken place.