Idea of a simplified model to determination of the load capacity of an inner slab-column connection after its punching

Literature provides a score of catastrophes of slab-column structures where the lack of an 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 investigations carried out on a model of slab-column connections in the scale 1:1. The aim of these investigations was to find out how far any additional bending moment resulting from the eccentric effect of the load affects the value of the destructive load imposed on the connection after its punching. Additionally, tests were carried out for six simplified models. Basing on these models the assumptions concerning the possibility of simplifying the investigated models in order to determine the load-bearing capacity of internal slab-column connections in reinforced concrete structure.