Numerical Modelling of Punching Shear Behavior of UHPFRC Flat Slabs

Ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) can be used to improve the punching shear behaviour of slab-column connections due to its outstanding mechanical properties as compared with conventional concrete. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the punching shear behavior of flat slabs made of UHPFRC. The test specimens subjected to punching shear in the previous studies were collected for the simulation. A non-linear finite element (FE) model was developed using ABAQUS software to simulate the punching shear performance of UHPFRC flat slabs. The FE model was validated against experimental results in the literature. The comparison of the force-displacement curves between the FE model and test results showed that the FE model can accurately predict the punching shear behavior of UHPFRC flat slabs. Furthermore, the punching shear strengths obtained from the FE model were compared with those predicted using current standards. The current standards underestimated the punching shear strengths as compared to the FE model and test results.