Design for punching shear in concrete: critical review of Canadian Standard CSA-A23.3-94

Abstract

The requirements of the new Canadian Standard CSA-A23.3-94 "Design of concrete structures" to avoid punching failure of slabs at their connections with columns are critically reviewed. Changes are proposed to avoid unsafe design and to cover practical situations not adequately treated by the Standard. Key words: columns, connections, flat concrete plates, punching shear, reinforced concrete, shear reinforcement, shear strength, stud shear reinforcement, slabs.