Punching shear and flexural strengths of ultra high performance concrete slabs

Abstract

Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC), compared to conventional concrete, shows highly improved structural behavior, which makes it possible to design slender, light and durable structures. However, further development of practical design formulas is required to apply UHPC to a structural design. This paper reports the result of two independent punching shear tests of UHPC slabs to estimate the punching strength of UHPC slabs. To recommend the reliable punching shear formula for the design of UHPC slabs, the test results are compared to available punching shear formulas for conventional concrete and UHPC. Also, a detailed comparison between the two tests is made to understand the important factors affecting the structural behavior of UHPC slabs. Based on the results, design considerations for UHPC slabs are recommended.