R/C flat slab-column connections under lateral loading

This paper deals with R/C flat slab-column connections under lateral loading. As it is known, the punching failure affects the rotational capacity of the slab-column connections under horizontal loading. Indeed due to premature punching failure, the ductility of the joint can be reduced substantially. The punching prediction of flat-slabs under combined gravity and lateral loading is still under research. However, the path to a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon passes through two fundamental steps, the prediction of the load-drift relationship (backbone curve) and the determination of a failure criterion. This paper is focused only on the prediction of the horizontal response using simple models, suitable for design implementation. An improved effective beam width model is compared with literature experimental data showing good agreement with experimental results.