FE modelling of RC flat slabs with openings under vertical load and cyclic horizontal load

In reinforced concrete flat slabs subjected to vertical and horizontal loads, shear forces and bending moments at slab-column connections induce high stresses, potentially leading to punching failure. In some cases, flat slabs also feature openings near slab-column connections to accommodate plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, HVAC ducts, and other utilities. This paper presents numerical analyses of the punching failure of slab-column connections, both with and without nearby openings, based on findings from previous experimental tests. A nonlinear finite element model is developed to simulate the experimental data. The numerical model is initially calibrated using a test where the specimen is subjected solely to vertical loading and contains no openings. The model’s capability to accurately predict the punching failure of a specimen with a nearby opening, subjected to both vertical and horizontal cyclic loads, is then verified. The influence of mesh size, element interpolation, tensile fracture energy formulation and other parameters is investigated.