Research on the lateral resistance performance of slab‐column connections without punching shear reinforcement under multi‐factor influences

Abstract The lateral stiffness of the slab‐column structure is lower than that of the traditional beam‐column structure, and the same horizontal load will produce greater inter‐story deformation. In seismic zones, slab‐column structures should be used in conjunction with shear walls or other lateral load‐resisting systems. During an earthquake, slab‐column connections must maintain the ability to transfer vertical loads downward while accommodating lateral deformation within acceptable limits. As lateral deformation increases, the connections experience larger unbalanced moments, which can lead to premature brittle failure. Therefore, to investigate the lateral deformation performance of slab‐column connections without punching shear reinforcement, a test database was established, and multi‐factor numerical simulations were conducted using finite element analysis software. Finally, based on ACI code provisions, a formula for calculating the ultimate story drift angle of slab‐column connections without punching shear reinforcement was derived to guide engineering design. The study shows that the lateral deformation capacity of the slab‐column connection without punching shear reinforcement is directly affected by the gravity‐shear ratio. The proposed formula provides a reliable lower‐bound prediction for the ultimate story drift angle, offering valuable guidance for the seismic design of slab‐column connections without punching shear reinforcement.