Punching shear resistance of prestressed concrete slabs

Abstract This paper describes the punching shear resistance of solid slab bridge decks prestressed longitudinally and reinforced transversely. Current design approaches are presented which include the Kinnunen-Nylander theory of punching and the plastic theory applied to punching. Empirical treatments of punching, mainly those adopted by various codes, are also presented. The internal punching in situations without polar symmetry and the influence of prestress and of the axial loading are discussed. Finally, punching at slab edges and shear failure of wide beams for loads near supports are considered.