FoundPlateOptPunch - Holistic optimization of the punching shear verification of foundation slabs

The punching shear of foundation slabs is often the decisive verification for the thickness of the slab. In addition, this verification often results in considerable increases in reinforcement and the arrangement of additional punching shear reinforcement in combination with local increases of the slab thickness (inclined haunches). However, the normative verification format must be critically questioned with regard to the actual mechanical behavior. Important factors for the failure mechanism, such as the interaction of the columns, the redistribution potential within the structure and the necessary or possible rotation of the slab, are not taken into account directly in the model and only empirically. In addition, the determination of the punching shear forces can vary greatly depending on the procedure (conventional 2D load transfer versus determination on the 3D overall model) and is often applied depending on the established standard in the design office. The range here varies from dimensioning with the most unfavorable punching forces from each of the 2D and 3D analysis to the use of the mean values and weighted averages of these results. The proposed project aims to realistically model the failure mechanism of punching shear of foundation slabs for real building conditions. For this purpose, various simulation models, starting with the thermo-hygromechanical simulation, through standard 3D overall models of buildings to geotechnical simulation models with high-quality material laws and fracture mechanics simulation models for concrete are created and linked together. The result of the project is a mechanically consistent verification method for punching shear of foundation slabs, taking into account soil-structure interaction and the semi-probabilistic partial safety factor concept. In addition to the enormous potential for saving resources compared to the classic design of foundation slabs, the research project will also investigate innovative construction methods. Specifically, the process developed is intended to pave the way for the following innovative construction methods: - haunch-free foundation slabs - Steel fiber reinforced foundation slabs - Dissolved foundation slabs - Thin industrial floors - Group action of column rows The described verification method will be designed for thick foundation slabs (e.g. of high-rise buildings) as well as for thin floor slabs (e.g. industrial floors of hall buildings).