Analysis on the influence of the arrangement and eccentricity of non-adherent tendons on the punching resistance of prestressed flat slabs

In conjunction with experimental studies, computational tools based on the Finite Element Method (FEA) have made it possible to analyze the phenomenon of punching and the influence of prestressing on the ultimate strength of flat slabs and thus understand this phenomenon through numerical simulations. In this study, experimental tests were simulated through three-dimensional analyses, using the constitutive models implemented in the ATENA 3D computer program, it was possible to validate the numerical results through the load-displacement and load-strain curves being compared with the experimental curves. The numerical results showed a difference in load capacity of less than 2% for the experimental models. After adequate calibration, a parametric study with eight models of prestressed slabs was implemented by varying the spacing and eccentricity of the prestressing tendons, punching resistance being evaluated with the new parameters. The punching resistant capacity of each model was also compared with the most current regulatory design predictions.