Novel shearhead reinforcement for slab-column connections subject to eccentric load and fire

Traditional means of reinforcing concrete flat slab-column connections against punching shear, such as increasing slab thickness, or provision of shear links, all have drawbacks. This paper proposes a novel type of punching shear reinforcement in the form of a shearhead to enhance connection strength and ductility. The structural behaviour of the connection is explored experimentally by testing nine specimens under various loading conditions including eccentric loads that produce combined axial and bending effects. Specimens with and without shearheads are compared. This is followed by a detailed numerical investigation using finite element analysis to obtain more in-depth insights into the connection behaviour when shearheads are present. The performance of the proposed system is also investigated under fire conditions for the first time. It is found that the proposed shearheads improve the performance of slab-column connections in all conditions and particularly under concentric loading and in fire conditions.