Reinforced concrete flat slabs with openings at different distances from the column

The increase in the use of flat slabs and the need of the openings for the passage of installations, such as hydraulic and electrical, which significantly reduces the punching shear resistance capacity of the slab, makes the understanding of the influence of openings in this type of structure extremely necessary. The influence in the structural behaviour of flat slabs with openings at different distances from the column was investigated through five square slabs (1,800 mm x 1,800 mm x 130 mm) supported on square columns (150 mm x 150 mm) tested until failure. The results obtained experimentally were compared with results available in the literature, as well as with responses predicted from the normative instructions. The results confirm high stresses concentration in the region between the column and the opening and that opening situated at 3d from the column have no influence on the failure load for the tested slabs.