Tests of Full-Scale Continuous Reinforced Concrete Flat Slabs

A new test setup is used to test two full-scale 5 m (16 ft-5 in.) con-tinuous reinforced concrete flat slabs. The first slab was tested three times to failure after it had been repaired twice. Shear failures occurred at the edge and interior column-slab connections. Some slab-column connections contained shear studs as shear reinforce-ment. In the present paper, the experimental program as well as the test results related to the analyses of flat slabs and shear strength of slab-column connections are presented and discussed. Based on the test results, the shear strength of slab-column connections in a real slab system with realistic boundary conditions is assessed. The results are compared with the latest provisions of ACI, and with a proposed shear strength equation. Regarding the analysis of flat slabs, the test results are compared with the moments predicted by the equivalent frame method (EFM) and a linear elastic finite element analysis (FEM).