Dear Cervenka Consulting,

First of all, let me introduce myself, my name is Andri Setiawan and I am doing research with ATENA v 5.3.2 (newest version). Now, I am trying to reproduce some experimental results (from other researchers) to get an insight about punching shear phenomenon. I tried to model only a quarter of the slab (due to the symmetrical condition both for the reinforcement and loading arrangement).

On the quarter of the model, load in the real test is applied through two steel plates (located at the edge of the specimen) where the center of the plate is supported also by a another steel plate. I think it is a typical configuration for testing flat slab for observing punching failure. Is it resulting the same load-rotation and failure point if:

a. I apply force-controlled through both steel plates in the edge of the slab while restraining the central plate vertically or;
b. I apply deformation-controlled through central steel plates and restrain the vertical movement on the edge plate.

Because I have tried the option (a) but my model always fail at about 50% of the actual strength (from experimental test) due to strange crack propagating from the bottom of the slab which located exactly at the top of the central steel plate. I can send you the picture of my ATENA analysis if you want it. I am wondering if I did some mistakes on determining the boundary condition of case (a).

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Best regards,

Andri Setiawan