Abstract
The paper presents a series of fifteen RC slab tests subjected to low-velocity impacts with different impact energies, diameter and shape of impactor. The discussion presented here only refers to flat impactors (series F). Tests are very well reported and failure was described as punching. FE models were validated against the tests and a parametric analysis of 54 cases was carried out for two slab thicknesses, three impactor sizes, concrete strengths and reinforcement ratios. The results from the parametric analysis were used to derive empirically close-form expressions for the minimum impact energy required to cause punching. The experimental work presented has enabled the discussers to validate further the analytical model for punching developed at University of Surrey (in collaboration with EPFL) and establishing a fruitful comparison with the numerical predictions and empirical formulation presented in the paper. This discussion should complement the work presented in the paper.