Studrails® are a proven, cost-effective solution to punching shear at slab-column connections. Studrails® dramatically decrease labor costs, as well as reduce clutter and congestion at the slab column connection. Recently added applications for Studrails® include foundation slabs and post-tension anchorage zones.
Flat plate construction is a mainstay of structural design in North America and around the world. This system is usually used for condominiums, hotels, office buildings, hospitals, and other structures. Designs are often governed by punching shear capacity at the slab column connections. If punching shear is not accounted for in the design, high shear load can cause a catastrophic brittle failure, as shown below:
Prior to the introduction of Decon® Studrails®, stirrups were often used to enhance the punching shear capacity. However, testing has shown measurable anchorage slip at bends, reducing their effectiveness in thin-slab construction. As a result of anchorage slippage, the full capacity of the stirrups cannot be developed in thin slabs. Each rebar stirrup cage takes several man-hours to fabricate and install, a significan factor in project scheduling and costs.
Stirrup installations congest the slab-column connection, adding significant complications to the placement of longitudinal reinforcement and P/T tendons, hampering utility installations and driving up overall construction costs.
Decon® Studrails® are a proven, cost effective solution to punching shear. Developed and tested at the University of Calgary since the 1970s, Studrails® now provide unmatched punching shear enhancement in thousands of buildings around the world.
Studrails®, with their 10:1 head-to-stem cross-sectional area ratio, anchor securely in the slab, eliminating slippage and providing greater resistance to punching shear.
Studrails® can be installed around the slab column connection in 5 minutes or less, providing substantial reductions in installation time and labor costs.
Special chairs supplied with the Studrails® ensure proper concrete cover.
Studrails® reduce clutter and congestion at the slab column connection; rebar, P/T tendons and other embedments can simply be dropped into position between the stud heads.
