When should a Shear Cap or Drop Panel or Column Capital be Used?
Each option between Shear Cap vs Drop Panel vs Column Capital aims to increase a slabs shear capacity through modification of either the slab itself or the support column.
The question of which individual one to choose is a little less cut and dry and a little more project dependant…
Shear Cap:
Is ideal for projects where the only concern is shear capacity of the slab. The introduction of a shear cap does not add thickness over a large area so it allows ceiling heights to be increased. A shear cap allows larger areas with higher ceiling heights.
Drop Panel:
A drop panel is ideal for reduction of steel tonnage and improvement of punching shear capacity of the slab. Due to its enhancement of the slabs stiffness it generally allows an overall reduction in concrete volume as well. This is ideal in scenarios where your project is heavily cost driven.
Column Capital:
If a structural column capital can be dressed to also serve an architectural purpose this is the perfect solution to solve form and function. Depending on your region, modifications to the column head may be a more costly option.
