What is a Punch Thru?
Definition of Punch thru in Construction
This is a structural term, used to indicate that a structural load has punched thru the bearing point of the system.
If a column is over loaded, it could, if sitting on a structural slab, punch thru the slab, failure of the system is normally the result of punch thru. Punch thru is a very serious structural issue. The failure of a column base to support the load of the column, or the application of a point load not anticipated during structural design, can cause a punch thru.