In buildings it is sometimes needed to transfer, at a certain level, some of the vertical loads to other alignments in order to obtain bigger spans at the lower levels. In this way, a more economic structure, with smaller column or wall spacing’s can be envisaged for the upper floors, while at the lower levels, in particular at the ground level, bigger inter-column distances can be adopted. This is often the case at office buildings or hotels where lobbies and other facilities require more open space.

The transition from the smallest grid structures to larger column spacing is done by means of a transfer structure (with beams or slabs).

In order to transmit the high concentrated forces from the columns or wall, that have no continuity to the foundations, the transfer structures require considerable rigidity and strength. The design of the transfer system is dependant not only on the flexural behavior (resistance and deformability), but, in general, is considerably influenced by shear or punching resistance.