Punching shear is a possible failure mode for slender footings and can lead a structure to ruin through progressive collapse. Although the geometric characteristics of footings are differentiated, their punching shear design is based on empirical methods similar to those used for slab-column connections. This paper uses experimental results from 216 tests to evaluate the performance of design code recommendations presented by ACI 318 (2014), ABNT NBR 6118 (2014) and Eurocode 2 (2010) to estimate the punching shear resistance of reinforced concrete footings. Great dispersion between theoretical and experimental results was observed, being evident that the shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d) is one fundamental parameter to be considered in the design of footings, which indirectly allows the consideration of the arch action. ukryj opis