Improving Punching Shear Behavior of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforced Slabs

Abstract

The influence of the type of reinforcement (glass fiber-reinforced polymer [GFRP] versus steel bars) on punching shear resistance was investigated. In addition, the effects of concentrating the reinforcement in the immediate column region and the influence of using steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) in the slab were also studied. The punching shear capacity, stiffness, ductility, strain distribution, and crack control were investigated. Concentrating the slab reinforcement and the use of SFRC in the slab enhanced the punching behavior of the slabs reinforced with GFRP bars. Predictions using different design guidelines are compared to the experimental results obtained from the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced slabs tested in this study and those tested by other researchers. Concentrating the top mat of flexural reinforcement results in beneficial effects on punching shear strength, postcracking stiffness, and crack control.