Use of Natural and Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Composites for Punching Shear of Flat Slabs: A Comparative Study.

Over the last two decades, considerable attention has been devoted to the strengthening of
sub-standard flat-slab constructions. With the evolution of composite materials and an increasing
emphasis on the economical and sustainable use of natural fibers, many researchers have utilized
them in the strengthening of flat flabs mitigating punching failures. This study aims at investigating
and comparing the behavior of flat slabs strengthened with post-installed composite and natural
reinforcements. An experimental program was devised consisting of eight flat-slab specimens. One
specimen was tested in as-built condition to provide a reference. The remaining specimens were
strengthened with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Aramid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
(AFRP), and sisal rods. The pattern of post-installed rods was varied as single line, double line,
and star shapes around the column. The results indicated that the single-line pattern could only
enhance the maximum sustained load by up to 6% compared to that of the reference specimen. On the
contrary, double line and star shape configurations resulted in a substantial increase in the maximum
sustained load. An analytical assessment of ACI 318-19 provisions resulted in an over-estimation of
the shear strengths of CFRP- and AFRP-strengthened slabs. Furthermore, the same provisions led to
lower yields than experimental shear strengths for sisal-strengthened slabs.