Abstract
Flat slab system is widely used because of its architectural flexibility Punching is one of the major and critical problems in flat slab especially for the edge column. There are many traditional ways to increase the punching shear strength of concrete slabs like increasing the slab thickness or column dimensions which is against the architectural desire Using FRP strengthening for the flat slabs against punching shear can be considered as a new application. Sometimes an opening is needed to be punched through existing slabs to install cables, elevators and ventilation systems, etc. This causes weakening due to the cutting of concrete and reinforcing steel and also increases the punching problems especially if the opening beside the edge columns. This research is aimed to evaluate the effects of strengthening with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) on the punching shear behaviour of flat slab with an opening varying in location with respect to the edge column. Bearing capacity, deflection, ductility, energy absorption and stiffness obtained from the tested slabs are compared to the control specimen, which was without opening and strengthening. It is observed that, the punching shear capacities of the strengthened specimens significantly increased compared to control specimen. Creating openings in flat slab beside the edge column should be approached with great caution and avoided if possible because of its bad effects. In case of openings are of extreme necessity, it is recommended to be created in the front of the edge column not in the side.
Highlights
Flat slabs are one of the most popular slab systems that are usually preferred by architectures for its advantages, which are well known
Few studies concerns with using the fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) strengthening systems in opening of flat slab at edge column, so this present study aims to evaluate the using of FRP materials to increase the punching shear resistance of flat slab with an opening created at the edge column
This research was conducted to investigate the enhancement of punching shear strength of the reinforced concrete edge column-flat slab connection with openings and strengthened with glass fiber reinforcing polymer
Summary
Flat slabs are one of the most popular slab systems that are usually preferred by architectures for its advantages, which are well known. Flat slabs are vulnerable to brittle failure mode of punching shear failure, which is the main drawback of this system. Punching failure is undesirable and they do not allow an overall yield mechanism to develop before punching, by [1]. Punching shear strength of flat slabs can be improved by providing drop panels or column capitals, which may be impractical for architectural reasons. Creating openings in the slab after construction, by cutting concrete and reinforcing steel leads to less resistance to the stresses, so it is needed to be strengthened.
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