Strengthening of reinforced concrete slab-column connections with carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates

Abstract

This study presents the structural behavior and punching shear strength of the concrete slab-column connections strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. The variables considered for the twelve specimens included the compressive strength of the concrete, the ratio of the tensile steel reinforcement, and the amount of the CFRP laminates. Square concrete slabs were simply supported along four edges. During the test, monotonically concentrated load was applied to the stub column located at the center of the slab. The punching shear strength, stiffness, and mode of failure were investigated. Test results demonstrated that increasing the compressive strength of concrete, ratio of the steel reinforcement, and amount of the CFRP laminates led to an increase in the punching shear strength of the slabs. Moreover, the CFRP laminates were effective in appreciably increasing the punching shear strength of the slab-column connections. An analytical approach was conducted to calculate the punching shear strength of the slab-column connections strengthened with CFRP laminates. Based on the theory of reinforced concrete members, the application of the CFRP laminates increased the flexural strength of the slab and resulted in an increase of the effective depth of the slab section. Consequently, the punching shear strength was increased. The results of the analytical calculation revealed that the analytical work accurately predicted the experimental punching shear strength.