Enhancing the Punching Load Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Slabs Using an External Epoxy-Steel Wire Mesh Composite

Abstract

The present experimental work investigates the applicability and performance of a new strengthening method for concrete slabs, intended to increase their punching resistance using combination layers of steel wire mesh with epoxy attached to the concrete slabs’ tension face. Six simply supported square reinforced concrete slab specimens were tested up to failure under a central concentrated load. The main parameters in the study are the concrete compressive strength (30 MPa and 65 MPa) and the configuration of a bundle externally fixed to the tension side of the tested slabs. The experimental results appeared to greatly enhance the performance of the specimens, as they were externally strengthenined under this new method. When compared to the control slabs, the punching load and stiffness of the strengthened slabs increased up to 28% and 21%, respectively.