Strategic Utilization of Fiber Reinforced UHSC in Slab-Column Connections

This study reports on the structural characteristics of slab-column connections using an ultra-high-strength-fiber-reinforced concrete from new and retrospective data. The parameters investigated were the ' puddling ' of ultra-high-strength-fiber-reinforced concrete and the use of high-strength concrete in the slab. The effects of these parameters on the punching shear capacity, negative moment cracking, and stiffness of the two-way slab specimens are investigated. Furthermore, the ACI Code (2002), the CSA Standard (1994), the BS Standard (1985) and the CEB-FIP Code (1990) predictions are compared to the experimental results obtained from some slab-column connections tested in this experiment and those tested by other investigators. The beneficial effects of the ultra-high-strength-fiber-reinforced concrete puddling and of the use of high-strength concrete are demonstrated. It is also concluded that the punching shear strength of slab-column connections is a function of the flexural reinforcement ratio.