• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.161-169
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• 2017

Flat slab systems are vastly used in multi-story buildings because of their savings in story height and construction time, as well as for their flexibility in architectural remodeling. However, they frequently suffer brittle punching-shear failure around columns, especially when subjected to lateral loads. Therefore, seismic codes labeled flat slabs as non-ductile systems. This research goal is investigating some construction alternatives to enhance flat slab ductility and deformability. The alternatives are: adding different types of punching-shear reinforcement, using discreet fibers in concrete mixes, and increasing thickness of slab around columns. The experimental study included preparation and testing of seven half-scale interior slab-column connections up to failure. The first specimen is considered a reference, the second two specimens made of concrete mixes with different volumetric ratios of polymer fibers. Another three specimens reinforced with different types of punching-shear reinforcement, and the last specimen constructed with drop panel of inverted pyramidal shape. It is found that using the inverted pyramid-shape drop panel of specimen, increases the punching-shear capacity, and the initial and the post-cracking stiffnesses. The initial elastic stiffnesses are different for all specimens especially for the slab with closed stirrups where it is experienced the highest initial stiffness compared to the reference slab.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.482-490
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• 2013

Although the flat plate system is an efficient structural type due to the simplicity of its construction, the low story height, and the various plan design, the slab-column connections are vulnerable to punching shear failure from gravity load and eccentric shear failure from lateral load. To prevent the structure collapse, various construction methods of slab-column connection reinforcement are developed but none of these satisfies all of structural performance, economics, and constructability. This paper presents the reinforcement of slab-column connection with lattice bars. The structural performance is confirmed with the interior slab-column connection tests subjected to cyclic loading, and the economic feasibility is demonstrated from the structural design under the same condition with lattice bars, stud rails, and stirrups.