Development of Empirical Capacity Prediction Model for Punching Shear Capacity of GFRP Bar-Reinforced Slabs and Numerical Parametric Investigations

An empirical model was recently proposed to predict the punching shear capacity of GFRP bar-reinforced slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs based on experimental work conducted by the authors. Although the empirical model was derived from 28 experimental test specimens from the literature, it had limitations in addressing the full range of slab configurations and material behaviors. This paper presents a finite element (FE) simulation of the experimental slabs reinforced with embedded GFRP bars under concentrated loads. The FE model was used to investigate the effects of parameters such as concrete compressive and tensile strengths, reinforcement design, and boundary conditions on the load-displacement response of the slabs. A modified equation capable of predicting the punching shear capacity of slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs is proposed and validated with experimental data from the literature.