Structural Response of Post-tensioned Slabs Reinforced with Forta-Ferro Under Impact Load: Experimental and Numerical Approach

Background Construction projects in mountainous regions are increasingly confronted with challenges posed by rockfall hazards, which have become more severe due to environmental changes, including deforestation and landslides.These risks threaten infrastructure integrity and human safety, necessitating the integration of impact-resistant features into structural designs. In this context, enhancing the structural response of post-tensioned slabs under impact loads is a critical area of study. Objective This research investigates the effectiveness of incorporating Forta-Ferro fibers into concrete mixes to improve the impact resistance of post-tensioned slabs. The aim is to evaluate whether fiber-reinforced concrete offers better structural performance under dynamic loading conditions, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient construction in hazard-prone areas. Methods Two geometrically identical slabs (1.5 m × 3.3 m × 0.18 m) were prepared. The first slab was cast using conventional concrete, while the second was cast using the same mix with an addition of 0.4% by volume Forta-Ferro fibers. Both slabs were subjected to a central impact using a 600 kg steel ball dropped freely from a height of 8 meters. Additionally, three-dimensional finite element models were developed to simulate the slabs’ behavior under the same loading conditions. Results Experimental results demonstrated that the slab incorporating Forta-Ferro fibers exhibited enhanced performance, including reduced displacement, improved crack distribution, and less overall damage. Comparison with finite element simulations confirmed the accuracy of the numerical model in capturing the real behavior of the slabs. Conclusion The inclusion of Forta-Ferro fibers significantly improves the impact resistance of post-tensioned slabs. The proposed fiber-reinforced design provides a viable solution for enhancing structural response under dynamic loading, with experimental and numerical results in strong agreement.