Enhancing impact resistance of concrete slabs

The impact resistance of concrete slabs was investigated through a comparative experimental analysis of conventional concrete (CC) and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), with a focus on dynamic performance using the ratio of crack resistance (Rcr) as a core evaluative metric.The research aims to address the limitations of CC under high-strain-rate conditions and explore the effectiveness of steel fiber reinforcement in mitigating impact-induced damage.CC slabs exhibited brittle failure with a low Rcr of 0.09, characterized by rapid crack propagation and negligible energy dissipation.In contrast, SFRC slabs demonstrated a substantial improvement in impact resistance, achieving Rcr values between 0.75 and 1.35.This performance gain is directly linked to the inclusion of 1% steel fibers, which enhanced tensile capacity, bridged developing cracks, and delayed crack propagation, ultimately shifting the failure mode from brittle to ductile.Repeated impact testing further revealed that SFRC slabs maintained structural integrity even after perforation onset.The study establishes the significance of fiber content and distribution in optimizing impact performance and reducing the risk of punching shear failure.These findings position SFRC as a structurally resilient solution for applications subjected to dynamic loading, such as protective slabs, industrial floors, and critical transportation infrastructure.