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Over the last two decades, considerable attention has been devoted to the strengthening of sub-standard flat-slab constructions. With the evolution of composite materials and an increasing emphasis on the economical and sustainable use of natural fibers, many researchers have utilized them in the strengthening of flat flabs mitigating punching failures. This study aims at investigating and comparing the behavior of flat slabs strengthened with post-installed composite and natural reinforcements. An experimental program was devised consisting of eight flat-slab specimens. One specimen was tested in as-built condition to provide a reference. The remaining specimens were strengthened with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Aramid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (AFRP), and sisal rods. The pattern of post-installed rods was varied as single line, double line, and star shapes around the column. The results indicated that the single-line pattern could only enhance the maximum sustained load by up to 6% compared to that of the reference specimen. On the contrary, double line and star shape configurations resulted in a substantial increase in the maximum sustained load. An analytical assessment of ACI 318-19 provisions resulted in an over-estimation of the shear strengths of CFRP- and AFRP-strengthened slabs. Furthermore, the same provisions led to lower yields than experimental shear strengths for sisal-strengthened slabs.

A series of quasistatic cyclic loading tests was carried out on seven quarter-scale precast concrete bearing walls designed primarily for gravitational loading. Three of the most commonly used types of connection in Thailand were assessed: (i) welded, with short rebars, (ii) welded, with steel angles, and (iii) grouted corrugated ducts. The effects of gravitational loading at between 0 and 5·0% of wall axial load ratio were also investigated. Specimen performance was analysed in terms of observed behaviour and damage, force–drift relation and energy dissipation, with the results revealing that the walls connected using welded steel angles had less strength and ductility than the others. The gravitational load significantly affected the failure modes of the walls, with lower loadings tending to lead to deformation via a rocking mode and subsequent failure at the connections, while diagonal compression failure on the panel could occur at gravitational loads of 5%. It was also found that walls with welded short rebar connections could develop a degree of strength, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation. Under testing against ACI ITG-5.1 criteria, the corrugated duct connections performed best, suggesting the usefulness of implementing an improved version of this connection type for construction in seismic hazard areas.