Punching Failure Project Report

PUNCHING SHEAR STRENGTHENING OF FLAT SLABS
WITH EXTERNAL BONDED CFRP ON GROOVES
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
JIJO P GEORGE
(REGISTER NO. SPT18CESE05)
to
The APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree
of
Master of Technology
In
Civil Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
SREEPATHY INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT &TECHNOLOGY
VAVANOOR – 679 533
MAY 2020
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
SREEPATHY INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY
VAVANOOR, KERALA STATE, PIN 679 533
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Project report titled “PUNCHING SHEAR
STRENGTHENING OF FLAT SLABS WITH EXTERNAL BONDED

CFRP ON GROOVES” submitted by “JIJO P GEORGE (REG.NO:
SPT18CESE05)” to the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Technology in Structural
Engineering (Civil Engineering) is a bonafide record of the project work carried out by him
under my guidance and supervision. This report in any form has not been submitted to any
other University or Institute for any purpose.
Internal Supervisor External Supervisor
PG Coordinator Head of the Department

DECLARATION
I undersigned hereby declare that the project report “Punching shear strengthening of flat
slabs with external bonded CFRP on grooves”, submitted for partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of degree of Master of Technology of the APJ Abdul Kalam
Technological University, Kerala is a bonafide work done by me under supervision of Mrs.
Roshini T Mohan, Assistant professor, Department of civil engineering, Sreepathy Institute of
Management and Technology. This submission represents my ideas in my own words and
where ideas or words of others have been included, I have adequately and accurately cited
and referenced the original sources. I also declare that I have adhered to ethics of academic
honesty and integrity and have not misrepresented or fabricated any data or idea or fact or
source in my submission. I understand that any violation of the above will be a cause for
disciplinary action by the institute and/or the University and can also evoke penal action from
the sources which have thus not been properly cited or from whom proper permission has not
been obtained. This report has not been previously formed the basis for the award of any
degree, diploma or similar title of any other University.
Place
Date JIJO P GEORGE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I thank the almighty for giving me an opportunity to present the project with
strength and courage.
I am grateful to Dr. George C.T., Principal of Sreepathy Institute of Management and

Technology, for providing me the best facilities and atmosphere for the conduction of my project.
I use this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude towards The Head of Civil Engineering
Department, Mr. Sudheer K.V., for permitting me to conduct the project.
I also at the outmost thank and express my profound gratitude to my guide
Mrs. Roshini T Mohan, Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering Department, for his
inspiring assistance, encouragement and useful guidance. Last but not the least;
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all my friends for their good will and constructive ideas
which helped me to complete my project successfully.
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this study is the strengthening of flat slabs against punching shear with an
experimental and analytical model. The flat slab strengthens by a newly introduced method, named as
grooving method (GM), was utilized in the present study. The groove provided in two orthogonal
directions (x and y axes) of slab plan and then mounting the external FRP bar in one direction in
NSM (near surface mounted) technique and CFRP strip in another direction in EBROG (externally
bonded reinforcement on groove) method. For this purpose, 700x700x100mm dimensions slab was
tested under concentrated loading. The slabs were tested for ultimate load and deformation after
curing for 28 days. Also finite element analysis was done in Ansys workbench 18.1. The results
showed that the EBROG and NSM method with FRP enhanced the strength of flat slab against
punching shear with great efficiency, and punching shear capacity of strengthened samples increased
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between 28.4% - 58% compared to control one. Hence this is a highly innovative practice that can be
implemented in the construction industry as the method is high efficiency in strength.
CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGE NO.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES ix
LIST OF FIGURES x
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND NOMENCLAURES xiii
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 General 1
1.2 Flat slab 1
1.3 Fiber reinforced polymer 3
1.4 Objectives 3
1.5 Scope of the work 4
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.1 General 5
2.2 Previous studies 5
2.3 Summary of literature review 9
CHAPTER 3 FRP STRENGTHENING METHOD: AN OVERVIEW 11
3.1 Externally bonded reinforcement 11
3.2 Near-surface mounted 12
CHAPTER 4 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY 13
4.1 Ordinary Portland cement 13
4.2 Aggregates 13
v
4.3 Reinforcement bars 14
4.4 CFRP 14
4.5 Epoxy resin 14
4.6 Water 15
4.7 Methodology 15
CHAPTER 5 CHARACTERISTIC TESTS ON MATERIALS 16
5.1 Tests on aggregate 16
5.1.1 Bulk density, void ratio, specific gravity of aggregates 16
5.1.2 Aggregate crushing value 16
5.1.3 Grain size distribution of aggregates 17
5.2 Test on cement 19
5.2.1 Fineness of cement 19
5.2.2 Standard consistency 19
5.2.3 Initial setting time 20
5.2.4 Specific gravity of cement 21
5.2.5 Soundness test 21
5.2.6 Compressive strength of cement 22
5.3 Tests on fresh concrete 23
5.3.1 Slump test 23
CHAPTER 6 MIX DESIGN 24
6.1 Mix design of M25 grade concrete 24
6.2 Mixing and casting 25
CHAPTER 7 TESTS ON HARDENDED CONCRETE MIXES AND RESULTS 27
7.1 Compression test on specimens 27
7.2 Split tensile strength of cylinders 28
CHAPTER 8 TESTING ON SLAB SAMPLES 29
8.1 Design of slabs 29
8.2 Create moulds 30
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8.3 Caging of reinforcement 31
8.4 Casting of slab samples 31
8.5 Curing of slab samples 32
8.6 Strengthening of slab samples 33
8.7 Testing of slab samples 35
8.8 Results 35
CHAPTER 9 VALIDATION OF THE MODEL 39
9.1 Validation of slab model 39
9.2 Validation of groove technique 41
CHAPTER 10 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF SLABS 43

10.1 General 43
10.2 Slab parameters 44
10.3 Modeling in ANSYS Workbench 18.1 45
10.4 Models 47
10.5 Analysis 51
10.6 Results 52
CHAPTER 11 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 55
11.1 Strength comparison of slabs 55
11.2 Load deformation analysis of slabs 58
11.3 Maximum deformation 61
11.4 Maximum stress in CFRP strips 62
CHAPTER 12 CONCLUSIONS 64
REFERENCES
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
vii
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

4.1 Properties of cement 13
4.2 Properties of aggregates 14
5.1 Aggregate testing results 16
5.2 Aggregate crushing result 17
5.3 Grain size analysis 17
5.4 Grain size results 18
5.5 Fineness of cement 19
5.6 Standard consistency 19
5.7 Initial setting time 20
5.8 Specific gravity of cement 21
5.9 Soundness test 22
5.10 Compressive strength test 23
5.11 Slump test 23
7.1 Compressive strength of specimens 28
7.2 Split tensile test results 28
8.1 Specimen description 29
8.2 Load deformation details 36
9.1 Load and deformation 40
9.2 Load and deformation 42
10.1 Material properties 44
10.2 Load and deformation of all slab models 54
10.3 Maximum stress and strain of slab models 54
10.4 Maximum stress in CFRP strips 55
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1.1 Flat slab 1
1.2 Punching shear failure of f lat slab 2
3.1 FRP in EBR and EBROG technique 11
3.2 FRP rod in NSM method 12
4.1 CFRP Strips 14
4.2 Epoxy adhessive 15
5.1 FA sieve analysis curve 18
5.2 CA sieve analysis curve 18
5.3 Vicat’s apparatus 20
5.4 Density bottle with kerosene 21
5.5 Le Chatelier’s apparatus 22
5.6 Slump test 23
6.1 Casted cubes 26
7.1 Compression testing machine with sample 27
8.1 S2, S3 and S4 samples 29
8.2 Cutting wooden pieces 30
8.3 Slab moulds 30
8.4 Reinforcements of slabs 31
8.5 Mixing of concrete 31
8.6 Casted slabs 32
8.7 Curing of specimens 32
8.8 Cutting of grooves 33
8.9 Groove cutted slabs of S2, S3, S4 34
8.10 Mixing of epoxy adhesive 34
8.11 Strengthened slabs of S2, S3, S4 34
8.12 Experimental setup 35
8.13 Output devices 36
8.14 Crack pattern of S1 37
9.1 Crack pattern of slab RS-F0 after failure 39
ix
9.2 Support and loading in Ansys software 40
9.3 Ultimate load carrying of slab 40
9.4 Specimens strengthen by EBROG technique 41
9.5 Total deformation of beam in Ansys 42
9.6 Ultimate load carrying of beam 42
10.1 Ansys workbench 18.1 icon 43
10.2 Opening window 45
10.3 Engineering data window 45
10.4 S5 and S6 samples 46
10.5 Reinforcement of slab 47
10.6 Solid slab 47
10.7 Slab model S1 48
10.13 Meshing of Slab 50
10.14 Meshing of FRP 51
10.15 Concentrated loading 51
10.16 Simply supported end condition 52
10.17 Deformation of S2 52
10.18 Total Stress in S3 53
10.19 Total strain in S4 53
10.20 Total deformation in S6 53
11.1 Experimental Ultimate load of samples 56
11.2 Ultimate load of samples in FEA 57
11.3 Comparison of ultimate load of samples 57
11.4 % of increasing loads compare with S1 58
11.5 Ultimate loads of S5 and S6 slab 58
11.6 Load deformation graph of S1 59
x

11.10 Load deformation graph comparison 61
11.11 Experimental maximum deformation 61
11.12 FEA maximum deformation of slabs 62
11.13 Comparison of maximum deformation 62
11.14 CFRP strips stress comparison 63
xi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND NOMENCLATURES
FEA Finite Element Analysis

LVDT Linear Variable Displacement
Transformer OPC Ordinary Portland Cement
d Effective depth of slab
S1 Slab 1 S2
Slab 2 S3
Slab 3
S4 Slab 4
xii
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
The strengthening of existing structure is often more cost effective than replacing the existing
structures with new structures. In comparison to building a new structure, strengthening an
existing structure is often more complicated, since the structural conditions are already set.
Traditional methods have been used as strengthening techniques for concrete structures, such
as: different kinds of reinforced overlays, shotcrete or post-tensioned cables placed on the
outside of the structure. The efficient strengthening of a concrete structure in smaller time
period has been a major topic of concern.
1.2 FLAT SLAB

The rapid development of the building construction resulted in the need for innovative, safe
and optimised structural systems; one of those structural systems is flat slab roof system. Flat
slab is a reinforced concrete slab supported by columns without the presence of beams and
girders and also the loads are directly transferred to the columns. The advantages of flat slabs
are saving in building height, easing off installation procedures, saving construction time,
partition walls can be placed anywhere, false ceilings can be omitted, flexibility in room
layout and involve multi-storey structures of wide spans. However the connection between
the flat slab and the supporting column is the most critical part due to the concentration of
large bending moments and shear forces. In flat slabs, a complex state of stress may develop
in the slab-column connection.
Fig 1.1: Flat slab

(Source:-www.civilsnapshot.com
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The flat slab analysis and design require a vast knowledge of the possible failure modes. The
failures of flat slabs occur either due to flexure or punching shear. Flexure failure occurs
when the small amount of steel reinforcements located at the tension side of the flat slab.
When the reinforcement ratio is high, the punching failure of concrete slabs occurs at the
region of connection between the slab and the column. In punching shear failure the concrete
principal tensile stresses reach the value of the ultimate tensile strength of the concrete.
Punching shear failure is one of the most dangerous problems encountered in the construction
of flat slabs and it is depend on the column size, slab depth, existing flexural reinforcement
ratio and the concrete tensile strength. The Punching shear failure has a critical impact on
structural engineering systems because this failure is it is brittle and sudden due to concrete is
unable to accommodate high tensile stresses that develop close to the slab-column connection
Fig 1.2: Punching shear failure of f lat slab

(Source:-www.civildigital.com)
Through the whole service life of a structure, punching shear may occur as a result of
excessive loads or earthquakes, deterioration due to corrosion of the embedded
reinforcement, freezing, thawing or fire damage, lack of ductility and energy absorption at the
slab-column connection. Punching shear failure can also occur during construction, especially
when casting new floors, as the weight of the new concrete is transferred to the lower floor,
which may exceed the normal in-service design loads. It is necessary to strengthen or retrofit
existing slabs due to insufficient punching shear strength. A number of solutions have been
proposed to overcome this punching shear failure of flat slabs, some of which are currently
being practiced already. These include application of heads and collars around columns, using
2
rods or steel shear heads at the connection zone, and providing punching shear links around
the column area. Recently, the composite materials used to strengthening various types of
structures, including the development of internally and externally installed carbon fiber–
reinforced polymer (CFRP) stirrups.
1.3 Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a composite material made up of polymer matrix and
reinforced fibres. The FRP materials have a high ratio of strength to weight, corrosion
resistance and convenient electrical, magnetic and thermal properties. The choice of fiber
different type of FRP’s are available such as: CFRP, BFRP, GFRP etc. In GFRP the glass
fibres are used as reinforcement and it is bonded with plastic matrix such as epoxy, polyester
resin, or vinyl ester. In BFRP fine fibres of basalt are bonded together. It is similar to
fibreglass, having better strengthening properties than fibreglass, but being significantly
cheaper than carbon fibre.
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) are a composite materials and commonly used
wherever high strength-to-weight ratio such as aerospace, superstructure of ships, automotive,
civil engineering, sports equipment. CFRP are composite materials of two parts: a matrix and
reinforcement. In CFRP carbon fiber is the reinforcement part, which provides the strength.
The polymer resin such as epoxy is usually used as matrix part, to bind the reinforcements
together. Advantages of Carbon fiber are very high tensile strength, low thermal expansion,
light weight material having low density, composites have high stiffness, strength, and
toughness at substantially less weight than metals and it has long working life but the main
disadvantage is very costly.
1.4 OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this thesis is to find a practical solution for strengthening flat slab.
 To familiarize new strengthening method for flat slab
 To analyse the punching shear capacity of flat slab with external bonded CFRP in
grooving method
 To check the punching shear capacity of flat slab, when the CFRP is placed within 2d
distance from loading point and also check what will be happened after 2d distance
 To check the load behaviour of slab by increasing FRP strips and rods in two
orthogonal directions
3
 To analyze the stress carried out by each CFRP strips in strengthening method.
 To study the finite element analysis of the same using software ANSYS Workbench
1.5 SCOPE OF THE WORK
The scope of this work as follows:

 The specimen used is of the size 0.7m x 0.7m x 0.1 m
 M25 grade mix concrete is prepared for the study
 28 days is the expected curing time
 To strengthen flat slab in an external bonded reinforcement technique
 High tensile strength CFRP composite material is used for strengthening purpose.
 A conventional slab and three samples of slabs with external bonded CFRP are
constructed
 Studying the behaviour of flat slab against punching shear using the ANSYS
software.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1GENERAL
Literature review was performed using various journals, books and websites related to
FRP strengthening of flat slab, bond behaviour of FRP and concrete, punching shear etc.
Majority of the studies conducted in the past were analyzed. The collections of some of the
literatures are given briefly.
2.2 PREVIOUS STUDIES
A. Abdullah, C.G. Bailey, Z.J. Wu(1) (2013) conducted an investigation of the

effective bonding between non-prestressed and prestressed carbon fibre reinforced polymer
(CFRP) strips to the tension surface of concrete column-slab connections in both the
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serviceability and ultimate limit state. Five slabs were constructed and all slabs have
dimensions 1800x1800x150 mm with stub column of size 250x250x150 mm. The adhesive
applied on both the prepared substrate, concrete and CFRP to eliminate air bubble and the
thickness of adhesive as 2 mm. In the case of prestressed plates bonding was achieved by
tightening the bolts of the anchor plates which pushed the FRP plate onto the glued covered
substrate. The load was applied to the specimens by hydraulic ram with capacity of 2500 kN.
The result showed that the slab column connection using FRP plates increase the load
capacity of 43% compared to un-strengthened slab. The column-slab connections
strengthened with non-prestressed FRP plates failed in a punching mode and in prestressed
FRP plates shear failure rather than flexural failure. Punching shear failure slab strengthen by
FRP was more efficient technique and enhance ultimate load without increasing stiffness.
Davood Mostofinejad and Seyed Masoud Shameli(6) (2013) conducted an
experimental study of flexural strengthening of beams with external bonded FRP. In this
study four different strengthening methods were used such as EBR, NSM, EBROG, and
EBRIG, and each technique one, two or three layers of FRP sheets used. 32 beam specimens
were casted with dimensions of 120x140x1000 mm and subjected to four point flexural
loading. The all beams are internally shear reinforced with 5 mm diameter bars with 50 mm
clear spacing. Unidirectional Sika wrap hex230C carbon fibers with 0.12mm thickness were
used as FRP sheet and Sikadur C31 used as epoxy resin. In NSM, EBROG and EBRIG
technique three grooves of about 850x7x10 mm were cut in to tension side of beams. The
result showed that one layer of FRP used in NSM, EBROG, EBRIG techniques have more
strength than EBR. The loads are approximately same in these techniques. The multi layers of
FRP in EBRIG technique have more strength than other technique.
G. I. Khaleel, I. G. Shaaban, K. M. Elsayedand (7) (2013) conducted a study on
determine the efficiency of slab column connection strengthen by fiber reinforced polymer
system. Strengthened the slab column connection by using external stirrups around the
column and compare the strength between the slabs strengthen by using FRP and steel link.
The slab size was 110x110x10 cm and stub column have 15x15 cm cross section and 80 cm
height. High tensile steel of 10 mm diameter used for compression and tension side of slab
and 12 mm diameter used for column. Four slabs are casted and they are strengthened by steel
link, GFRP stirrups and CFRP stirrups. The slab was supported by simple supports on 4 sides
and load applied on stub column by using hydraulic jack with capacity of 50 tonnes. The steel
link system consisted of steel bars of 6mm diameter installed in the holes up to slab thickness
5
and fixed at both ends by two steel plates of 5 mm thick and 25mm width. The fiber wraps of
6 mm diameter stirrups were installed vertical hole of 10mm diameter through the slab and
stacked with polyester for GFRP and epoxy resin (Sikadur-330) for CFRP. The result showed
that the ultimate capacity of slabs increased by 60%, 60% and 73% when using steel links,
GFRP and CFRP respectively. The CFRP stirrups were the best strengthening material.
M.Hasan Meisami, Davood Mostofinejad, Hikaru Nakamura(16) (2014) studied
punching shear strengthening of flat slabs using CFRP grids. This study was an experimental
investigation of two-way flat slabs strengthened with carbon fiber–reinforced polymer in grid
configurations. This study predicting maximum loading capacity in slabs strengthened with
CFRP grids and epoxy resin used in drilled holes. Five slabs were constructed with dimension
of 105 mm thick and 1,200 mm wide. The reinforcement size in all the slabs were 6 mm
diameter used for the top layer and 16 mm diameter used as the lower layer. The slabs were
strengthened by drilling holes and CFRP sheets in 8, 16, and 24 were mounted around the
loading plate. The load was applied by hydraulic jack on a steel plate of size 150 ×150 × 30
mm. The result showed that shear capacities of the strengthened slabs with 8, 16 and 24
CFRP grids were increased by 29.8, 49 and 56% respectively. The results show that this
strengthening method enhances maximum loading and deformation capacity and also
prevents brittle failures under vertical concentrated loadings.
Seyed Masoud Shameli and Ardalan Hosseini(24) (2014) studied an experimental
investigation of flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beam specimens by
fibrereinforced polymer (FRP) sheets using EBR, EBROG and EBRIG techniques. The
concrete beams were strengthened with one, two or three FRP layers and their failure loads
were compared with each other. 20 beam specimens were casted with normal strength of 33
and 38 MPa and the specimens have 1000x120x140 mm size. All the beams were provided
both flexural and shear steel reinforcement. The flexural reinforcement consisted of two
tension bars with nominal diameter of 8 mm and length of 950 mm and shear reinforcement
with nominal diameter of 8 mm spaced at 50 mm. The FRP materials used as high-strength
continuous unidirectional Sika Wrap Hex230C carbon fibres with a thickness of 0.12 mm,
850 mm long and 100 mm wide and were bonded to the concrete surface using an epoxy
matrix. All test specimens were subjected to four-point flexural loading with the rate of 2
mm/min using hydraulic jack and two LVDTs were mounted for measuring deformation. The
result showed that both EBROG and EBRIG techniques experienced up to 25% higher
ultimate loads compared to those strengthened with EBR method.
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Mohammad Banijamali and Mohammad Reza Esfahani (20) (2015) studied that
different method to strengthening concrete beam by using FRP. This paper introduces the
advantages and disadvantages of different technique are used to strengthening the concrete
beam such as: EBR, EBROG, EBRIG, MF-EBR, NSM-FRP rods, NSM-MMFRP rods and
HOLING methods. In this study these techniques were categorized into two, Externally
Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) techniques and Near Surface Mounted (NSM) techniques.
Results of the study indicate that the implementation of EBR techniques is easier than NSM
method but they have weaknesses such as premature debonding and vulnerability against
sever environmental conditions. The NSM techniques have more installation time than the
EBR techniques but the NSM methods to eliminate the debonding phenomenon and
strengthening materials are greatly protected against the environmental effects.
Yogesh A.Chaudhari(25) (2016) conducted Finite element analysis slab column
connection using ANSYS 16.0 software. This study to analysed Finite Element Model of
square flat slabs of size 1200 mm length and 140 mm thick with 160 mm square reinforced
concrete column stubs extending 160 mm above the slab. The reinforcement was distributed
uniformly throughout the width of the slab. The flat slab with same size analysed with drop
panel was inserted at critical depth. The results showed that the proposed shear reinforcement
system and drop panel of both normal and high strength concrete has a positive effect in the
enhancement of both the punching shear capacity and the strain energy of slab– column
connection.
Amirreza Moghaddas and Davood Mostofinejad(4) (2018) studied an
alternative method to strengthening concrete structures using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)
materials. This study explains bonding strength of the grooving method in the form of
“externally bonded reinforcement on groove” (EBROG). This paper was developed an
experimental results of FRP-concrete bond strength model. 154 single lap-shear tests are
conducted on 136 specimens made through the EBROG method and 18 specimens through
the EBR method. The concrete prisms 150 × 150 × 350 mm (width × height × length) were
casted. In EBR method the concrete surface roughened and cleaned and applying the FRP
sheets onto the concrete surface with the epoxy adhesive. In EBROG method longitudinal
grooves of specified dimensions were cut on the surface of the concrete and the grooves were
completely filled with epoxy and FRP sheets were instantly installed. Groove depth was
restricted to 15 mm for clear cover of steel rebars and groove width was limited to 10 mm to
prevent excessive stress concentration near the groove. The hydraulic jack was used to apply
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a uniform tensile force with controlled displacements at a rate of 2 mm/min. The result
showed that the grooving method increased the average bond strength of 31% compare with
EBR method. A bond strength model the EBROG method was proposed than EBR method.
Mohd Tanjeem Khan, Md.Raja, Adib Maaz Ansari(21) (2018) conducted an
experimental investigation of punching shear behaviour RC flat slab under FRP material. This
study was explained the improving of punching shear of flat slab by using FRP material
instead of the application of steel rod. In this study slabs are casted using conventional steel
and BFRP (basalt fibre reinforced polymer) bars. To compare the Punching shear capacity of
flat slab with reinforcement of steel rods and reinforcement of BFRP rods. The slabs are
casted square slabs of dimension 700x700x110mm and to provide concentrated load on
centre. The reinforcement provide at compression and tension side was 8 mm diameter bars
with a spacing of 100 mm starting from the edges and 200 mm spacing at centre for both
orthogonal directions and stirrups are used as 6 mm diameter. The ultimate load of two slab
was compared the maximum strength was obtained in BFRP reinforced slab. The result
showed that using BFRP reinforcement can be effective solution for replacement of steel in
reinforced concrete.
Rojin Azizi and Sayed Behzad Talaeitaba (23) (2018) conducted an analytical study
was to strengthening of flat slabs against punching shear. This analytical study carried out 15
numerical samples and they are analyzed nonlinearly up to failure. The flat slab strengthens
by new method known as grooving method. In this method the grooves are cut in two
orthogonal direction (x and y axes of slab plan) and the slab is stacked with external bars in
one direction and FRP in EBROG (externally bonded reinforcement on groove) method in
orthogonal direction. All slabs specimens with dimensions 1000 × 1000 × 100 mm and
without using any shear reinforcement for punching shear. The specimens are acting
concentrated load at the middle of span of simply-supported slab until the failure. The
Specimens are strengthened with 1 or 2 or 3 sticked bars at each face of loading point in one
direction and 1 or 2 or 3 EBROG-FRP strip(s) at each side of loading point in another
orthogonal direction. The results are included: failure form, load–displacement curve, the area
under load–displacement curve, and strain in the reinforcement and FRP sheet. The results
showed that great efficiency of the method because the punching shear capacity of
strengthened samples increased between 28 - 62% compare to control one.
M.A.L. Silva, J.C.P.H. Gamage, S. Fawzia (15) (2019) studied Performance of
slabcolumn connections with carbon fiber reinforced polymers. In this study investigate the
8
behaviour of slab-column junctions strengthened with alternative arrangements of Carbon
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and also numerical models were developed to analyze
bond behaviour. Ten flat slab specimens of size 1200x1200x100 mm were prepared with a
centre stub column connected monolithically to the slab. The strengthened specimens mainly
categories into two depending on the CFRP arrangement on the tension face, orthogonally
attached CFRP strips and skewed attached CFRP strips. 700 x100x1 mm CFRP plates
attached onto the tension face of concrete and steel plate of 150 x 50 mm used as End
anchorage. CFRP was attached using epoxy adhesive on the grinded concrete surface at the
tension face. The load was applied on the column at a rate of 5 kN/min until the failure of
each specimen. This same model is developed in ABAQUS software and analysed then
compared with experimental result. The numerical and experimental result showed that the
slab-column connections with CFRP near the column face to enhance the punching shear
performance. The average punching shear strength enhanced by 46% for CFRP plates
attached to the tension face of the specimens with steel end anchors.
2.3 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW

The above literature review shows that various study on strengthening of flat slab with FRP
which included both analytical and experimental parts. The different strengthening methods
are also discovered. From the studies it is concluded that
• Punching shear strengthening of flat slab with FRP is more efficient

• The flat slabs strengthen by FRP without the use of shear reinforcement
• The CFRP composites are the best strengthening material
• The FRP sheets used to extent shear zone of flat slab

• Grooving method used to increase the bond strength of EBR method
• The NSM method have more bond strength than EBR
• NSM and grooving method show good bond strength property
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CHAPTER 3
FRP STRENGTHENING METHOD: AN OVERVIEW
3.1 EXTERNALLY BONDED REINFORCEMENT (EBR)
Externally bonded reinforced is the most common method to strengthen or retrofit the
concrete structure. In EBR method means to bond the FRP composite material on the
concrete or steel surface by the use of adhesive resin. In this method, major part is the
concrete surface preparation. The purpose of surface preparation is to remove the weak
surface layer and debris on concrete to improve the adhesive bonding capacity. However, the
main drawback of this method is the premature debonding of FRP and causes the brittle
failure mode. To improve the bonding capacity of EBR technique invented a new grooving
method (GM) and is named Externally Bonded Reinforcement On Grooves (EBROG)
method. In this method, the grooves are cut on the concrete surface and these grooves are
cleaned by the air jet. The cleaned groove is filled by epoxy adhesive later the FRP layer is
installed on the concrete surface. Based on experience longitudinal grooves are effective than
transverse and diagonal grooves. The advantages of EBROG technique are increase up to
80% of flexural capacity with reference specimen, achieving the higher ultimate strain,
postponing or even eliminating the debonding phenomenon, immediate use of strengthened
10
structure. The disadvantage of this method is time-consuming installation process,
environmental pollution caused by the grooving process, change caused in the appearance of
the structure.
a) b)
Fig 3.1: FRP in a) EBR and b) EBROG technique
3.2 NEAR-SURFACE MOUNTED (NSM)
Near surface mounted method is used to strengthen the concrete member. In this method, the
FRP composite is bonded inside the groove and to avoid the environmental contact with FRP
material. In NSM method first the grooves are cut on the concrete surface and the groove is
cleaned by air jet to remove the debris and dust. The epoxy is filled to groove at 2/3 of groove
depth. The FRP material placing inside the groove and slightly pressing and ensure the
groove is completely filled with epoxy without any voids. The advantage of this method are
reduction in the strengthening operation because of no need for the surface preparation,
postponing or even eliminating the debonding phenomenon, possibility of using this
technique in the negative moment region of flexural frames because of preserving FRP
materials against abrasion, allowing easier pre-stressing strengthening materials, preserving
strengthening materials against sever environmental conditions. The disadvantage is time
consuming installation process, environmental pollution caused by the grooving process.
11
Fig 3.2: FRP rod in NSM method
CHAPTER 4
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
The materials used for the construction of flat slab with FRP are as follows.
4.1 ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT
In this thesis 53 grade ordinary Portland cement is used. The OPC used as Dalmia cement.
The initial setting strength of OPC is more and set easily because, the OPC is not containing
Pozzolana materials. The properties of cement used as given in table:
Table 4.1: Properties of cement
Physical properties Results
Fineness 1.61
Standard consistency 34%
Initial setting time 50 min
Specific gravity 3.15
Soundness 1mm
12
Compressive strength of cement For
40.67Mpa
7 days
4.2 AGGREGATES
The crushed stone coarse aggregates are used those retaining in 4.75mm sieve. The maximum
sizes of 20mm coarse aggregates are used. The Fine aggregates used as M sand or
manufactured sand, and it’s passing through 4.75mm sieve. The tests are conducted according
to IS 2386; 1963, and in gradation curve the fine aggregate is of zone 2.The obtained values
are given in table 4.2
Table 4.2: Properties of aggregate
Results
Physical properties Coarse Fine
Aggregate aggregate
Bulk density 1.69 1.78

Specific gravity 2.78 2.65
Void ratio 0.71 0.49
Fineness modulus 8.279 3.52
Uniformity coefficient 1.761 3.55
Coefficient of curvature 0.87 0.76
4.3 REINFORCEMENT BARS

Fe 500 reinforcement bars are used in the construction of slabs with size 8 mm diameter.
4.4 CFRP
The CFRP IS used as “Cera CFR W 100 laminate” with size 500x50x1mm, and FRP rod
of size 8mm diameter.
13
Fig 4.1: CFRP Strips
4.5 EPOXY RESIN
The “Cera bond EP CFR” is used as adhesive material for bonding FRP on concrete. The
epoxy contains two components the base and hardener (A: dark grey colour and B: yellow
colour)
Fig 4.2: Epoxy adhessive
4.6 WATER
In the concrete mix portable water that is free from oils and other impurities is used. The
water used has no acidic or alkaline content in it.
4.7 METHODOLOGY
a) Preliminary tests of materials were done.
b) Mix design of M25 grade concrete and corresponding mix proportions was calculated.
14
c) Compressive strength of concrete cubes with 7 days of curing period was found out.
d) Compressive strengths and tensile strengths of cubes for 28 days were found out. e)
Construct the slab moulds.
f) Four samples of slabs were constructed, one is conventional and the other three slabs are
strengthened by CFRP in different numbers.
g) The punching shear strengths of different slabs were found out.
h) The models of four samples of slabs were created in ANSYS workbench.
i) The punching shear strengths of the same are found out in the software.
j) The results of the experimental part and the analytical were compared.
CHAPTER 5
CHARACTERISTIC TESTS OF MATERIALS
5.1 TESTS ON AGGREGATE
5.1.1 Bulk density, void ratio and specific gravity of aggregates
The bulk density or unit weight of aggregate is defined as the weight of aggregate in a unit
volume usually stated in kilogram per litter. Density of aggregate depends on the packing
arrangement, which is either a loosely packed aggregate or well dense compacted aggregates.
The test is conducted according to IS 2386:1963. The test will be carried out by using
standard metal cylinder. Specific Gravity is defined as the ratio of Weight of Aggregate to the
Weight of equal Volume of standard material. The aggregate specific gravity is considered to
be a measure of strength or quality of the material. The specific gravity of aggregates value
ranges from about 2.6 to 2.7. The void ratio is ratio of volume of voids to the total volume of
material.
Table 5.1: Aggregate testing results
Fine aggregate Coarse aggregate

Sl. no Parameter
Compacted Loose Compacted Loose
15
1 Bulk density 1.78 1.71 1.69 1.61
2 Percentage of voids 32.8 34.9 39.2 41.7
3 Void ratio 0.49 0.52 0.71 0.78
4 Specific gravity 2.65 2.63 2.78 2.76
5.1.2 Aggregate crushing value
The aggregate crushing value gives resistance of an aggregate to crushing under compressive
load. Crushing value is defined as the ratio of crushed fines passing a standard sieve to the
weight of the coarse aggregate expressed as a percentage. According to IS 2886-1963 if the
aggregate crushing value is in between 30 to 45% it can be used for concrete work other than
wearing surfaces.
Table 5.2: Aggregate crushing result
Sl. no Details Values
1 Weight of mould 16.02 Kg
2 Weight of coarse aggregate and mould 18.5 Kg
Weight of sample passing through 12.5mm and retained

3 2.48 Kg
in 10mm sieve
4 Weight of sample passing through 2.36mm sieve 0.835 Kg
5 Aggregate crushing value 33.67%
5.1.3 Grain size distribution of aggregates
The sieve analysis carried out for the determination of particle size distribution, fineness
modulus, effective size and uniformity coefficient of aggregates. The sieve analysis is done as
per IS 2386 (Part 1): 1963.The obtained values in the tests are in accordance with IS 383:
1970. From the gradation curve fine aggregate with in zone 2.
Table 5.3: Grain size analysis

IS Fine aggregates Coarse aggregates
16
Cum. % Cum. % Cum. % Cum. %
Wt. % Wt. Wt. % Wt.
sieve Wt. Wt. Of Wt. Wt. Of
Retained Retained Retained Retained
Retained Passing Retained Passing
80mm 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 100
40mm 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 100
20mm 0 0 0 100 0.6435 32.175 32.175 67.825
10mm 0 0 0 100 1.2725 63.625 95.8 4.2
4.75mm 0.0245 1.225 1.225 98.775 0.0795 3.975 99.775 0.225
2.36mm 0.0935 4.675 5.9 94.1 0.0015 0.075 99.85 0.15
1.18µm 0.2755 13.775 19.675 80.325 0 0 99.85 0.15
600µm 0.5405 27.025 46.7 53.3 0 0 99.85 0.15
300µm 0.6565 32.825 79.525 20.475 0 0 99.85 0.15
150µm 0.4035 20.175 99.7 0.3 0.001 0.05 99.9 0.1
Residue 0.006 0.3 100 0 0.002 0.1 100 0
Table 5.4: Grain size results
Sl. no Parameter Fine aggregate Coarse aggregate
1 Fineness modulus 3.52 8.279
2 Uniformity coefficient 3.55 1.761
3 Coefficient of curvature 0.76 0.87
FINE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS CURVE

120
100
PERCENTAGE PASSING
80
zone 1
60 zone 2
zone 3
40 zone 4
M Sand
20
0
0.1 1 10
IS SIEVE SIZE
Fig 5.1: FA sieve analysis curve
17
COARSE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS CURVE
120
100
PERCENTAGE PASSING
80
60
coarse aggregate
40
20
0
0.1 1 10 100
IS SIEVE SIZE
Fig 5.2 : CA sieve analysis curve
5.2 TESTS ON CEMENT
5.2.1 Fineness of cement
The particle size distribution of cement is known as fineness of cement. Control of practical
size of cement is important in concrete. Cement which is more finely it have higher rate of
heat evolution at early ages. Greater fineness improves the cohesiveness of concrete mix and
reduces bleeding of concrete. Increasing the fineness of cement raises its rate of strength. The
test is conducted according to IS 4031 (Part 1): 1996 and the percentage of residue must be
limited to 5% of the total.
Table 5.5: Fineness of cement

Percentage
Type of Weight of Weight of rate of Average
Sl. No
cement cement (gm) residue (gm) residue of residue
1 OPC 100 1.6 1.6

2 OPC 100 1.65 1.65 1.61%
3 OPC 100 1.58 1.58
5.2.2 Standard consistency
The minimum quantity of water is required to complete the chemical reaction of cement
known as consistency. The consistency of cement paste find out by increasing the water
18
content until cement paste will permit the Vicat’s plunger to a depth of 5 to 7 mm from the
bottom of mould. The range of standard consistency of OPC lies between 26-34%. Table 5.6:
Standard consistency
Percentage of water Depth of penetration
Sl. No content (%) from bottom (mm)
1 28 41
2 30 32
3 32 25
4 33 12
5 34 6
5.2.3 Initial setting time
The cement set neither too rapidly nor too slowly, in too rapidly might case there be
insufficient time to transport and place the concrete before it becomes too rigid. In the too
slowly case tends to slow up the work. Setting is the gain of strength after certain degree of
resistance to the penetration of a special attachment is passed into it. The initial setting time is
defined as the time required to cement paste loses its plasticity. The water content to be added
in the test of initial setting time is 0.85 times of standard consistency and to note the time at
the needle pierces the paste by 5-7 mm measured from the bottom.
Fig 5.3: Vicat’s apparatus
19
Table 5.7: Initial setting time
Depth of penetration Specifications from
Sl. No Time in minutes from bottom in mm IS 269: 2015
1 0 0
2 10 0
3 20 0
>30 minutes
4 30 2
5 40 3
6 50 6
5.2.4 Specific gravity of cement
The specific gravity is normally defined as the ratio of weight of a given volume of material
to the weight of an equal volume of reference substance at a fixed temperature. The specific
gravity of cement tested by density bottle and the kerosene as used as reference substance
with a specific gravity of 0.79 g/cc. The test is conducted as per IS 4031 part 11 and the range
of specific gravity of OPC is 3.15 g/cc.
Table 5.8: Specific gravity of cement

Obtained
Sl. No Details values
1 Weight of empty flask (W1) 36.32gm
2 Weight of flask + cement (W2) 51.5gm

3 Weight of flask + cement + kerosene (W3) 90.451gm
4 Weight of flask + kerosene (W4) 81.38gm
W2−W1
5 Specific gravity, Sg= 3.145
((W2−W1)−(W3−W4))x0.79
20
Fig 5.4: Density bottle with kerosene
5.2.5 Soundness test
Soundness of cement can be defined as ability to retain its volume after the hardened.
Unsoundness of cement means appreciable expansion of hardened cement and it’s caused by
undue expansion of some of the material like free lime and high magnesia content. In the
soundness test, hardened cement paste is boiled for a particular time and to check tendency of
expansion. The “Le-Chatelier’s apparatus” is used to find out the soundness of cement.
According to IS 269- 2015 the limit of soundness of cement is 10 mm.
Table 5.9: Soundness test

Difference in
Sl. No Samples D1 in mm D2 in mm mm
1 S1 8 9 1
2 S2 24 25 1
21
Fig 5.5: Le Chatelier’s apparatus
5.2.6 Compressive strength of cement
The strength of cement is usually determined from the compressive test on mortar. The
mortar is prepared by cement and Msand at 1:3 proportions. The test specimen shall be in the
forms of cubes having face area equal to 50cm 2. The 53 grade OPC have 53MPa compressive
strength at 28 days. The minimum value of compressive strength of OPC 53 for 7 days is
37MPa.
Weight of cement = 200gm
Weight of Msand = 600gm
Weight of water = 276ml

Table 5.10: Compressive strength test
Average compressive
Compressive strength strength
Sl. No Loads in N
in N/mm2 in 7 days
(N/mm2) in 7 days
1 195000 39
2 210000 42 40.67
3 205000 41
22
5.3 TESTS ON FRESH CONCRETE
5.3.1 Slump test
The workability of fresh concrete find out by slump test. Unsupported fresh concrete flows to
the sides and reduce the height this vertical settlement is known as slump. The medium
workability of concrete is taken in accordance with IS 1199 and the slump range as 75 mm to
100mm.
Table 5.11: Slump test

Sl. No Water cement ratio Slump in mm
1 0.4 0
2 0.45 18
3 0.5 77
Fig 5.6: Slump test

CHAPTER 6 MIX DESIGN
6.1 MIX DESIGN OF M25 GRADE CONCRETE
Mix design is the process of election of suitable ingredients of concrete and to determine their
properties with object of producing concrete of certain maximum strength and durability.
Stipulations for proportioning

Grade of concrete : M25
Type of cement : OPC 53 grade
23
Maximum nominal size of aggregate : 20mm
Minimum cement content : 320 kg/m3
Maximum water cement ratio : 0.5
Exposure condition : Severe
Degree of supervision : Good
Type of aggregate : Crushed angular aggregate
Maximum cement content : 450 kg/m3
Test data of materials
Cement used : OPC 53grade
Specific gravity of cement : 3.15
Specific gravity of coarse aggregate : 2.78
Specific gravity of fine aggregate : 2.65
Sieve analysis
a) Coarse aggregate : Confirming to table 2 IS 383:1970
b) Fine aggregate : Confirming to table 4 IS 383:1970
Calculation of target means strength
Target mean strength, σ, fck : 25 N/mm2 k
= Probability factor : 1.65
s = Standard deviation, from table 1 : 4
Target means strength, σ : 25 + 1.65 x 4 =31.6 N/mm2
Selection of water cement ratio
From IS 456; 2000 water cement ratio for severe exposure condition as 0.45. Based
on requirements the water cement ratio was adopted as 0.5.
Selection of water content
From table 2 of IS 10262: 2009 maximum water content for 20mm aggregate is 186
litre. Water content for 75 mm slump is adopted as 191.6 litres.
Calculation of cement content
Water cement ratio : 0.5
Cement content : 383.2 kg/m3
From table 5 of IS 456: 2000 minimum cement content for severe exposure condition
is 320 kg/m3.
450 kg/m3 > 383.2 kg/m3 > 320 kg/m3. Hence safe Proportion
of volume of coarse and fine aggregate:
24
From table 3of IS 10262:2009, volume of coarse aggregate corresponding to 20mm
size aggregate and fine aggregate in zone 2 is adopted as 62% and 38% respectively. Mix
calculations
a) Volume of concrete : 0.98 m3 (2% of entrapped air)
b) Volume of cement : (mass of cement / specific gravity) x (1 / 1000)
= (383.2 / 3.15) x (1 / 1000) = 0.1216 m3
c) Volume of water : (mass of water/ specific gravity) x (1 / 1000)
= (191.6 / 1) x (1 / 1000) = 0.1916 m3
d) Volume of all in aggregate : 0.98 – (0.1216 + 0.1916) = 0.667 m3
e) Mass of coarse aggregate : d x volume of aggregate x specific gravity x 1000
= 0.667 x 0.62 x 2.78 x 1000 = 1149.64 kg
f) Mass of fine aggregate : 0.667 x 0.38 x 2.65 x 1000 = 671.67 kg
Materials required for M25 grade concrete

Cement : 383.2 kg/ m3
Fine aggregate : 671.67 kg/ m3
Coarse aggregate : 1149.64 kg/ m3
Water : 191.6 liters/ m3
W/C ratio : 0.5
6.2 MIXING AND CASTING
The successful strength of concrete in casting depends on the mixing, transportation, placing
and curing. The standard cubes and cylinders are casted for check the target strength of mix
design. The mixing of concrete is done by hand operation in a flat dry surface. 6 cubes and 3
cylinders are casted for checking maximum strength of the concrete. Three samples of cubes
were casted for 7, 28 days curing and 3 samples of cylinders were casted in 28 days curing.
The cubes and cylinders are casted in standard iron metal moulds with dimensions of
150x150x150mm for cubes and 150mm diameter, 300mm height for cylinders. The curing
was done using curing tank.
25
Fig 6.1: Casted cubes
CHAPTER 7
TESTS ON HARDENED CONCRETE MIXE AND RESULTS
7.1 COMPRESSION TEST ON SPECIMENS
Compressive strength defined as the ability of material to resist compression force without
failure. Compressive strength calculated by dividing the maximum compression force with
the area of application of load. Compression testing machine of capacity 200 tones is used.
The load is applied to the samples at uniform rate of 140 kg/cm 2. The 7 days and 28 days
cured cube samples are tested on compression machine till the failure of cubes.
26
Fig 7.1: Compression testing machine with sample
Table 7.1: Compressive strength of specimens
Curing Compressive Average Compressive
periods samples Load in KN Stress in N/mm2 Stress in N/mm2
S1 470 20.89
7 days S2 460 20.44 20.74
S3 470 20.89
S4 750 33.33
28 days S5 710 31.56 32.59
S6 740 32.89
As per IS specifications compressive strength of cubes after 7 days curing should be almost
70 to 80 % of the design strength. Here M25 grade concrete achieved strength of 82.9%. The
27
28 days compressive strength should be equal or greater than the target strength. Here the
target strength is 25MPa and sample achieved strength of 32.59MPa.
7.2 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH OF CYLINDERS
Tensile strength is the one of the most important property of concrete because the concrete
have weaker tensile strength compared to compressive strength. The split tensile strength is
conducted in accordance with IS 5816; 1999 and the testing is done by compression testing
machine. Cylinder samples with dimension of 150mm diameter and 300mm height are used
for testing split tensile strength and the load is applied surface of cylinder diametrically. The
split tensile strength determined using this method is usually in the range 1/8 to 1/12 of
compressive strength of concrete. The split tensile strength of 28 days curing is given in table
7.2. The split tensile strength is determined by formula
Fs = 2P/πDL ; P= load, D= diameter, L= length of the cylinder
Table 7.2: Split tensile test results

Split tensile Average Split tensile
samples Load in kN
Stress in N/mm2 Stress in N/mm2
S1 310 4.38
S2 290 4.1 4.24
S3 300 4.24
CHAPTER 8
TESTING ON SLAB SAMPLES
8.1 DESIGN OF SLABS
The flat slab samples have size of 0.7x0.7x0.1 m. Fe 500 steel reinforcement with 8mm
diameter is used as reinforcement in slab and provide clear cover 15 mm from bottom. The
clear spacing between of 100mm provided for the reinforcement bars. The flat slab samples
are strengthen by composite material in a newly introduced method, named as grooving
method (GM).The groove provided in two orthogonal directions (x and y axes) of slab plan
and then mounting the external FRP bar in groove at one direction in NSM (Near surface
mounted) technique or EBRIG (externally bonded reinforcement in groove) technique and
FRP strip on another direction in EBROG (externally bonded reinforcement on groove)
method. The slabs are strengthening with a 2d distance from the loading. The d is the
effective depth of slab. The slabs are denoted in S1, S2, S3, S4, and they explain in table 8.1
28
and one slab used as control slab the remains slabs are strengthen by FRP. Table 8.1:
Specimen description
Slab notations Specimen type
S1 control slab
S2 slab with 1 bar and 1 strip at each side of loading

S3 slab with 2 bars and 2 strips at each side of loading
S4 slab with 3 bars and 3 strips at each side of loading
a) b) c)
Fig 8.1: a) S2, b) S3, c) S4
8.2 CREATE MOULDS
In this thesis combination of metal and wooden moulds are used. The woods are cut in
specified dimension of .7x.1m and the woods are connected to metal piece by using screws.
29
Fig 8.2: Cutting wooden pieces
Fig 8.3: Slab moulds
8.3 CAGING OF REINFORCEMENT
The 8 mm diameters with 600mm long Fe 500 steel bars are used as reinforcement. The clear
spacing between bars is provided 100mm and the bottom clear cover provided 20mm. The
reinforcement bars provided in two direction of slab in plan and the bars are tied by steel
wires. The clear covers of reinforcements are maintained by using concrete block.
30
Fig 8.4: Reinforcements of slabs
8.4 CASTING OF SLABS
The mixing of concrete done in a flat dry surface and shovel used to mix the concrete. The
needle vibrator used to compact the concrete. The plastic sheet is used to prevent the bonding
between floor and the concrete slab.
Fig 8.5: Mixing of concrete
31
Fig 8.6: Casted slabs
8.5 CURING OF SLABS
All the four slabs specimens were cured in 28 days in a temporary curing tank.
Fig 8.7: Curing of specimens
32
8.6 STRENGTHENING OF SLABS
After the curing period the specimens were taken out of the water for drying in air at
laboratory conditions. The slabs are strengthened with in 2d distance from the load. In S1 slab
the CFRP sheet placed in a 0.5d distance from load. The distance between two CFRP sheets
is provided 10 mm. The slab surface prepared by cutting groove in x and y directions. Cutting
the 2 grooves with 10 mm breadth and 10 mm depth for bonding CFRP sheet in to slab and
use same size of one groove for bonding FRP rod in to the slab. The area in which the FRP
bonded was cleaned and smoothened thoroughly to remove cement laitance, loose materials,
and contaminants (i.e., dirt, oil, etc.). The two components of the epoxy adhesive Cera bond
EP CFR (A: dark grey colour and B: yellow colour) were mixed thoroughly at 3: l
proportions. The mixing process continued until the mixture became homogenous in
consistency and a uniform grey colour. Then epoxy adhesive applied to grooves and surface
of slab then FRP rods stacked in grooves in one direction and FRP strips are stacked surface
of concrete by EBROG technique in other direction. The FRP rods have 8mm diameter and
CFRP strip in 50mm width, 500mm length and 1mm thickness. Specimens strengthened with
1 or 2 or 3 stacked bars at each face of loading point in one direction and 1 or 2 or 3
EBROGFRP strip(s) at each side of loading point in another orthogonal direction. All the
strengthened slabs were cured for at least five days before testing.
Fig 8.8: Cutting of grooves
33
Fig 8.9: Groove cutted slabs of S2, S3, S4
Fig 8.10: Mixing of epoxy adhesive
Fig 8.11: Strengthened slabs of S2, S3, S4
34
8.7 TESTING OF SLABS
The static axial concentrated load is applied at the centre point of the slab specimens using a
loading frame with hydraulic jack. The load is applied by handily operated hydraulic jack
with capacity of 100T mounted at the mid-span and two linear variable differential
transducers (LVDTs) are installed and connected to a data logger to obtain an accurate force
and deflection reading. Crack initiation and propagation were also monitored by visual
inspection during the tests.
Fig 8.12: Experimental setup
8.8 RESULTS
The load and deformation are noted in the digital indicator and the data logger respectively.
The least count digital indicator is 0.05 tonnes and the least count data logger is 0.05mm. The
load and corresponding deformation are shown in table 8.2. The crack patterns of samples are
shown in figure 8.13.
35
Fig 8.13: Output devices
Table 8.2: Load deformation details
Load in Deformation in mm
Load in kN
tonnes S1 S2 S3 S4
0 0 0 0 0 0
1 9.81 0.7 0.65 0.45 0.4
2 19.62 1.25 1.15 0.75 0.65
3 29.43 1.75 1.55 1.1 0.95
4 39.24 2.15 1.95 1.55 1.1
5 49.05 2.9 2.45 1.85 1.3
6 58.86 3.95 2.95 2.15 1.55
7 68.67 6.55 3.65 2.85 1.75
8 78.48 10.95 4.95 3.65 2.1
8.8 86.4 14.2 6.2 4.85 3.6
9 88.29 - 6.8 5.15 3.85
10 98.1 - 9.35 7.15 4.95
11 107.91 - 13.35 9.55 5.25
11.3 110.9 - 14.15 10.25 6.4
12 117.72 - - 11.85 6.95
12.8 125.57 - - 14.35 9.1
13 127.53 - - - 11.85
13.9 136.4 - - - 14.5
36
Fig 8.14: Crack pattern of S1
37

CHAPTER 9
38
VALIDATION OF THE MODEL
9.1 VALIDATION OF SLAB MODEL
The validation of the 3D non – linear structural model is analyzed by utilizing the data’s
obtained from the study conducted by MR. A. Abdullah, C.G. Bailey and Z.J. Wu, “Tests
investigating the punching shear of a column-slab connection strengthened with
nonprestressed or prestressed FRP plates” published in Elsevier Ltd at Science Direct. The
ultimate load carrying capacity and deformation of non prestressed slab denoted in RS-F0 is
found out using Ansys workbench 18.1. The slab was 1800 x 1800 x 150 mm dimensions
with a column stub of 250 x 250 x 150 mm located at the centre of slab. The concrete slab
strengthened by two CFRP plate of 1500x100x1.2 mm was bonded at each side of stub
column in two orthogonal directions. The CFRP plate bonded using EP structural adhesive.
The support condition was simply supported and load was provided on stub column. The
experimental set up was carefully analyzed and similar conditions created in the software.
Fig 9.1: Crack pattern of slab RS-F0 after failure (Source: Ref. 1)
39
Fig 9.2: Support and loading in Ansys software
ULTIMATE LOADS
ULTIMATE LOAD IN KN
425
400
375
350
325
300
Journal result Software result

Fig 9.3: Ultimate load carrying of slab
Table 9.1: Load and deformation
40
Ultimate load Maximum
Type carrying capacity deformation
Journal result 405.2 kN 21.4 mm
Software result 408.59 kN 22.495 mm
The input data provided as same as the journal values, includes the materials used and their
properties. As shown in the graph and table, the values obtained for maximum deformation
and ultimate strength are in the comparable range. The percentage of error is 0.83. Hence the
software Ansys workbench 18.1 can be used as reliable software for this project work.
9.2 VALIDATION OF GROOVE TECHNIQUE
The validation of groove model analysed by utilizing the study conducted by Davood
Mostofinejad and Seyed Masoud Shameli, “Externally bonded reinforcement in grooves
(EBRIG) technique to postpone debonding of FRP sheets in strengthened concrete beams”
published in Elsevier Ltd at science direct. The ultimate load of beam strengthened by
EBROG technique with one layer CFRP is analysed in Ansys workbench 18.1. The beam
dimension used in journal was 1000mm length, 120 width and 140mm height. The same
beam is modelled in Ansys. The beam was internally reinforced with 5mm diameter steel
stirrups placed at 50mm spacing. The Sika Wrap Hex230C carbon fiber was used to
strengthen beam. Thickness of carbon fiber sheet was 0.12 mm, width was 100 mm and 850
mm long. Sikadur C300 used as epoxy resin to bond CFRP on beam. The beam was
strengthen by cut 3 longitudinal groove of about 850 mm long, 7 mm wide and 10 mm deep
on the tension side of beam. The support condition was simply supported at a distance 50 mm
from the end side. The loading is provided as two point loading at a distance of 100 mm
between the two load. The same conditions and property is applied in Ansys software and
analysed.
41
Fig 9.4: Specimens strengthen by EBROG technique (Source: Ref. 6)
Fig 9.5: Total deformation of beam analysed in Ansys
Table 9.2: Load and deformation

Ultimate load Maximum
Type carrying capacity deformation
Journal result 20 kN 6.1 mm
Software result 20.171 kN 6.325 mm
42
21 ULTIMATE LOADS
20.5
ULTIMATE LOAD IN KN
20
19.5
19
18.5
18
Journal result Software result
Fig 9.6: Ultimate load carrying of beam
The ultimate load and maximum deformation values obtained from journal and Ansys
software are shown in graph and table. The percentage of error in ultimate load is 0.855.
Hence the grooving method in Ansys workbench 18.1 can be used for this project work.
CHAPTER 10
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF SLABS
10.1 GENERAL
The finite element analysis can be solved in ANSYS software. The software used for
analysing models of structures, electronics, or machine components to simulate strength,
elasticity, toughness, temperature change, fluid flow, electromagnetism and other attributes.
The software used to create interactions between various parameters like statics, dynamics,
fluids, thermal, electromagnetic and vibrations. The Ansys software analyse accurately and
realistic in nature by its variety of contact algorithms, time dependent simulations and non
linear material models. Ansys software analyse how a product will function with different
specifications as per requirements, without building test products. For example, Ansys
software may simulate how a tall tower or building resists the wind pressure and how it can
be designed to carry high impact loads. Ansys simulations are most performed in Ansys
Workbench software. The Ansys software is used to analyse large structure into small
components. A user may start the software by defining the dimensions of an object and then
adding weight, pressure, temperature and other physical properties. Finally, the Ansys
43
software simulates and analyzes movement, fatigue, fractures, stress and strain, fluid flow,
temperature distribution, electromagnetic efficiency and other effects over time.
Fig 10.1: Ansys workbench 18.1 icon

10.2 SLAB PARAMETERS
The slab model created in 700x700x100 mm dimensions. The materials used are concrete for
solid slab, steel as reinforcement bar, CFRP as Cera CFR W 100 laminate and adhesive resin
as Cera bond EP CFR. Table 10.1 shows the input data in the software as the properties of
materials.
Table 10.1: Material properties
Materials Properties Value
Concrete Density 2400kg/m3
Young’s modulus of elasticity 28285MPa
Poisson’s ratio 0.15
Compressive strength 32.59MPa
Yield strength of concrete 4.24MPa
Density 7860kg/m3
Steel
44
Yield strength 500MPa
Density kg/m3

CFRP
Tensile Yield strength 3900MPa
Density kg/m3

Epoxy resin
Tensile Yield strength 30MPa
10.3 MODELING IN ANSYS WORKBENCH 18.1
Fig 10.2: Opening window
The static structural option in Ansys workbench was taken for the analysis of slab model. The
material property of each type of materials defines in separately. Here four different materials
were used such as concrete, steel, CFRP, epoxy resin. Materials were assumed as isotropic in
nature and bilinear isotropic hardening was introduced. Density, young’s modulus, poisons
45
ratio and yield strength of each material were provided as per the experimental results and
data collections from previous studies.
Fig 10.3: Engineering data window

The modelling of the slab was done through design modeler in ANSYS. Using different tools
such as drawing tool- rectangle, circle, line etc and modifying tools - extrude, mirror, pattern,
translation etc the conventional slab and slab with CFRP were created in the software. The
slab model was created in 700x700x100mm dimensions using rectangle and extrude tool. The
reinforcement mesh was created with 8 mm diameter bars at 100 mm centre to centre spacing.
The slab models are created at same dimensions of experiment but also modelled a slab with
CFRP placed greater than 2d distance from loading point. This slab is denoted as S6 and in
this slab the slab support provided 50 mm from end of slab in all directions other dimensions
are same as experimental model. The modified model of S4 slab is created, in this slab the
support provided 50 mm from the end of slab in all direction and this slab denoted as S5. The
longitudinal groves were cut at the tensions side of slab in two direction using cut material
option. The epoxy filled in grooves and layer was created between CFRP sheet and concrete.
The CFRP sheet and rod are stacked on concrete. The stages of modelling are shown in figure
10.5 to 10.12. To support the modelling section, 100mm wide area is provided in the bottom
portion of the slab in all sides. In the top side of slab 10cm diameter circle was provided for
loading.
46
a) b)
Fig 10.4: a) S5, b) S6
Fig 10.5: Reinforcement of slab
47
Fig 10.6: Solid slab
10.4 MODELS
There are six models are created named as S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6. S1 model is the model of
conventional slab. The S2, S3, S4 models are slab with 1, 2, 3 FRP rods and 1, 2, 3 CFRP
sheets are provided in tension side of slab at each side of loading point in two orthogonal
direction. The support conditions provided in S1, S2, S3, S4 slabs are same, at a distance 100
mm from the sides of slab in all directions. In S5 model 3 FRP rods and 3 CFRP sheets are
used but the support is provided at 50 mm from sides of slab in all the directions. In S6 slabs
4 FRP rods and 4 CFRP sheets are provided and support condition same with S5 slab. The
loading conditions are same for all the six types of slabs. The all material property values
were provided same in the all models.
48
Fig 10.7: Slab model S1
49
50
The models are to be linked to the material properties in order to show the characteristics of
the material. In Ansys workbench third step to assign the materials properties from
engineering data provided in first step. After the materials are assigned to respective
geometries, the global coordinate system was fixed. Between each component of the model
connections are provided such as concrete to reinforcement bars, concrete to epoxy resin and
epoxy resin to CFRP etc as bonded connections. Meshes are provided for the model to make
the finite element analysis and get more accurate results.
Fig 10.13: Meshing of Slab
51
Fig 10.14: Meshing of FRP
10.5 ANALYSIS
The finite element analysis of the all models was done. In order to provide the loading in
steps the auto time stepping was done with steps and sub steps. The solver type used was
direct. The concentrated load applied on the model. The simply support condition provided
on all four sides. The total deformations, force reaction, stress and strain etc was computed
after the analysis of model. The analysis of all models was completed with no errors and
minimum number of warnings.
Fig 10.15: Concentrated loading
52
Fig 10.16: Simply supported end condition
10.6 RESULTS
The ultimate load carrying capacity, stress distribution, strain distribution and the
deformations corresponding to the loads are analyzed for all the six models. The force
deformation graphs are plotted. The maximum deformations and ultimate loads are found out.
Fig 10.17: Deformation of S2
53
Fig 10.18: Total Stress in S3
Fig 10.19: Total strain in S4
Fig 10.20: Total deformation in S6

The table 10.2 shows the variation of load and deformation in slab samples. The maximum
stress and strain of slab samples are given in table 10.3.
54
Table 10.2: Load and deformation of all slab models
S1 S2 S3 S4
L in KN D in mm L in KN D in mm L in KN D in mm L in KN D in mm
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
73.414 1.5 82.764 1.501 88.72 1.5005 90.105 1.5015
78.117 3.0015 91.123 3.0062 98.378 3.0107 101.33 3.0035
82.207 5.2556 98.64 5.2651 107.39 5.2752 112.1 5.255
84.832 7.5099 106.39 8.6558 116.62 8.6685 123.8 8.6686
87.295 10.896 114.9 13.743 126.18 13.753 133.14 12.103
89.16 15.036 116.84 15.062 129.26 15.071 140.18 15.16
S5 S6
L in KN D in mm L in KN D in mm
0 0 0 0
89.749 0.75261 90.606 0.75209
106.43 1.5095 106.25 1.51
121.3 2.65 120.09 2.6477
133.9 4.3375 132.47 4.3295
141.11 6.0153 139.99 6.0068
145.84 7.7036 146.76 8.5358
150.7 10.232 151.28 11.096
153.81 14.017 154 13.092
155.9 15 156.26 15.09
Table 10.3: Total maximum stress and maximum strain of slab models
Slab sample Maximum stress (MPa) Maximum strain (mm)
S1 4.0087 0.0931
S2 2216.2 0.0989
S3 2906.5 0.11506
S4 3877.4 0.22407
S5 3662.4 0.31226
S6 4116 0.33479
55
Table 10.4: Maximum stress in CFRP strips
stress in MPa
samples 1st CFRP 2nd CFRP 3rd CFRP 4th CFRP
strip strip strip strip
S2 2048.2 - - -
S3 3218.9 1013.7 - -
S4 2548.6 1172.3 670.13 -
S5 1434.3 402.54 148.93 -
S6 1344.3 357.15 121.73 100.94
56
CHAPTER 11
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
11.1 STRENGTH COMPARISON OF SLABS
The ultimate punching shear capacities of four slabs in experiment are observed and there is
28.35% increasing load of slab with CFRP S2 compare with conventional slab S1. The CFRP
number increased slab of S3 and S4, they have 45.37% and 57.87% increasing loads
compared with S1. The percentage of increasing load 28.35% compare with S2 and S1,
17.01% compare with S3 and S2 and 12.5% compare with S4 and S3. In FEA considered
31.04% increasing load compare with S2 and S1. The S3 and S4 have 44.97% and 57.22%
increasing load compare with slab S1. The S6 slab has 0.23% increasing load compare with
S5. Experimentally as well as analytically comparison of ultimate load carrying capacity of
slabs as shown in figure 11.3. The variation of analytical and experimental load values of S1,
S2, S3 and S4 slabs are 3.2%, 5.3%, 2.9% and 2.7% respectively. The main cause of
increasing punching shear load carrying capacity of slab with CFRP is shear zone of slab is
extending to the end of slab. If the CFRP placed after 2d distance from the loading point the
percentage of increasing load is small amount because the extending of shear zone is not
occur.
EXPERIMENTAL ULTIMATE LOADS

160
140
120
100
LOAD IN KN
80
60
40
20
0
S1 S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.1: Experimental Ultimate load of samples
57
ANALYTICAL ULTIMATE LOADS
160
140
120
100
LOAD IN KN
80
60
40
20
0
S1 S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.2: Ultimate load of samples in FEA
ULTIMATE LOAD COMPARISON

160
140
120
LOAD IN KN
100
80 experimenal
analytical
60
40
20
0
S1 S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.3: Comparison of ultimate load of samples
58
PERCENTAGE OF INCREASING LOADS
COMPARE WITH S1
70
% OF INCREASING ULTIMATE
60
50
LOAD
40
30
20
10
0
S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.4: Percentage of increasing loads compare with S1
ULTIMATE LOADS
158
157
156
155
LOAD IN KN
154
153
152
151
150
S5 S6
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.5: Ultimate loads of S5 and S6 slab
11.2 LOAD DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF SLABS
The load deformation graph of the slab samples were plotted both for FEA and experimental
results. It was observed that initially as the load increased the deformation does not change
much then deformation increased steeply. The figure 11.6 to figure 11.9 shows load
deformation curves of different samples.
59
LOAD DEFORMATION GRAPH S1
120
LOAD IN KN 90
60
Experimental
Analytical
30
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DEFORMATION IN MM
Fig 11.6: Load deformation graph of S1

150
120
LOAD IN KN
90
Experimental
Analytical
60
30
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DEFORMATION IN MM
60
150
120
LOAD IN KN
90
Experimental
Analytical
60
30
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DEFORMATION IN MM

150
120
LOAD IN KN
90
Experimental
Analytical
60
30
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DEFORMATION IN MM
61
LOAD DEFLECTION GRAPH
150
120
LOAD IN KN
90
S1
60 S2
S3
30 S4
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
DEFLECTION IN MM
Fig 11.10: Load deformation graph comparison
11.3 MAXIMUM DEFORMATION

The experimental and analytical result maximum deformation occurs in slab S4. In
experimental the minimum deformation occurs in slab S2 and in analytical slab S1. The
maximum deformations are plotted in figure 11.11- 11.14. The difference in deformations of
analytical and experiment result are 5.88%, 6.44%, 5.02% and 4.55% for S1, S2, S3 and S4
slab respectively.
14.5
DEFORMATION IN MM
14.4
14.3
14.2
14.1
14
13.9
S1 S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.11: Experimental maximum deformation of slabs
62
DEFORMATION IN MM 15
14.8
14.6
14.4
S1 S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.12: FEA maximum deformation of slabs
15.5 MAXIMUM DEFORMATION COMPARISON

DEFORMATION IN MM
15
14.5 experimenal
analytical
14
13.5
S1 S2 S3 S4
SPECIMENS
Fig 11.13: Comparison of maximum deformation
11.4 MAXIMUM STRESS IN CFRP STRIPS

The more stress of slab is taken by CFRP strips. The stress in CFRP strips is decreased from
point of loading to end of slab. In S3 slab there is 31.5% stress in second strip’s compare with
first strip. Decreasing stress indicates that the maximum load taken by 1 st strip compare with
63
2nd strip. In S4 slab only 26.2% stress occurs in 3 rd strips compare with 1st. In S6 slab only
7.5% stress taken in 4th strips compare with 1st strip. It indicates that load carrying capacity of
strips decreases away from the point of loading. If the CFRP strips placed after 2d distance
from the loading point the load taken by strips is less compare to strip at loading point.
STRESS IN CFRP STRIP'S

3500
3000
2500
STRESS IN Mpa
2000 S3
1500 S4
S5
1000 S6
500
0
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
CFRP STRIPS FROM LOADING POINT
Fig 11.14: CFRP strips stress comparison
CHAPTER 12
CONCLUSIONS
The Flat slab is strengthened by using CFRP composite material against the punching shear
failure of slab. The EBROG technique is used for CFRP strip is bonded in one direction and
EBRIG/NSM method is used for FRP rod is bonded in other direction without the use of
shear reinforcement. The main conclusions drawn from this thesis can be summarized as
follows:
64
• The new grooving technique in external bonded reinforcement method with CFRP in
flat slab was found as an effective, easy, and practical way of strengthening method
and enhancing their capacity against punching shear failure.
• The punching shear capacity of flat slab increased by 28.4% - 57.9% compare with
control slab.
• To get maximum punching shear capacity of flat slab the CFRP materials placed
within 2d distance from the loading point.
• The CFRP is placed most as possible at the shear zone if away from the loading point
percentage of increasing load is reduced.
• The experimental and FEA/analytical models shows the good relations in result there
is 5.3% variations in results it may be due to experimental limitations.
• Stresses carried out by CFRP strips placed from load point to end of slab are
decreased.
REFERENCES
1. A.Abdullah, C.G. Bailey, Z.J. Wu, “Tests investigating the punching shear of a
column-slab connection strengthened with non-prestressed or prestressed FRP plates”
Elsevier Ltd in Science Direct , Construction and Building Materials, volume48, 2013,
pp. 1134–1144
2. Alkarani and Ravindra. R, “Evaluation of Punching Shear in Flat Slabs” International
Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, Nov-2013
3. Amir Tajmir-Riahi and Niloufar Moshiri, “Bond mechanism of EBROG method
using a single groove to attach CFRP sheets on concrete” Elsevier Ltd in ScienceDirect,
Construction and Building Materials, volume 197, 2019
4. Amirreza Moghaddas and Davood Mostofinejad, “Empirical FRP-Concrete Bond
Strength Model for Externally Bonded Reinforcement on Grooves” American Society
of Civil Engineers, December 21, 2018
5. D.Soundarya, S.Karthikeyan, K.Rajeshkumar, “Analytical Study Of Punching
Shear In Flat Slab - Review Paper” International Research Journal of Engineering and
Technology, Volume 05, Issue 04, Apr-2018
65
6. Davood Mostofinejad and Seyed Masoud Shameli, “Externally bonded
reinforcement in grooves (EBRIG) technique to postpone debonding of FRP sheets in
strengthened concrete beams” Elsevier Ltd in Science Direct , Construction and
Building Materials volume 38, 2013, pp. 751–758
7. G. I. Khaleel, I. G. Shaaban, K. M. Elsayedand, “Strengthening of Reinforced
Concrete Slab-Column Connection Subjected to Punching Shear with FRP Systems”
International Journal of Engineering and Technology, Vol. 5, No. 6, December 2013
8. Hikaru Nakamura and Hasan Meisami, “Strengthening of flat slabs with FRP fan for
punching shear” Elsevier Ltd in ScienceDirect, Composite Structures, volume 119,
2015
9. IS 10262:2009
10. IS 2386:1963
11. IS 269: 2015
12. IS 2886:1963
13. IS 4031: 1996
14. IS 456: 2002
15. M.A.L. Silva, J.C.P.H. Gamage, S. Fawzia, “Performance of slab-column
connections of flat slabs strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymers” Elsevier
Ltd in ScienceDirect ,Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol.11, 2019
16. M.Hasan Meisami, Davood Mostofinejad, Hikaru Nakamura, “Punching Shear
Strengthening of Two-Way Flat Slabs with CFRP Grids” American Society of Civil
Engineers, November 20, 2013
17. Mahesh Bariya and Krishna Nair, “Fracture Analysis of Punching Shear in Flat Slab
with Conventional Punching Shear Reinforcement and Steel Fiber using FEA
Software” International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, Vol. 8 Issue
09, 2019
18. Majid H. Abdulhussein, Dr. Muhammad J. Kadhim, “Numerical Investigation On
The Punching Behaviour of RC Flat Slabs Strengthening By TRM And FRP”
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, Volume 10, Issue 03,
March 2019
66
19. Meet H. Thacker, Prof. Tarak P. Vora, “State-of-The-Art Review of FRP
Strengthened RC Slabs” International Journal for Scientific Research & Development,
Vol. 3, Issue 10, 2015
20. Mohammad Banijamali and Mohammad Reza Esfahani, “Reviewing the FRP
Strengthening Systems” American Journal of Civil Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 2-2, 2015,
pp. 38-43.
21. Mohd Tanjeem Khan, Md.Raja, Adib Maaz Ansari, “Experimental Investigation of
Punching Shear on FRP Strengthened Slab” International Journal of Advances in
Scientific Research and Engineering, Volume 4, Issue 5 May – 2018
22. Reshma Mathew and Binu .P, “CFRP Strips on Punching Shear Strength
Development of Bubble Deck Slab” International Journal of Advanced Research
Trends in Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2, Issue 9, September 2015
23. Rojin Azizi and Sayed Behzad Talaeitaba, “Punching shear strengthening of flat
slabs with CFRP on grooves (EBROG) and external rebars sticking in grooves”
International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering Vol. 11, pp. 79–95, 2018
24. Seyed Masoud Shameli and Ardalan Hosseini, “EBROG and EBRIG methods for
strengthening of RC beams by FRP sheets” European Journal of Environmental and
Civil Engineering, vol 18, pp.652-668, 2014
25. Yogesh A.Chaudhari, “Finite Element Analysis of Effect of Punching Shear in Flat
Slab Using Ansys 16.0” International Journal of Engineering Science Invention,
Volume 5, Issue 4 April 2016
67
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
1. Jijo P George, Roshini T Mohan, “Experimental Study of Punching Shear

Strengthening of Flat Slab Using CFRP” International Journal for Scientific Research
& Development, Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2020
2. Jijo P George, Roshini T Mohan, “Punching Shear Strengthening of Flat Slabs with
External Bonded CFRP on Grooves (EBROG)” International Conference on Structural
Engineering And Construction Management (SECON 2020), May 2020
3. Jijo P George, Roshini T Mohan, “Analytical Study of Strengthening of Flat Slab
with External Bonded CFRP” International Research Journal of Engineering and
Technology, Volume 07, Issue 05, May 2020
68
IJSRD - International Journal for Scientific Research & Development| Vol. 8, Issue 2, 2020 | ISSN (online): 2321-
0613
Experimental Study of Punching Shear Strengthening of Flat Slab Using

CFRP
Jijo P George1 Roshini T Mohan2
1
PG Student 2Assistant. Professor
1,2
Department of Civil Engineering
1,2
Sreepathy Institute of Management and Technology, Kerala, India
Abstract— In the present study, the application of overcome this punching shear failure of flat slabs, some of
carbonfiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to improve the which are currently being practiced already. These include
punching shear strength of flat slab has been investigated. application of heads and collars around columns, using rods
The external bonded CFRP was arranged in two orthogonal or steel shear heads at the connection zone, and providing
directions. In one direction FRP rod was mounted in groove punching shear links around the column area. Recently, the
and other direction CFRP strip mounded in EBROG advent of new construction materials (especially
technique. The punching shear strength of slab investigated composites) has given rise to strengthening various types of
by applies a concentrated load on the centre of slab. The structures, including the development of internally and
concrete slab specimens were strengthened with 1 or 2 or 3 externally installed carbon fiber–reinforced polymer
stacked bars and CFRP strips at each face of loading point (CFRP) stirrups.
in two orthogonal directions and their load–displacement The use of fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) for
relationships as well as their failure loads were compared strengthening became a valid alternative because of their
with control slab. Experimental results showed that the small thickness, relative ease of application, high strength
external bonded CFRP on grooving method enhanced the over conventional material, light weight and highly
punching shear load. The results showed the great efficiency durability. The CFRP’s are commonly used wherever high
of the method so that the punching shear capacity of flat strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness (rigidity) are required,
slab with CFRP increased between 28.4 - 58% compare to such as aerospace, superstructure of ships, automotive, civil
control slab. engineering, sports equipment. CFRP are composite
Keywords: Flat Slab, CFRP materials of two parts: a matrix and reinforcement. In CFRP
the reinforcement is carbon fiber, which provides the
I. INTRODUCTION strength. The matrix is usually a polymer resin, such as
epoxy, to bind the reinforcements together. CFRP has
The rapid development of the building construction resulted
become a notable material in structural engineering
in the need for innovative, safe and optimised structural
applications. It has also proved itself costeffective in a
systems; one of those structural systems is flat slab roof
number of field applications strengthening concrete,
system. Flat slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab
masonry, steel, cast iron, and timber structures. The
supported directly by concrete columns without the use of
strengthening of flat slab is done by externally bonded
beam and girders, and the loads are transferred directly to
CFRP sheets onto a concrete.FRP debonding is the main
the supporting concrete columns. Flat slabs are especially
problem that affects the efficiency of this technique. To
advantageous for their ease of installation, saving in
avoid the debonding of FRP material to introduce a new
building height, shorter construction time, Flexibility in
grooving method is called “externally bonded reinforcement
room layout and that involve multi-storey structures of wide
on grooves” (EBROG). In EBROG technique the concrete
spans. However, they lack a beam network at the column
on which FRP sheet to be installed is prepared by cutting a
connections in flat slab, which leads to a punching shear
groove on the concrete surface and epoxy is filled in the
failure within the column slab supported area.
groove and surface before the FRP is installed.
Punching shear is a type of failure of reinforced
concrete slabs subjected to high localized forces in shorter
area, And the development of a diagonal crack with variable II. OBJECTIVES
inclination, starting from the root of the column to the − To strengthen flat slab with external bonded CFRP
tension face of the slab. It is affected by the column size, − To analyse the punching shear behaviour of flat slab
slab depth, existing flexural reinforcement ratio and the with external bonded FRP
concrete tensile strength. This type of failure is catastrophic − To check the load behaviour of slab by increasing FRP
because no visible signs are shown prior to failure. This strips and rods
results in the column breaking through the portion of the III. MATERIALS USED
slab. This failure is one of the most critical problems to
A. Cement
consider when determining the thickness of flat slab.
Accurate prediction of punching shear is a major concern Ordinary Portland cement of 53 grades was used in this
and absolutely necessary for engineers to design a safe thesis. The physical properties of the cement are given in
structure. A number of solutions have been proposed to table I
All rights reserved by www.ijsrd.com 1097

Experimental Study of Punching Shear Strengthening of Flat Slab Using CFRP
(IJSRD/Vol. 8/Issue 2/2020/253)
Physical properties Results groove provided in two orthogonal directions (x and y axes)
Fineness 1.61 of slab plan and then mounting the external FRP bar in
Standard consistency 34% groove at one direction (EBRIG) and FRP strip on another
Initial setting time 50 min direction in EBROG(externally bonded reinforcement on
Specific gravity 3.15 groove) method. The slabs are denoted in S1, S2, S3, S4,
Soundness 1mm (table III) and one slab used as control slab the remains
Compressive strength of cement For 7 days 40.67Mpa slabs are strengthen by FRP. The crack patterns, the
Table 1: Properties of Cement deflection occurred during the cracking and ultimate load,
B. Aggregates maximum deflection, and load-deflection curves were
recorded throughout the test.
The crushed stone coarse aggregates are used those
retaining in 4.75mm sieve. The maximum sizes of 20mm S1 control slab
coarse aggregates are used. The Fine aggregates used as M S2 slab with 1 bar and 1 strip at each side of loading
sand or manufactured sand, and it’s passing through S3 slab with 2 bars and 2 strips at each side of loading
4.75mm sieve. The tests are conducted according to IS S4 slab with 3 bars and 3 strips at each side of loading
2386; 1963, and in gradation curve the fine aggregate is of Table 3: Specimen Denominations.
zone 2. The obtained values are given in table II. A. Strengthening Application
Results
The concrete specimens were removed from the mould just
Physical properties Coarse Fine one day after casting and cured in a water bath at a fixed
Aggregate aggregate temperature for 28 days. After the curing the specimens
Bulk density 1.69 1.78 were taken out of the water for drying in air at laboratory
Specific gravity 2.78 2.65 conditions. The slab surface prepared by cutting groove in x
Void ratio 0.71 0.49 and y directions, and area in which the FRP bonded was
Fineness modulus 7.279 3.42 cleaned and smoothened thoroughly to remove cement
Uniformity coefficient 1.761 3.55 laitance, loose materials, and contaminants (i.e., dirt, oil,
Coefficient of curvature 0.87 0.76 etc.). The two components of the epoxy adhesive Cera bond
Table 2: Properties Of Aggregates EP CFR (A: dark grey colour and B: yellow colour) were
mixed appropriately at 3: l proportions. The mixing process
C. CFRP continued until the mixture became homogenous in
The CFRP IS used as “Cera CFR W 100 laminate” with size consistency and a uniform grey colour. Then epoxy
500x50x1mm, and FRP rod of size 8mm diameter. adhesive applied to groove and surface of slab then FRP
rods stacked in grooves in one direction and FRP strips are
stacked surface of concrete by EBROG technique. The FRP
rods have 8mm diameter and CFRP strip in 50mm width,
500mm length and 1mm thickness. Specimens strengthened
with 1 or 2 or 3 stacked bars at each face of loading point in
one direction and 1 or 2 or 3 EBROG-FRP strip(s) at each
side of loading point in another orthogonal direction (Fig.
2). All the strengthened slabs were cured for at least five
days before testing.
Fig. 1: CFRP Strips

D. Epoxy Resin
The “Cera bond EP CFR” is used as adhesive material for
bonding FRP on concrete.
E. Water
In the concrete mix portable water that is free from oils and
other impurities is used. The water used has no acidic or
alkaline content in it.
IV. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION a) b)

The experiment consisted of testing four specimens with
dimensions of slab samples 700 x 700 x 100 mm, and 8mm
diameter Fe 500 steel reinforcement bars were used. The
reinforcement bars were provided at 150 mm spacing. The
mix design for M25 grade concrete is done according to IS
10262: 2009. The flat slabs strengthen by a newly
introduced method, named as grooving method (GM). The

c)
Fig. 2: specimens: a-S2,b-S3,c-S4
Fig. 4: Load deflection graph − All types of strengthening composite configurations achieved an incremental increase in the
ultimate punching shear load capacity and a decrease in the corresponding failure deflection.

− The increase in punching shear capacity 28.4% to 58% was observed.

− The FRP is placed most as possible at the shear zone if away from loading the percentage of increasing load reduced.
− The EBROG shearing method is more efficient method to strengthen the flat slab against punching shear.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Author wishes to express sincere thanks & gratitude to all people who have invested their time and helped directly or
indirectly for the completion of this project work.
REFERENCES
[1] Amirreza Moghaddas and Davood Mostofinejad,
“Empirical FRP-Concrete Bond Strength Model for
Externally Bonded Reinforcement on Grooves”, (ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000924. © 2018
[2] Ardalan Hosseinia, Davood Mostofinejada &Seyed Masoud Shamelia, “EBROG and EBRIG methods for strengthening
of RC beams by FRP sheets” European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2014
[3] Davood Mostofinejad, Seyed Masoud Shameli, “Externally bonded reinforcement in grooves (EBRIG) technique to
postponede bonding of FRP sheets in strengthened concrete beams”, ScienceDirect, 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
[4] Niloufar Moshiri2, “Compressive Strength of CFRP Composites Used for Strengthening of RC Columns: Comparative
Evaluation of EBR and Grooving Methods” ASCECC.1943-5614.0000545. © 2014
American Society of Civil Engineers.
[5] Rojin Azizi1 · Sayed Behzad Talaeitaba1, “Punching shear strengthening of flat slabs with CFRP on grooves (EBROG)
and external rebars sticking in grooves”, International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering :(2019)
[6] S M Banijamali “Reviewing the FRP Strengthening Systems”, American Journal of Civil Engineering,
:2015

Mr. Jijo P George
Sreepathy institute of Management and Technology
Punching Shear Strengthening of Flat Slabs with External Bonded CFRP on Grooves (EBROG)
228
FISAT/CE/SECON/PR20228
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 07 Issue: 05 | May 2020 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Analytical Study of Strengthening of Flat Slab with External Bonded

CFRP
Jijo P George1, Roshini T Mohan2
1PG Student 2Assistant Professor
1,2Department of Civil Engineering
1,2Sreepathy Institute of Management and Technology, Kerala, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - This paper presents an analytical study on corrosion. As a result, FRP strengthening approaches have
flat slab specimens strengthened by a carbon fiber- received much attention from the research and practice
reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets using externally bonded community.
reinforcement on groove (EBROG) method. The flat slab
strengthen by apply a new modal of FRP bar laying in one In this study to strengthen flat slab by CFRP
direction and CFRP strips bonded in other direction. To composites apply a new technique called as grooving
apply a concentrated load on the slab face to test the method. The FRP are arranged in tension side of slab. To
punching shears strength of slab. The FRP’s arranged in strengthen flat slab choose FRP rod and CFRP strips in
1or 2 or 3 FRP bars and 1 or 2 or 3 CFRP strips are this study and finite element analysis done in ANSYS
mounted at each face of the loading in two orthogonal Workbench 18.1.the FRP rod bonded in groove and CFRP
directions and their load–displacement relationships as strip bonded in EBROG(external bonded reinforcement on
well as their failure loads were compared with each other.
groove) technique in two orthogonal directions.
The finite element analysis was carried out using ANSYS
Workbench 18.1. The results of the work showed that the
strengthened slab could achieve 31-57.2% strength that of The aim of this analytical study is to investigate
compare to control slab. Hence this is a highly innovative the punching behavior of column-slab connections
method that can be implemented in the construction strengthened with CFRP. The study concentrates mainly
industry. on concrete column-slab connections without shear
reinforcement, and a low reinforcement ratio, in order to
enhance their cracking resistance and ultimate loading
Key Words: CFRP, externally bonded reinforcement,
capacity.
flat
slab, grooving method (GM), EBROG technique
2. OBJECTIVES
1. INTRODUCTION
 To strengthen flat slab with external bonded
CFRP
The flat slabs are slabs supported directly on
columns without the addition of beams. They are a  As part of new initiatives towards increase
popular flooring solution in multi-storey construction due strength and reduce maintenance, alternative
to their economy and functional advantages. The key materials are being considered.
advantages of the flat slab are reduced floor depths in
comparison to other systems, making space for services  To analyse the punching shear behaviour of flat
and reducing building heights, and enabling economies in slab with external bonded FRP in EBROG
construction through a reduction in the material cost and technique.
construction time via use of simple and efficient
formwork. However the clear advantages, flat slabs have  To check the load behaviour of slab by increasing
inherent weaknesses; in particular, the connection FRP strips and rods in two orthogonal directions.
between the flat slab and the supporting column is the
most critical part due to the concentrated load coming in
column and slab connections. And thus failure mode
called as punching shear failure. increasingly used in
construction applications. FRP has many features such as
a high strength to weight ratio and high resistance to
© 2020, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 5771
3. MATERIAL PROPERTIES Epoxy resin Tensile Yield strength 30MPa
Punching shear failure is one of the most dangerous 3.1 Concrete problems in the design of flat slabs.
Punching shear is The concrete used here is M25 grade concrete. The affected by the column size, slab depth and the
concrete mix design was done according to IS 10262:2002and IS tensile strength, and this failure is brittle and sudden
456:2000 because concrete is unable to accommodate high tensile stresses that develop close to the slab-column
connection. It is necessary to strengthen flat slabs due to insufficient punching shear strength. Over the last couple of
decades, fiber reinforcing polymer (FRP) composites have been
4. MODELING
3.2 Steel reinforcement
The modelling of the flat slab was done through
geometry, designModeler. Using different tools such as
The reinforcement is provided as meshes at
drawing tool- rectangle, circle, line etc and modifying
bottom with a diameter of 8mm. They are Fe 500 grade
tools - extrude, mirror, pattern, translation etc. The mesh
placed 100 mm apart.
was created with 8mm bars at 100mm centre to centre
distance, and the clear cover at side ends are 50mm
3.3 CFRP distance was provided. Solid slab of adequate size of
700x700x100mm was created. The epoxy is filled by
The carbon fiber reinforced polymer strips are create groove in slab using the extrude tool in cut material
provided with dimensions of 500x50x1 mm. The FRP rods option. Later the FRP bars are arranged in groove and also
are provided in 8 mm diameter. CFRP strip was arranged in concrete surface by using
extrude tool. The areas required for providing support
3.4 Epoxy resin were created in the modelling section at 10cm wide area
is provided in the bottom portion of the slab in all four
sides. In the top an area of circle with 100 mm diameter
The epoxy resin used to bind the CFRP and concrete. provided for the loading.
Table -1: Material Properties
Materials Properties Value
Young’s modulus of
elasticity 28285MPa
Concrete Poisson’s ratio 0.15
Compressive strength 32.59MPa
Young’s modulus of
200000MPa
elasticity
Steel Fig-1: Slab S1
Yield strength 500MPa
Young’s modulus of There are four models created and it’s denoted as
230000MPa S1, S2, S3 and S4. S1 is the model of the slab without CFRP
elasticity
in it. S2 is the model in 1 FRP rod and 1 CFRP strips
CFRP provided in each side of loading in two orthogonal
Tensile Yield strength 3900MPa directions. The S3 & S4 model have 2 & 3 FRP rods and 2
& 3 CFRPs provided in each side of loading in two
Young’s modulus of orthogonal directions. The same support conditions and
4500MPa
elasticity
loading conditions provided for all the four types of slabs.
Poisson’s ratio 0.3 And materials properties are same for the models.
Fig-3: Slab S3
Fig-2: Slab S2
Fig-4: Slab S4
Fig-6: Load condition of model
4.1 Meshing
The models are linked to the materials in order to show the

characteristics of the material. After the modelling assigned the
material to respective geometry, the local coordinate system of each
is fixed with global coordinate system. The connections are
provided between each component of the model such as
connection between concrete and
reinforcement, concrete and epoxy, epoxy and CFRP etc. Meshes are
provided in finite element analysis more accurate result can be
obtained.
Fig-7: Supports conditions of model.
6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The ultimate load, stress distribution, strain distribution and maximum deformation of the four models are analysed. The
load deformation graph is plotted and also ultimate load of four modals is plotted.
Fig-5: Meshing of model

5. ANALYSIS
The finite element analysis of the four models was done. In order
to provide the loading in steps the auto time stepping was done
with steps and sub steps. The solver type used was direct. The
concentrated load applied on the model. The simply support
condition provided on all four sides in 100mm width space. The
total deformations, force reaction, stress and strain etc was
computed after the analysis of model. The analysis of all models
was completed with no errors and minimum number of
warnings. Fig-10: Equivalent total
strain of slab S4
LOAD DEFLECTION GRAPH
150
120
LOAD IN KN
90
60
30
Fig-8: Equivalent stress of slab S1
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
DEFLECTION IN MM
Chart-1: Load
defelection graph
Fig-9: Total deformation of slab S2
[3] Davood Mostofinejad, Seyed
Masoud Shameli, “Externally
bonded reinforcement in
grooves (EBRIG) technique to
postponede bonding of FRP
sheets in strengthened concrete
beams”, ScienceDirect, 2012
Elsevier Ltd.
[4] Niloufar Moshiri2,
“Compressive Strength of CFRP
Composites Used for
Strengthening of RC Columns:
Comparative Evaluation of EBR
and Grooving Methods”
ASCECC.1943-5614.0000545. ©
2014 American Society of Civil
Chart-2: ultimate load of slabs Engineers.
[5] Rojin Azizi1 · Sayed Behzad
The punching shear capasity of four slabs are analysed. The
Talaeitaba1, “Punching shear
punhing shear load of control slab S1 and slab with CFRP of 1 rod
strengthening of flat slabs with
and 1 strip at each side of loading slab S2 are observed and there
CFRP on grooves (EBROG) and
is 31 % increase in the load carrying capacity of S2 in
external rebars sticking in
comparison with S1. The slabs S3 & S4 have 44.9% and 57.2%
grooves”, International Journal
increased loads in comparison with S1. It was observed that
of Advanced Structural
punching shear load carrying capacity is increase from 1 bar and
Engineering :(2019)
1 strip at each side of loading to 3 bars and 3 strips at each side
[6] S M Banijamali “Reviewing the
of loading. Maximum deformations of the slabs with CFRP are
FRP Strengthening Systems”,
observed to be greater than the slab without CFRP.
American Journal of Civil
7. CONCLUSIONS Engineering, :2015
The punching shear capacity of flat slab with CFRP was BIOGRAPHIES
analyzed in ANSYS software with a new method known as
grooving method. In this method FRP bar mounted in groove and
Jijo P
the EBROG methods are applied for the CFRP sheets without any
George,
shear reinforcement against punching shear. The punching shear
PG
capacity of flat slab increased at 31% to 57.2% was observed.
student,
The EBROG shearing method is more efficient, easy, and practical
way of strengthening reinforced concrete flat slab against
punching shear without using shear reinforcement.
Structural Engineering,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Department of Civil
Engineering, Sreepathy
We wish to express sincere thanks & gratitude to all people who Institute of Management and
extended their helping hand for the completion of this work. Technology, Vavanoor,
Kerala,
India
REFERENCES
[1]Amirreza Moghaddas and Davood Mostofinejad, “Empirical

FRP-Concrete Bond Strength Model for Externally Bonded
Reinforcement on Grooves”, (ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000924. ©
2018. [2] Ardalan Hosseinia, Davood Mostofinejada & Seyed
Masoud Shamelia, “EBROG and EBRIG methods for
strengthening of RC beams by FRP sheets” European Journal
of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2014

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PUNCHING SHEAR STRENGTHENING OF FLAT SLABS

WITH EXTERNAL BONDED CFRP ON GROOVES

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

SREEPATHY INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT &TECHNOLOGY

VAVANOOR – 679 533

SREEPATHY INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY

VAVANOOR, KERALA STATE, PIN 679 533

This is to certify that the Project report titled “PUNCHING SHEAR

STRENGTHENING OF FLAT SLABS WITH EXTERNAL BONDED

Internal Supervisor External Supervisor

PG Coordinator Head of the Department

I am grateful to Dr. George C.T., Principal of Sreepathy Institute of Management and

I also at the outmost thank and express my profound gratitude to my guide

CONTENT PAGE NO.

CHAPTER 10 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF SLABS 43

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

11.8 Load deformation graph of S3 60

FEA Finite Element Analysis

1.2 FLAT SLAB

Fig 1.1: Flat slab

Fig 1.2: Punching shear failure of f lat slab

1.3 Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)

1.5 SCOPE OF THE WORK

The scope of this work as follows:

 M25 grade mix concrete is prepared for the study

 28 days is the expected curing time

 To strengthen flat slab in an external bonded reinforcement technique

2.2 PREVIOUS STUDIES

A. Abdullah, C.G. Bailey, Z.J. Wu(1) (2013) conducted an investigation of the

2.3 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW

• Punching shear strengthening of flat slab with FRP is more efficient

• The FRP sheets used to extent shear zone of flat slab

4.1 ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT

Table 4.1: Properties of cement

Physical properties Results

Standard consistency 34%

Initial setting time 50 min

Specific gravity 3.15

Bulk density 1.69 1.78

4.3 REINFORCEMENT BARS

4.5 EPOXY RESIN

Fig 4.2: Epoxy adhessive

a) Preliminary tests of materials were done.

Construct the slab moulds.

g) The punching shear strengths of different slabs were found out.

h) The models of four samples of slabs were created in ANSYS workbench.

CHARACTERISTIC TESTS OF MATERIALS

5.1 TESTS ON AGGREGATE

5.1.1 Bulk density, void ratio and specific gravity of aggregates

Table 5.1: Aggregate testing results

Fine aggregate Coarse aggregate

2 Percentage of voids 32.8 34.9 39.2 41.7

3 Void ratio 0.49 0.52 0.71 0.78

4 Specific gravity 2.65 2.63 2.78 2.76

5.1.2 Aggregate crushing value

1 Weight of mould 16.02 Kg

2 Weight of coarse aggregate and mould 18.5 Kg

Weight of sample passing through 12.5mm and retained

4 Weight of sample passing through 2.36mm sieve 0.835 Kg

5 Aggregate crushing value 33.67%

5.1.3 Grain size distribution of aggregates

Table 5.3: Grain size analysis

FINE AGGREGATE SIEVE ANALYSIS CURVE