The performance of slab-column connections has been critically studied over the last several decades by researchers aiming to better understand the behavior of flat slabs subjected to punching shear loading conditions. As a result, the use of slab shear reinforcement has emerged as a practical strategy to improve both the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete flat slabs.

The primary objective of this research study was to investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete slab-column connections employing an inclined shear reinforcement system comprised of deformed steel reinforcing bars. Results are presented from an experimental program conducted at the Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory of The University of Texas at Austin. The tests were aimed at establishing the merits and limitations of the shear reinforcement system, and it was found that a premature failure attributed to inadequate shear reinforcement anchorage controlled the performance of the strengthened slabs. The performance of the slabs constructed with the inclined reinforcement system is compared to that of slabs reinforced with more conventional, vertically-oriented, shear reinforcement. Lastly, the influence of the observed anchorage-driven failures were examined in the context of estimated slab shear resistances developed from provisions and analysis methods currently available for reinforced concrete flat slabs.