The effect of reinforcement material type and bar diameter on the dynamic response of one-way slab panels is studied in this research work. The experimental program included testing twelve one-way, simply supported slab panels under a low-velocity impact through a 10 kg mass freely falling from a height of 1 m. Three systems of reinforcement were considered: deformed steel bars, GFRP bars, and steel wire ropes. Four specimens were cast for each type of reinforcement, each specimen was reinforced with one of four diameters (6, 8, 12, and 16 mm). Under dynamic excitation, the three-reinforcement series exhibited distinctly different vibration characteristics, with damping ratios, natural frequencies, and peak amplitudes varying in a manner directly related to the stiffness of each reinforcement type. The lowest midspan amplitude values and the highest natural frequency (18.5–16.67 Hz) were achieved by steel-reinforced panels; therefore, it is recommended to use deformed steel bars in reinforcing members when lower vibration amplitude is required. Panels reinforced by 12 mm diameter GFRP bars (G-12) recorded the highest damping ratio (12.5%), meaning that the vibration diminished faster than any other among the twelve specimens. This behavior affirms that reinforcement selection governs not only static load-carrying behavior but also the dynamic resilience of the structural element.
