Stirrup-reinforced slabs are often used in reinforced concrete structures exposed to higher loads, such as bridges or rockfall galleries. Although it is known that stirrup reinforcement influences the stress and deformation state, but also crack development (including the shape and expansion of a punching cone), this stirrup effect has been neglected in the past in impact tests with reinforced plates and in engineering models. This should be investigated in order to obtain a complete understanding of the effect and performance of strengthening layers on the rear side of impacted components. The quantitative damage description must be extended by the stirrup effect and the engineering model must be validated accordingly. The interaction of reinforcement fabrics and fibre concrete matrices must also be intensified. Accompanying numerical investigations at macro level can significantly improve the understanding of the effects occurring during the impact process and support the evaluation of the experiments.