Flat slab buildings gain popularity due to their architectural and aesthetic advantages, including lower building height, expedited construction, simpler formwork, unobstructed ceiling height, and simpler reinforcement placement. With increasing high-rise building trends, flat slab construction is extensively used in RC structures worldwide. One of the most crucial factors to consider when designing RC flat slabs is punching. Especially when exposed to gravity and inverted cyclic load. Several variables influence the flat slab’s slab-column connection (SCC) punching behavior under cyclic loading. These factors are shear reinforcement, gravity, horizontal loading, opening presence, concrete compressive strength, loading area dimension, internal RFT type, and tension reinforcement proportion. This paper thoroughly analyzes the aforementioned experimental and finite element investigations. This paper reviews the literature on the punching shear (PS) mechanism in flat slabs (FS) and discusses various RFT types versus PS. In addition, to illustrate the potential of SMAs as internal reinforcement, repairing, strengthening of damaged beams/beam-column connections, moderating deflection, self-repairing concrete, and in seismic application.