Reinforced concrete (RC) has been widely used in civil constructions for almost two centuries due to its versatility and relatively low cost-effectiveness ratio when compared with other structural systems. It is notably the preferred material for the construction of strategic infrastructures. However, RC constructions are in constant deterioration. Special attention had been given in the last decades to the influence of dynamic scenarios on RC structures due to concrete s inherent low tensile strength and brittle nature, which promotes intense cracking during these events. The present research focused on the assessment of two variations of strainhardening cementitious composites (SHCC) as strengthening material to improve the impact resistance of existing buildings, moreover structural members with critical shear failure. SHCC is a somewhat new class of fiber-reinforced composite reinforced with synthetic microfibers with an average content of 2 % in volume. Previous research studies already demonstrated that this composite is able to yield substantial deformations under tension (up to 6 % depending on the dosage) during its multiple-cracking phase, while enduring a crack-width limit of 100 μm. SHCC seems especially appropriate to withstand high-velocity impacts due to the relevant number of surfaces that are formed during its deformation phase since it represents a high perspective of energy dissipation without reducing load-bearing capacity. Two types of normal-strength SHCC were chosen to be assessed in this research. The composites differed mainly in the type of reinforcing fiber: PVA, and UHMWPE. As structural members embodied in structures are often subjected to multiaxial stress states, to evaluate SHCC´s potential as a strengthening material, combined torsion and tension tests were developed. These tests deepen the understanding of SHCC s mechanical performance under shear, while also enabled the combination with normal stresses. Then, SHCC s actual potential to improve the impact resistance and afterlife of existing structural members was investigated during an extensive experimental program that counted with 24 real-scale beams. The varied parameters were: (i) the type of SHCC; (ii) the internal reinforcement configuration (specimens with, and without stirrups); (iii) the impact energy (which was varied between 2.1 kJ and 6.4 kJ, corresponding to approximated velocities of 17 m/s to 30 m/s, respectively). The results were assessed in terms of their mechanical response, cracking patterns, and modal analysis. It was demonstrated that both types of composites improved the impact resistance of the strengthened RC members, outstandingly improving the impact safety with regards to residual dynamic response and stability while presenting a substantial reduction of spalling and scabbing material. The SHCC produced with UHMWPE fibers appeared to be less sensitive to the presence or absence of stirrups, posing as more suitable alternative for shear strengthening applications within dynamic scenarios where there is a deficient, or even uncertainty, about the internal transversal reinforcement of the existing members.