A reinforcing assembly to address this problem comprises a plurality of diagonal working members (preferably formed of #3 rebar) each of which is “ribbed” to provide increased surface area for bonding to the concrete, and each of which is attached to a horizontal runner independently such that the diagonal working members are variably spaced along the assembly. Relative to the horizontal runner, each diagonal member is “bent” at a given angle, preferably in the range of 45° plus or minus 25°. The reinforcing assembly is designed for use to provide punching shear reinforcement in a reinforced concrete structure such as, without limitation, a slab (in which the assembly is supported) located adjacent a structural column. The top of each diagonal member in the reinforcing assembly preferably comprises a double hook that is configured to fit within reinforcing bars that run along the top of the slab. The horizontal runner comprises a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending carrier (or “support”) bars, each of which preferably terminates on one end (namely, at the support column) at one end in a structure that is bent upwards and hooked. Preferably, the hooked structure of each runner bar extends into the structural column to provide additional reinforcement, thereby converting the runner bar into a reinforcing member that provides the same function as the other diagonal members, and at a confined location at a highest point of stress (i.e. where the slab attaches to the column) where it would not be possible otherwise to fit a diagonal member.