Behaviour of handmade FRP anchors under tensile load in uncracked concrete

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) anchors made from rolled or bundled fibres, which are known as FRP anchors amongst other names, are an emerging form of anchorage for application to externally bonded FRP strengthening systems. Little is however known of the fundamental behaviour of these anchors. This paper in turn reports the results of experiments on FRP anchors under pure tension (pullout) loading. A detailed description of the anchor construction procedure is firstly presented followed by anchor tensile strength test results. Pullout test results of FRP anchors embedded into uncracked concrete blocks are then reported with particular attention focused on the failure mechanisms, failure loads, bond strength and load- displacement and load-strain responses for varying anchor hole diameter, embedment depth and anchor fibre content. Finally, a large test data base is assembled from the results of the present study as well as two other studies found in the open literature. Relationships between the pullout load to the anchor diameter, embedment depth and concrete strength are identified while the effects of different methods of anchor construction are also discussed.