FRP Anchors to Enhance Efficiency of Externally Bonded FRP – Design Methodology and Case Studies

Abstract

As the use of externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement (EBR) systems for the retrofit of existing concrete structures becomes more prevalent, engineers and researchers are focusing on the use of FRP spike and through-anchors to enhance the efficiency of EBR systems. In addition to mitigating or delaying undesirable EBR debonding failure with spike anchors, through-anchors are also used to provide load-path continuity of the EBR across structural members. This paper briefly discusses the uses of FRP anchors for a wide-range of applications, as well as a recently developed design methodology for FRP anchors. The paper also describes how FRP anchors have been utilized in several field applications and the design of the anchors following the aforementioned methodology. The paper concludes that the use of FRP anchors is maturing, and that engineers now have the tools for the design of FRP anchors. Additionally, with recent developments in the understanding of anchor failure modes and the development of a resulting design methodology, there is a growing body of knowledge and experience for the adoption of anchor design into codes and guidelines.