Impact of efficiency and practicality of CFRP anchor installation techniques on the performance of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheets

Abstract

Utilizing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) anchors can enhance the strength and delay the debonding of flexural FRP in strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams. In this study, two different techniques are used for applying carbon FRP (CFRP) spike anchors to improve the performance of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheets. These two techniques are compared with respect to the ease of application, time spent, size of installation team, and performance. The first technique involved applying the CFRP anchors to begin with, then installing CFRP sheets by separating the fibers at the location of anchors. The second technique applied the CFRP sheets first to the beam soffit right after drilling the holes. This was followed by inserting CFRP anchors through the sheets into the prepared holes. The conclusion indicates that the second technique is easier, faster, and more practical in real-world applications. In addition, the use of distributed CFRP anchors increased the flexural capacity of the strengthened beams.