Behavior of Anchors Embedded in Concrete Damaged by the Maximum Considered Earthquake: An Experimental Study

Abstract

The article presents experimental tests carried out to investigate the effect of crack width (0.4, 0.8, 1.5, and 3.0 mm) on the behavior of anchor bolts under static and dynamic loading. Ultimate loads for anchors reached 220 kN depending on the anchor type, the diameter, and the crack opening width. Mechanical and bonded anchors were studied as the most frequently used anchor types. Two states of concrete, resulting from the design earthquake and the maximum considered earthquake, were simulated in the course of the experiments. Within the framework of the study, dependencies between the bearing capacity and stiffness of anchorages, on the one hand, and the level of concrete damage, on the other hand, were identified for different types of anchors. The data, generated in the course of the study, were used to identify the types of anchorages recommended for embedment in seismic areas. Plasticity coefficients and seismic load reduction coefficients were determined for different types of anchors and levels of concrete damage as a result of experimental studies. Reduction coefficients can be contributed to the design of anchorages embedded in seismic areas.