Optimal Design of a Novel Composite Anchorage for Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Tendons

Abstract

In this study, we proposed a novel composite anchorage that considers the anchoring performance and dimension simultaneously. The design concept of this composite anchorage was first introduced, followed by comparison with the traditional inner-cone bond-type anchorage and traditional composite anchorage through theoretical and experimental methods. Then, a parametric study was conducted to determine the influence of different parameters on the anchoring performance, and the optimal design parameters were recommended according to the finite element (FE) and test results. Finally, the practicability of the optimal design parameters were validated through experiments on the anchorage with multiple CFRP tendons. Results showed that the novel composite anchorage could improve the anchoring performance compared with the traditional inner-cone bond-type anchorage by promoting increased anchorage efficiency by 60.4% and, with an ideal failure mode of tendon rupture. Moreover, the novel composite anchorage had smaller dimensions and avoided the presence of a vulnerable position at the junction of the mechanical and bond parts compared with the traditional composite anchorage. In addition, a group of optimal design parameters of this composite anchorage with a pre-tightening force of 130 kN, an inclinational differential angle of 0.1°, an inclination angle of 2.9°, and an embedded length of 30 d~40 d were proposed. The composite anchorage with five CFRP tendons designed with the proposed parameters failed with the rupture of the tendons and exhibited an anchoring efficiency of 1.05. This result showed that the optimal parameters were suitable for this novel composite anchorage to grip multiple tendons. This study can provide an experimental and theoretical basis for designing large-tonnage anchorage for multiple FRP tendons used as hangers or cables in real bridges.