Conceptual Review of the Use of High-Strength Grouted Post-Tensioned Anchor Bars to Retrofit or Replace Tainter Gate Anchorage Systems

Abstract

This paper reviews the suitability and use of post-tensioned grouted anchors to replace and/or retrofit existing Tainter gate anchorage systems. A thorough historical and theoretical review on both unbonded and bonded anchor systems was performed, a discussion is presented on the structural mechanisms by which the anchorage systems resist forces and maintain equilibrium. A review of bond mechanics is provided along with an example problem in which the two staggered anchorage patterns (Condition 1 and Condition 2) were inputted into multiple finite-element analysis (FEA) models with an assumed effective bond length and subjected to jacking load conditions. An elastic analysis was conducted for all models showcasing the peak principal stresses that developed between adjacent anchors, along with observations and comparisons between the two anchorage patterns. In addition, theoretical design concepts and example projects to retrofit existing anchorage systems are discussed along with recommendations for corrosion protection, drilling, and drilling tolerances.