Mechanical Behavior and Optimal Design Method for Innovative CFRP Cable Anchor

Abstract

To overcome the drawbacks of bond-type anchors for carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) cables, an innovative bonded anchor with steel wedges at the free end is developed in this study. The new anchor features high compressive stresses in the free end zone and relatively low radial stresses in the loaded end zone. Theoretical methods for assessing the carrying capacity and mechanical behaviors of this new bond-type anchor are established after analyzing the working mechanism of the new anchor. Furthermore, an optimal design method for the new anchor is developed. The optimal design and mechanical behavior for different cable specifications of the new anchorage system are analyzed, and the optimal design parameters are provided. Experimental studies were conducted on the static and fatigue properties of the new anchor, which is designed with 19 CFRP wires. The results show that the cone angle of the barrel has a significant effect on the mechanical behaviors of the anchor. The theoretical results match the test results well. The experiments show that the new anchor with 19 CFRP wires reached a failure load of up to 97% of the CFRP cable’s total capacity, and it is capable of resisting bear over 2 million load cycles with a stress amplitude of 161 MPa. In addition, the static load-carrying capacity of the new anchor increases after the fatigue test.