Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of a Novel Composite Anchorage System for CFRP Tendons

The composite-type anchorage, which combines the advantages of the mechanical-type and bonded-type anchorages, is expected to be a promising anchorage system for superior FRP tendons. This paper investigates the mechanical properties of a novel composite anchorage system for CFRP tendons. To examine the static and long-term mechanical properties of this novel anchorage system, a series of experimental studies were performed. The failure mode, load-carrying capacity, anchoring efficiency and creep behavior of the composite anchorage were investigated. The effects of pre-tightening force and grouted material on the anchorage performance were also examined. The results show that the novel composite anchorage system exhibited a satisfactory anchorage efficiency above 0.95 with an enhancement in load-carry capacity by 60.4%. Anchorage performance did not always positively correlate with the increasing of sand dosage in the grouted material. The optimum dosage of sand should not exceed 10%. Besides, the creep slippage of the novel composite anchorage under sustained load increased with the rising ambient temperature. The novel composite anchorage system experienced small creep slippage at normal temperature under high stress levels. This study provides insights into the mechanical properties of the newly developed composite anchorage, which will be beneficial to provide guidance for its future development and practical application.