Plate-anchored reinforcement bars: A new simple and physical model for practical applications

A new model, based on sound simple physical considerations, allowing the assessment of the capacity of concrete to carry concentrated loads without transverse reinforcement is presented with a view for its application to the practical case of plate anchored reinforcement bars. The model is compared to experimental evidence and to other existing models obtaining excellent agreement with tests and improved performance with respect to existing models. Finally, the safety of the proposed model is also considered by applying the standard Eurocode format. With this format the resulting safety level is shown to be adequate. It is also shown that an equivalent safety level can be achieved using the traditional North American safety format (as in ACI-318, for instance).The proposed formulation is easy to use and allows the consideration of all relevant data in the design of anchor plates for specific conditions (materials, geometry).

► Simplified model to assess the capacity of concrete to carry concentrated loads.
► The proposed model is applied to the case of plate-anchored reinforcement bars.
► Experimental evidence shows improved performance with respect to existing models.
► The safety of the proposed model complies with the standard EC format.
► The proposed formulation is easy to use and the resulting safety is adequate.