Full scale flexural test of jointed concrete members strengthened with post-tension tendons with internal anchorage

A new strengthening system, which embeds a post-tensioned PC bar tendon into the wedge-shaped anchorage of an existing concrete member, was developed. Previously, the adequate load-bearing capacity of the prestressing tendon anchorage was confirmed on simple element specimens. In the present study, the developed system is applied to the addition of new concrete members to old concrete structures. The strengthening effect of the system was examined in a loading test on jointed full-scale concrete members. The saltwater permeability at the joint was also examined. The flexural properties of the jointed members were compared to those of concrete beams jointed with conventional post-installed adhesive anchors. The concrete beams jointed by the proposed system exhibited superior crack-resistance and load-carrying capacity, and their joints were strongly water-impermeable.