Development of a testing methodology for the design and quality control of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) anchors

Using CFRP anchors to prevent the premature debonding failure of CFRP strips from concrete substrate is gaining acceptance. Although adequate CFRP anchors can fully develop the strength of CFRP strips, few recommendations for designing CFRP anchors are available. Based on experimental results obtained from 38 tests, a testing methodology using design strip strength is presented to evaluate the quality of CFRP anchors and to identify the design parameters including the strength ratio of CFRP anchor to CFRP strip, the strip width, the concrete strength, the fan angle, the embedment length, the bend radius, the hole diameter, the CFRP patch, the bond length and the bond condition. Design recommendations and installation procedures are also presented to ensure the desired performance of the anchorage system.