A Novel Anchor Method for Multitendon FRP Cable: Manufacturing and Experimental Study

Abstract

This paper investigates the manufacturing technology and anchoring effectiveness of a proposed novel wedge anchor for multitendon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) cables. Manufacturing of the FRP cable used 19 FRP tendons with a diameter of 4 mm, and its anchor system was first studied by addressing the reliable bonding between each tendon and the realization of the variable elastic modulus of the load-transfer component (LTC) in the anchor zone. The experimental demonstration included evaluating the tensile properties of the FRP cable, the strain distribution in the anchor zone, and the stress-strain relationship of the cable. The anchor effect was evaluated through a comparison of strain distributions among the finite-element simulation and experimental results. Furthermore, the anchor efficiency of the tested cables was evaluated. The results indicate that the winding of fiber roving around each tendon at the anchor zone benefits the integration of the tendons, and the variable elastic modulus of the LTC can be realized through the winding fiber roving with variable angle inclinations and the assistance of compression molding technology. The strain distribution in the anchor zone demonstrates the realization of the variable modulus of the LTC, which benefits smoother and longer shear-stress transfer along the longitudinal direction of the anchor zone. The high anchor efficiency of the tested FRP cable demonstrates that the proposed anchor obtains the potential tensile strength of each tendon without any reduction, thus resulting in a high-strength cable.