Performance of FRP Tendon-Anchor Systems for Prestressed Concrete Structures

Considerable research has already been conducted on the mechanical response of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tendons for use in pretensioning and post-tensioning concrete structures. This research has been performed primarily outside of the United States and directly by tendon manufacturers. An experimental investigation was undertaken to provide a domestic evaluation of the mechanical performance of ten different aramid, glass, and carbon FRP tendons, with attention paid to the effects of the anchorage device recommended by the manufacturer. The first phase of the project herein reported consisted of the verification of some tendon-specific properties, namely : ultimate strength, modulus of elasticity, and ultimate strain. It was determined that, given the limitation of the experimental program, a reasonable correlation exists with data supplied by manufacturers. In most cases, the anchorage devices permitted the tensioning to failure of the FRP tendons. Ultimate load capacity was generally controlled by the anchor rather than the tendon itself, suggesting that anchor efficiency could be improved. It was determined that heating one anchor to 60°C (140°F) had no detrimental effect on the tensile performance of the tendon-anchor system.