Ground Anchor Tendons in Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymers

Carbon fibre plates and flat bar have been used extensively for structural repairs for over a decade. Carbon fibre is inert in the majority of natural environmental conditions and does not deteriorate in the alkaline environment of cementitious materials. As a tensile member it has numerous advantages to offer as a replacement of high grade steels which themselves are highly vulnerable to corrosion, and over a time period loss of section.

This research investigates the performance and behaviour of CFRP flat bar with regard to ultimate tensile strength, elastic tensile modulus, bond capacity with cement grout and development of bar gripping systems. The results are indicative that carbon fibre anchor tendons can comply with the requirements of anchor codes and be installed as individual or as a multiple of bars each with a load capacity of between 400 and 500 kN. The use of such lightweight components may allow fabrication at site level and avoid factory application of corrosion resistant barriers as demanded in the use of steel tendons

• Introduction

• Potential CFRP Products Available for Ground Anchors

• Development of a Gripping System for Trial Work

• CFRP Bond with Cement Grout

• Development of Permanent Gripping System for use in CFRP Ground Anchors

• Conclusion

• References